The beauty of pentapeptides

Feature

Any woman with a few lines and wrinkles will have been intrigued by the Olay Regenerist advert about pentapeptides. Celebrity beauty editor Nadine Baggot says they are the most innovative anti-ageing product available over the beauty counter. The good news is that science backs Olay's claims.

The new amino-peptide complex signals a new approach to anti-aging skin care. Peptides have been known to play a vital role in the skin's natural healing process. The complex in Regenerist combines a newly modified pentapeptide with essential vitamins and moisturising ingredients to regenerate the skin's appearance without irritation and improve skin health.

"Some of the most effective anti-aging treatments to date work by temporarily irritating or damaging the top layers of skin in order to trigger new growth," says Dr Alexa Kimball, a Stamford University researcher and dermatologist. "Now, research on peptides that stimulate skin's natural rebuilding processes has helped establish a new class of effective, but gentler anti-aging options."

It is generally agreed that processes such as dermabrasion, chemical peels and laser surgery are the gold standard in anti-aging results. These techniques temporarily wound the skin to stimulate the re-growth of younger-looking skin. But 85 per cent of women say they are unwilling to try such medical procedures.

Pentapeptides were discovered by accident through wound healing research supported by the National Institutes of Health in the US. The research modified a pentapeptide known as KTTKS. The result was a clinically proven ingredient that stimulates collagen and elastin formation to help produce younger-looking skin.

The amino-peptide complex in Regenerist products uses the latest pentapeptide technology combined with essential vitamins B and E. Upon application, this unique complex is absorbed into the skin where it boosts the skin's natural surface cell turnover process to reveal newer skin and enhances its appearance without irritation.

As part of the clinical tests, research was conducted with 200 women aged 35-60 who used Regenerist for eight weeks. Subjects observed fine lines, crows feet and facial wrinkles became less noticeable and found skin softer, smoother and better moisturised. More than 80 per cent reported that their skin felt better and, as a result, reported that they felt better about themselves.

The Olay Regenerist line comprises three anti-aging skin care products, all based on the new amino-peptide complex. They are highly effective at reducing the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and dark spots and smoothing out skin roughness. Each can be used individually or in combination.

The products also contain light-diffusing ingredients that soften the skin's appearance immediately upon application. Over time, Olay promises that skin feel and appearance will strengthen and improve, without irritation.

Olay Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum contains the highest concentration of the amino-peptide complex. Unlike typical serums, Regenerist is highly moisturising.

Olay Regenerist Enhancing Lotion is a daytime moisturiser with SPF 15 UVA/UVB protection plus the appearance regeneration benefits.

Olay Regenerist Perfecting Cream is an intensely hydrating cream with appearance regeneration benefits.

Picture caption: New skin for old - Olay Regenerist uses pentapeptides to regenerate the skin's appearance without irritation.

MyVillage, 19th June