A GUIDE TO ARGIRELINE

Often touted for its botox like effects, Argireline is for eliminating dynamic wrinkles, those caused by repeated muscle movement—think crows’ feet around the eyes or the "11s" in-between your brows, there’s no denying that injectable neurotoxins (Botox for Men) are the go-to. By paralyzing the muscle, they prevent this movement, and boom—wrinkles are gone. But what if you prefer a lesser invasive way of getting the same result? Enter Argireline, a synthetic peptide that has several different potential wrinkle-fighting and anti-aging effects. It's so effective, that experts say it's the closest thing to Botox you can get with getting the actual injection.

What is Argireline?

Argireline is just a brand name for a protein peptide, acetyl hexapeptide-3 (aka acetyl hexapeptide-8). Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the foundation for proteins, including collagen and elastin, making them essential for healthy, youthful skin. While various peptides are common in men's skincare, Argireline differs in its ability to reduce muscle movement and the accompanying wrinkles that come with it; it’s the first peptide with a targeted effect on expression wrinkles. Everyone is trying to mimic Botox's contenders, and so far, argireline is one of the best clinically proven ingredients. Argireline is a peptide that affects nerve-to-muscle communication so that the muscles can’t adequately contract. Along with its muscle-paralyzing effects, it also stimulates collagen production, further helping to keep skin smooth and wrinkle-free to combat aging skin.

A few things worth noting when it comes to the use of Argireline in men's skincare products: For starters, because it’s a brand name, there’s only one lab in Spain that has the patent on the peptide. They license out its use to various brands, who often combine it with other anti-aging ingredients. Second, the formulation of each product will truly dictate its efficacy. Just because a product contains Argireline doesn’t necessarily mean it is effective. The formulation itself, the percentage of argireline that is actually in the formulation as well as the size of the peptide, will affect how deeply it can penetrate into the skin. In searching for a product, choose those that don’t contain alcohol, particularly if your skin is dry. Argireline can be hard to formulate with, and some companies mix the ingredient with alcohols, which counteract its hydrating function.

Benefits of Argireline for Skin

Argireline has many benefits touted by skin experts and it is the ultimate in wrinkle-fighting and targets those pesky lines and wrinkles in multiple ways.

Prevents Dynamic Wrinkles From Forming

Argireline is very specific in that it interferes with a protein receptor complex which helps cause muscle movement. What it means is that it keeps the nerves from talking to the muscles and telling them to contract—and fewer muscle contractions result in fewer wrinkles both deep and surface ones. 

Stimulates Collagen Production

By increasing the production of collagen, the protein responsible for firm, healthy skin, argireline keep deep lines and wrinkles from forming. The increase in collagen also has a firming and plumping effect on the skin combating concerning signs of aging. 

Helps the Skin Retain Moisture

Argireline also optimizes collagen function, which, along with the skin-smoothing effects, enhances and improves moisture levels in the skin. Hydrated skin is always going to look more youthful, health and vibrant.

Side Effects of Argireline

In general, extensive clinically studies has indicated there are no known side effects of this ingredient. Still, if you want to play it extra safe, you can always test it out on a small area for a few days to make sure you’re not allergic to the specific formulation containing argireline that you are considering. 

How to Use Argireline

This peptide is best for targeted application on spots where you have deep folds or creases that have formed due to repetitive muscle movement—the crinkles around your eyes, the ‘11’ between your brows, and forehead wrinkles are all ideal spots. The final formulation of each product can vary drastically, follow product instructions for how often to use it. But look for it in a leave on product vs a cleanser which is rinsed off.  With Argireline you want it in a product that stays on and absorbs into your skin so it can work its anti aging magic. 

Because of its hydrating and anti aging benefits, urth has infused Argireline in our Hydrating Face Mask Complex.  Since Argireline is a choice ingredient to use on expression wrinkles specifically, it's a good idea to use it in a product such as this, meant for targeted application for hydration and anti aging. Filling spheres immediately give you the look of smoother, healthier and more hydrated skin while peptides work overtime to help boost collagen production and minimize wrinkles.