Enhancing injectable treatments with topical neuropeptides

Peptides – chains of amino acids – are being used more and more in skincare thanks to their endless benefits. As they grow larger, they become proteins and serve as the building block for collagen, elastin fibres and keratin.

 There are many types of peptides based on their mode of action:

• Signal peptides – Designed to create a biological response to stimulate the production of collagen, elastin and other structural proteins
• Carrier peptides – Designed to carry necessary elements to affected sites, originally used cosmetically in wound healing
• Enzyme inhibitor peptides – Work to minimise the skin’s natural breakdown of collagen with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and photodamage protection
• Neurotransmitter peptides – Affects the release of neurotransmitters by the SNARE complex, thus inhibiting the brain from sending signals that encourage facial tension, resulting in expression lines.

SNARE Complex is formed of three proteins to mediate the release of neurotransmitters from neuron vesicles which trigger muscle contractions. Snap-25 is part of the SNARE complex whereby neuropeptides effectively compete for snap-25's position in the SNARE complex to block facial muscle contractions.

Due to the hydrophobicity of peptides, they do not penetrate easily into the skin on their own. This is overcome by binding the peptide to a lipid “tail” to aid penetration. Peptides can also be synthesised to perform specific functions in the skin.

Introducing an advanced, targeted corrective product into patients’ skincare routines can enhance their results post-injectables. PCA Skin ExLinea Pro Peptide Serum, for example, is formulated with breakthrough technology for immediate and long-term reduction of visible lines, lifting, tightening, and firming the skin.

Its breakthrough technology, Peptide-Pro Complex, features a blend of neuropeptides, proteins, amino acids and marine extracts. These all work synergistically to promote the relaxation of muscle contractions, inhibiting the formation of facial expression lines. PCA Skin ExLineaPro Peptide serum is formulated with proven, efficacious levels of each ingredient to visibly improve the appearance of expression lines, skin roughness, laxity and boost hydration.

PCA Skin ExLinea Pro Peptide Serum is available through Church Pharmacy – click here to order.