StriVectin is a line of skin treatment products distributed by Klein-Becker. The products are designed to decrease wrinkles and improve skin tone and overall complexion. Touted as “better than Botox”, this skincare line has revolutionized the anti-wrinkle cream market.
StriVectin did not start out as an anti-wrinkle cream. Originally, it was formulated to treat stretch marks. When samples were given to employees and consumers of Klein-Becker as part of market research, the tubes were simply marked “topical cream”. This led to some people mistakenly using StriVectin as a facial cream rather than applying it to stretch marks on the body. Interestingly, those who applied the cream to their faces found that it seemed to effectively diminish wrinkles.
The key ingredient in StriVectin products is palmitoyl-pentapeptide-3 (Pal-KTTKS). Peptides are amino acids that are linked together. This particular combination of five peptides reduces the appearance of wrinkles by stimulating the production of collagen, elastin, and glucosamnoglycans in the skin. Pal-KTTKS counteracts the thinning and loss of skin elasticity associated with aging.
Skin loses elasticity over time and sustains damage from a number of sources. Exposure to smoke, whether from actively smoking or secondhand smoke, increases wrinkles, dehydrates skin, and depletes vitamin C within the skin. The sun can cause freckles, mottling, wrinkles, and sagging. A sedentary lifestyle also contributes to skin aging because it does not promote optimal blood flow, a necessity for younger-looking skin. Stress and lack of sleep are also key contributors to the formation of frown lines, puffy eyes, dark circles, and wrinkles.
Regardless of the causes, aging skin suffers from a depletion of elastin and collagen. The peptides in StriVectin reduce wrinkles by healing tissues and skin cells, while rebuilding the elastins and collagen fibers. The additional extracts in it work with the peptides to moisturize and condition the skin.
Clinical studies compared the effects of StriVectin to creams containing retinol, vitamin C, or a placebo. Progress was determined using image analysis of skin tone and wrinkles. At two months, StriVectin was found to work about one and one-half times faster than retinol, without the irritation and inflammation often associated with retinol creams.
Other options for treating the effects of aging on skin are chemical peels, dermabrasion treatments, or Botox injections. All of these are usually performed by a professional and can be invasive or irritating. Each treatment will improve the appearance of the skin for a short time, but ongoing use of peptide creams allow for ongoing, continuous results.