Matrixyl is a peptide composed of five amino acids that are joined together and linked to a fatty acid. Developed by the Spanish company Sederma SA, it is also known as Palmitoyl pentapeptide-3 or Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4.

Matrixyl is increasingly being used in anti aging skin care preparations for its ability to reduce the appearance of wrinkles without side effects. There are several reasons why cosmetics manufacturers like to include this peptide in their formulations. Firstly, studies have shown it to be as effective as retinol, but without the skin irritation that is sometimes associated with retinol’s use. As well, it is a relatively small molecule. This, along with its fatty acid component allows it to be well absorbed into the skin, where it’s able to exert its effects.

How It Work?

Matrixyl is structurally related to the precursor of collagen type I (procollagen type I). While researchers sure of the exact mechanism related to its efficacy, a number of theories do exist. Studies have shown that it stimulates the synthesis of the key constituents of the skin matrix: collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycans. And according to Sederma, it also stimulates fibroblasts (cells that synthesize and maintain the extracellular matrix of tissues providing a structural framework for skin) to synthesize collagen I, collagen IV, fibronectin and glycosaminoglycans. This helps to restore the matrix and epidermal-dermal junction leading to a reduction in wrinkles.

Skin Benefits

Sederma conducted two studies that support Matrixyl’s anti wrinkle benefits. In one study, 16 volunteers applied a cream containing 3 percent Matrixyl or a cream with 0.07 percent retinol. The study subjects applied the cream daily for two months and then twice daily for two months. Both the Matrixyl group and the retinol group showed similar results in reducing wrinkle depth, wrinkle surface and wrinkle length. Skin thickness increased by 6.5 percent after two months and 8.6 percent after four months with Matrixyl; retinol increased skin thickness by 4.0 percent after two months and 8.7 percent after four months.

In another study that involved two groups of 30 volunteers, a 5 percent Matrixyl cream or a placebo cream were applied twice daily on the face and decollete for four months. At the end of four months, a 13-percent net decrease in roughness was obtained with Matrixyl, compared to no change with placebo. As well, after four months, the treatment group showed a 27-percent improvement in wrinkle mean depth and 36-percent improvement in wrinkle volume.

Both studies showed Matrixyl to be well tolerated without side effects.

A summary of Matrixyl’s benefits are:
- A reduction of skin roughness by 13%
- A reduction of wrinkle volume by 36%
- A decrease of wrinkle depth by 27% after four months of twice-daily applications on the face and neck
- An increase in skin thickness.

Is It Right For You?

Matrixyl is an active ingredient that makes a useful addition to any anti aging routine. This is particularly true if you have wrinkles or are over the age of 40 and your skin is starting to show signs of aging. It may be incorporated easily into your existing beauty routine, which may include retinoids and/or alpha hydroxy acids. All are known to deliver significant benefits to skin. And, if you aren’t able to tolerate a retinoid or alpha hydroxy acid, then Matrixyl makes an excellent alternative.

Sharmani P. is the owner of an online skincare store that specializes in anti aging skincare solutions including anti wrinkle treatments that include Matrixyl.

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