topical botox or argireline

Topical Botox, What is it and does it work?

There has been a lot of hype about creams that are “botox in a bottle”, topical botox, or “wrinkle relax” creams. Just what are they and do they work?
Botox is an actual toxin that paralyzes the muscle that is injected into the skin and works for several months. Botox can only be injected safely in the periorbital area and forehead, since as you can imagine, you need the mucles around the mouth to smile, talk and eat.
“Topical Botox” is not actually botulinum toxin, but a different chemical, to be specific it is a peptide, a neuropeptide that is thought to work in a manner similar to botox. This peptide is called acetyl-hexapeptide 3 or argireline and it is thought to reduce facial tension, relaxing wrinkles. There are no actual clinical studies in medical journals, but studies from independant cosmetics companies have been done. According to the medical world these studies would not be considered valid, however the premise behind the peptide is a valid one. A concentration of 10% is the maximum amount that has been safely used in most studies and is tolerated quite well. I have found 8% to be just as effective with less side effects. The most common side effect that people report at higher doses is that of skin tingling or burning on application, that is transient, it goes away in a few minutes.
So will your face muscle be paralyzed like botox? No, the effect is much milder, much more gradual, and actually, much safer. And there is no needle involved!
Rachel Sullivan MD

http://candescaskincream.com