Best peptides serums of 2013



There is an increasing demand for effective anti-aging ingredients with high activity at low dosages in sophisticated cosmeceutical products. Peptides have been studied for more than 50 years, and are one of the most popular functional ingredients in skin care products. Peptides are short-chain proteins that naturally occur in the skin and act mainly as messengers (signalling peptides) or hormones. Furthermore, they have been shown to play a key role in natural skin healing processes. Products containing peptides are claimed to have smoothing and nourishing effects on the skin. Both the peptides and their degradation products are key players in fields of cosmetics and dermatology. The amino acid sequence and chain structure determine the specific biological activity and function. Constantly developing technologies enable the purification and development of toxicologically safe peptides with high specific mechanisms and local effects.

Short proteins, derived from hydrolysed collagen, appear to act as “messengers” that stimulate skin cells to perform particular functions. Consequently, as aging skin produces less collagen, the ability to stimulate the endogen synthesis materially helps preserve the vital intercellular matrix and reduce the wrinkling process. Based on its function as messenger protein, oligopeptides are high in demand in skin care products as so called matrikins or collagen boosters. In effect, peptides such as Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 and Tripeptide-1 stimulate the skin to synthesize collagen I and III, while reducing enzyme to protect the integrity of elastin and collagen. However, amino acids, which result from the degradation of soybean or hydrolyzed milk protein, have been shown to be effective on the skin surface via increasing of skin moisture. Certain polypeptides such as poly-gamma-glutaminic acid are also known for their moisturizing effects

Other peptides are described as having a “Botox-like” action. Pentapeptide-18 and Acetyl hexapeptide-8 (Argireline) are examples of peptides that act via muscular relaxation, to tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of mimic wrinkles.

Several peptides have hormone-like functions. With aging, the ability to produce the hormone thymopoietin is reduced. Biopeptides, such as Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2, are designed to compensate the natural loss of thymic factors, which are responsible for cell renewal and boost the skin’s natural immune function. Further signaling molecules, which modulate a variety of important skin physiological processes, are cytokines, such as TGFbeta or growth factors, such as fibroblast growth factor (FGF).

Another key anti-aging function for peptides is the reduction of puffy bags; Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5 has this impact and is used as a key ingredient in eye serums. It has been reported to reduce the decomposition of the collagen, to increase the lymph flow and to prevent edema.

I'm Fabulous Cosmetics is using lots of pepides in high concentration. I'm Fabulous Serums and creams are all organic and super concentrated with actives anti-aging ingredients. Their serums and creams will firm and tighten your skin fast! You put those fabulous products and you think you've entered a time machine...and the packaging is ultra chic!!! You can buy directly from their website at Im-fabulous.com

The Best Essential Oils for Treating Acne




Essential oils are becoming very popular for treating everyday ailments, including acne. These oils work to reduce the stress that may cause acne, reduce sebum production and minimize redness and irritation of pimples. There are three top acne treating oils including tea tree oil, lavender oil and rose oil.
Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil can reduce inflammation of acne and will prevent further bacteria from infecting the area. It is also used for treating dandruff, warts, blisters and rashes.
Lavender Oil: Lavender oil has antibacterial properties that can help to heal acne. It is also used in aromatherapy that can help to reduce stress levels and promote deep sleep. Both stress and sleep deprivation are known to cause acne.

Rose Oil: Rose oil works well as an antiseptic. Similar to lavender oil, rose oil can help to reduce stress. It can also help promote joy and happiness when used in an aromatherapy blend.
The quality of oils used to treat acne should be very high. If you are placing the oil directly onto your face, be sure that the blend will not further irritate your skin before using it liberally.

We love I'm fabulous cosmetics organic products for acne. YOu can review their products on their website at im-fabulous.com.

The best Peptides for anti-aging skin care



Argireline

Lipopeptide

SNAP-8
Matrixyl
Kollaren
Myristoyl-Pentapeptide-17          
Human Oligopeptide-18            
Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1
Dipeptide-1
Dipeptide-2
Dipeptide-4
Tripeptide-1
Acetyl Tripeptide-1
Bio-Tripeptide-1
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide  
Tripeptide-2
Tripeptide-3
copper tripeptide
Tetrapeptide-1
Collasyn 4 GG .
Collasyn 414 GG
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-1
Myristoyl Tetrapeptide-5
Matrixyl pentapeptide  
Myristoyl Pentapeptide-3
Thymulen
Hexapeptide-1
Melitane 5 PP
Biopeptide EL  
Hexapeptide-6
Myristoyl Hexapeptide-6
Hexapeptide-8
amide-terminated nonapeptide

Matrixyl is the trademark name for palmitoyl pentapeptide-3, one of the powerful peptide molecules found in the latest generation of high-end anti wrinkle skin care products. Matryxil becomes even more effective when combined with other peptides.

What is Matrixyl?
Matrixyl is a lipopeptide, a fatty acid mixed with amino acids. It is also considered to be a synthetic isomer (an isomer is a molecule that has an identical structure to another molecule but different atomic components). The active element in Matrixyl is called Micro-collagen - another peptide.

What does Matrixyl do?
Matrixyl was discovered through two branches of dermatological research: the search for substances that accelerate healing skin wounds and the study of what causes wrinkles. Similarly to copper peptides, Matrixyl stimulates the lower layers of the skin to heal themselves, thus accelerating the healing of wounds. Cells called fibroblasts are responsible for knitting together wounds of the skin. As you may know, as one ages wounds take longer to heal. This is partially because fibroblasts slowly lose the capacity for collagen production.
Matrixyl stimulates the "matrix" layers in the skin -- primarily collagen and fibronectin. When stimulated, the skin produces more collagen. Loss of collagen is what leads to thinning skin and the wrinkling of newly inelastic skin. Matrixyl helps to counteract this natural part of the aging process.

Is Matrixyl (palmitoyl pentapeptide-3) an effective anti wrinkle product?
Yes. In clinical studies, Matrixyl was shown to:
Increase overall collagen synthesis by up to 117%
Increase collagen IV synthesis by up to 327%
Increase hyaluronic acid synthesis by up to 267%
Deep wrinkles were reduced by half. Smaller wrinkles and fine lines sometimes faded completely away. And what's even better, every participant in the study showed noticeable improvement within two weeks. The result was fewer wrinkles and younger-looking skin.
There are very few ingredients that show more promise and greater effectiveness than Matrixyl. When combined with other peptides (as in the Replexion formula) the results are even more effective.

Argireline is the trade name for Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, a synthetic anti-aging cosmetic ingredient derived from natural proteins. It is a peptide, a chain made up of amino acids.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 is manufactured and patented as the product Argireline by Barcelona-based research laboratory Lipotec.

Argireline’s purpose is to decrease the visible effects of aging by reducing the deep wrinkles and lines that occur around the forehead and eyes.
As a result a large number of cosmetics companies include Argireline in the formulation of their anti-aging products. These can include:
  • Creams
  • Lotions
  • Serums
  • Body milks
  • Eye creams
  • Gels
  • Emulsions
Chemically, when applied as a solution to specific areas of the face, Argireline inhibits the reactions that cause muscles to move or contract - for example when forming facial expressions such as smiling or frowning.
In theory, repetitive muscle movements create lines and wrinkles and it is believed the attenuation of muscular contractions can reduce the depth of existing wrinkles and prevent the formation of new lines.
The reduction in muscle movement caused by Argireline has been shown to produce an anti-aging effect.

Octreotide is an octapeptide that mimics natural somatostatin pharmacologically, though it is a more potent inhibitor of growth hormone, glucagon, and insulin than the natural hormone. It was first synthesized in 1979 by the chemist Wilfried Bauer.


Pharmacological Effects
Since octreotide resembles somatostatin in physiological activities, it can:
Inhibit secretion of many hormones, such as gastrin, cholecystokinin, glucagon, growth hormone, insulin, secretin, pancreatic polypeptide, TSH, and vasoactive intestinal peptide.
Reduce secretion of fluids by the intestine and pancreas.
Reduce gastrointestinal motility and inhibit contraction of the gallbladder.
Inhibit the action of certain hormones from the anterior pituitary.
Cause vasoconstriction in the blood vessels.
Reduce portal vessel pressures in bleeding varices
It has also been shown to produce analgesic effects, most probably acting as a partial agonist at the mu opioid receptor.




Uses

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the usage of a salt form of this peptide,octreotide acetate, as an injectable depot formulation for the treatment of acromegaly, the treatment of diarrhea and flushing episodes associated with carcinoid syndrome, and treatment of diarrhea in patients with vasoactive intestinal peptide-secreting tumors (VIPomas).
Octreotide has also been used off-label for the treatment of severe, refractory diarrhea from other causes. It is used in toxicology for the treatment of prolonged recurrent hypoglycemia after sulfonylurea and possibly meglitinides overdose.


Hexarelin is a synthetic hexaptide which has GH-releasing properties. Hexarelin, administered subcutaneously produces a dose-dependent GH response from the Pituitary.

The advantages of having HGH secreted in larger amounts in the body would be similar to what happens when injectable growth hormone is administered. Effects from GH include increased bone mineral density, increased mitosis and meiosis which leads to more muscle mass, triglyceride hydrolysis which causes prominent fat loss, connective tissue strengthening, and improved skin elasticity.

GH secretion also leads to the liver secreting more IGF-1 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor One), which by itself has a host of effects similar to GH. Users of IGF-1 typically experience increased strength and muscle mass, as well as a very pronounced fat loss.

Therefore, by injecting Hexarelin, the user will experience all of the effects of both Growth Hormone as well as IGF-1. However, since Hexarelin actually stimulates the body to produce more GH, it may be likely that the eventual shutdown of the body’s natural GH production may be avoided, as is seen with injectable GH. For this reason, many athletes use Hexarelin alone, but others have used it after a Growth Hormone or Insulin-Like Growth Factor one cycle, to “jumpstart” their own natural GH and IGF-1 production.



PT-141 (Bremelanotide) is the first of a new class of drugs called melanocortin agonists being developed to treat sexual dysfunction. The mechanism of action of PT-141 (Bremelanotide)may offer significant safety and efficacy benefits over currently available products because it acts on the pathway that controls sexual function without acting directly on the vascular system. Clinical data indicates that PT-141 (Bremelanotide) may be effective in treating a broad range of patients suffering from ED. The nasal formulation of PT-141 (Bremelanotide) being developed is as convenient as oral treatments, is more patient-friendly than invasive treatments for ED, such as injections and trans-urethral pellets, and appears to result in a rapid onset of action.

CJC-1295 is a long acting GHRH analog. Growth-hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), also known as growth-hormone-releasing factor (GRF or GHRF) or somatocrinin, is a 44-amino acid peptide hormone produced in the hypothalamus by the arcuate nucleus. GHRH stimulates growth hormone (GH) secretion from the pituitary. GHRH is released in a pulsatile manner, stimulating pulsatile release of GH respectively.

The active portion of this GRF or GHRH peptide can be found as a 29 amino acid long peptide and is appropriately named GHRH1-29. This pulsatile release of various peptides is due to the negative feedback loop that is part of the hGH axis and controls the amount of hGH that your body produces to keep it in a homeostatic environment. Despite the effectiveness of GHRH to stimulate growth hormone release there are a number of problems associated with using it in vivo. The most noteworthy problem is the half life of the peptide, which has been shown to be ~7 minutes using advanced HPLC technologies that have proven to be very accurate. The reason for this relatively short half life is due to an enzyme called dipeptidylaminopeptidase IV (DPP-IV), which has a high affinity for the amino acids Ala and Pro and in the case of GHRH it cleaves the 1 and 2 positions that consist of Tyr-Ala, creating GHRH3-29, an inactive form of the peptide. To prevent the problems associated with natural GHRH, pharmaceutical companies looked at new ways to increase the half life and bioavailability of these smaller peptides with technologies that work far different than other technologies, such as PEGylation.
CJC-1295 is a synthetic modification of growth hormone releasing factor (GRF) with D-Ala, Gln, Ala, and Leu substitutions at positions 2, 8, 15, and 27 respectively. These substitutions create a much more stable peptide with the substitution at position 2 to prevent DPP-IV cleavage, position 8 to reduce asparagine rearrangement or amide hydrolysis to aspartic acid, position 15 to enhance bioactivity, and position 27 to prevent methionine oxidation. By applying the Drug Affinity Complex (DAC) technology to GRF, the peptide selectively and covalently binds to circulating albumin after subcutaneous (SC) administration, thus prolonging its half-life. These substitutions are key in increasing the overall half life of CJC-1295 but there lies an even greater reason as to why the half life has been extended from ~7 minutes to greater than 7 days! Bioconjugation is a relatively newer technology that takes a reactive group and attaches it to a peptide, which in turn reacts with a nucleophilic (usually a partially negative molecule) entity found in the blood to form a more stable bond. Albumin, one of the most abundant substances in the human body is chosen as the nucelophile by this particular peptide thanks to a Cys34 thiol group that attracts it. By combining the tetrasubstituted GHRH analogue with maleimodoproprionic acid using a Lys linker, you create a GHRH peptide with a high binding affinity for albumin. Once the CJC-1295 molecule has attached itself to albumin, it is given an extended half life and bioavailability thanks to the albumin preventing enzymatic degredation and kidney excretion. In fact, bioconjugation is so effective that there was less than 1% of CJC-1295 left unreacted in vivo and over 90% was stabilized after subcutaneous injection. This means that you get more of what you paid for working for you. There was no DPP-IV degredation observed on CJC -1295 in any of the various experiments conducted.

Various experiments have been conducted to test the effectiveness of CJC -1295 in vivo and the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism has reported dose-dependent increases in mean plasma GH concentrations by 2-10 fold for more than 6 days and increased IGF-1 concentrations 1.5-3 fold for 9-11 days after a single injection!





Growth hormone releasing peptide (GHRP-6) is a synthetic hexapeptide which specifically stimulates secretion of growth hormone (GH) by pituitary somatotrophs.

GHRP-6 is a peptide in the growth factor family. It has strong effect on the release of Growth Hormone (GH). Its main use is to promote food intake by stimulating hunger and aid in energy metabolism. It can be used in the treatment of GH deficiency as well as cachexia, eating disorders and obesity.

Benefits of increased Growth Hormone levels through GHRP-6 stimulation include: an increase in strength, muscle mass and body fat loss, rejuvenation and strengthening of joints, connective tissue and bone mass.

Background
Although still relatively new, peptides have recently become popular as performance enhancing drugs. GHRP-6 is currently available from a few research companies.


Action
The major side effect accompanied by the use of GHRP-6 is a significant increase in appetite due to a stimulating the release of Ghrelin, a peptide which is released naturally in the lining of the stomach and increases hunger and gastric emptying.
GHRP-6 causes stimulation of the anterior pituitary gland which ultimately causes an increase in GH release. Since GHRP-6 acts directly on the feedback loop which signals the inhibition of GH release, when natural GH secretion has been inhibited by long term synthetic use, GHRP-6 can be used to re-stimulate the natural production of GH. GHRP-6 also affects the central nervous system, by protecting neurons as well as increasing strength in a way very similar to the way certain steroids in the Dihydrotestosterone family do.
Benefits of increased Growth Hormone levels through GHRP-6 stimulation include: an increase in strength, muscle mass and body fat loss, rejuvenation and strengthening of joints, connective tissue and bone mass. Enhanced GH secretion also leads to the liver secreting more IGF-1 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1), which is thought to be the primary anabolic mechanism of action for Growth Hormone.


Technical Data
It has also been discovered that when GHRP-6 and insulin are used simultaneously, GH response to GHRP-6 is increased (1). A recent study in normal mice showed significant differences in body composition, muscle growth, glucose metabolism, memory and cardiac function in the mice being administered the GHRP-6 (2). There are still many questions regarding this fairly new compound, scientists are hoping with to gain a better clinical understanding of the peptide through further research over the next few years.


User Notes

I used this stuff at a dose of 500-600 mcg/day for awhile and found that the weight gain (mostly from an increase in my appetite) was far too great. I gained a ton of weight (on par with the most potent anabolics) but it wasn’t pretty.
The effects on my joints were very beneficial at that dose also, but I didn’t really find much of a drop off when I lowered the dose to 100-200 mcg/day. In fact, I have a sprinter friend who ran a personal best with a combination of low dose GHRP-6 (100-150 mcg/day or so) and Anavar (20 mgs); that wouldn’t be a huge deal but for the fact that this was done while rehabilitating an injury!
On the other hand, even that low dose was too much for a figure competitor I know, who gained far too much weight from using GHRP-6 and ultimately had to discontinue using it after only a couple weeks.
Although this stuff can have GH-like effects, the weight increase makes any possible fat burning effects almost unnoticeable. For a bulking cycle, and at the price, it’s almost a must-have, if you’re looking to gain a ton of weight or trying to rehab an injury.


 A lipopeptide is a molecule consisting of a lipid connected to a peptide. Bacteria express these molecules. They are bound by TLR 1, and other, Toll-like receptors.
Certain lipopeptides are used as antibiotics.
Lipopeptides, have been shown in scientific studies, to boost cell’s natural productivity levels and are considered to be one of nature’s most powerful anti-agers by interacting with cell membranes to boost and revitalize the natural function of the cells, renewing them to maximum growth potential.
Unlike water-soluble peptides, lipopeptides are highly biocompatible with skin’s natural structure.




SNAP-8 is a mimic of the N-terminal end of SNAP-25 which competes with SNAP-25 for a position in the SNARE complex, thereby modulating its formation. If the SNARE complex is slightly destabilized, the vesicle can not release neurotransmitters efficiently and therefore muscle contraction is attenuated, preventing the formation of lines and wrinkles





PROPERTIES AND APPLICATIONS
SNAP-8 reduces the depth of wrinkles on the face caused by the contraction of muscles of facial expression, especially in the forehead and around the eyes.

SNAP-8 is a safer, cheaper, and milder alternative to Botulinum Toxin, topically targeting the same wrinkle-formation mechanism in a very different way.

SNAP-8 can be incorporated in cosmetic formulations such as emulsions, gels, sera, etc., where removal of the deep lines or wrinkles in the forehead or around the eyes area is desired.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
SNAP-8 Solution
INCI name: Water, Acetyl Glutamyl Heptapeptide-1
Appearance: Transparent solution
Contents: 0.05 % SNAP-8 Powder
Preservative: 0.3 % Phenonip

The synthesis of SNAP-8 involves a final freeze-drying step. Freeze-dried products are commonly obtained as a polymorphous crystalline powder, which means that locally some aggregates and differences in crystal size may appear. This polymorphism is not associated to chemical differences and extensive work performed by the analytical department has ensured the homogeneity of the product.





PROCESSING AND DOSAGE
SNAP-8 is presented either as SNAP-8 Powder, an octapeptide in powder form which can be easily dissolved in water, or as SNAP-8 Solution, an aqueous solution containing 0.5 g/L of the powder version. It can be incorporated at the final stage of the manufacturing product, provided the
temperature is below 40 °C. Taking into consideration the concentration of peptide in
SNAP-8 Solution, it is recommended that 3 to 10% of the solution is present in the final formulation in order to obtain significant anti-wrinkle activity.
STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE
SNAP-8 Powder and SNAP-8 Solution must be kept in a cool, dark and clean place to ensure a shelf life of at least twelve months.
For long term storage it is recommended to store both forms at 4 ÂșC which extends shelf life to at least eighteen months. In rare cases, refrigerated storage of SNAP-8 Solution can cause precipitation of the preservative. This does not affect the integrity of the product.

Kollaren is biomimetic peptide derived from the hepatocyte growth factor
Kollaren increases the firmness of the skin by activating the extracellular matrix proteins synthesis.
Formulation: Recommended dosage from 5 to 10%, preferable at the end of the formulation process.

Applications
Anti-aging
Anti-wrinkle
Stretch mark care

Kollaren is biomimetic peptide derived from the hepatocyte growth factor
Kollaren increases the firmness of the skin by activating the extracellular matrix proteins synthesis.
Formulation: Recommended dosage from 5 to 10%, preferable at the end of the formulation process.

Applications
Anti-aging
Anti-wrinkle
Stretch mark care