Is Argireline really "Botox in a jar"?

Is Argireline really “Botox in a jar”?

“Botox in a jar,” you say? Sign me up for a yearly subscription!

Have you heard of this “magical” ingredient that is said to behave like Botox? Argireline was developed by a Spain-based company called Lipotec LTD., which states the product has the same cosmetic benefits as Botulinum toxin (Botox) but is safer and smoother. Lipotec goes on to claim that Argireline can decrease the appearance of wrinkle volume within a week of using it. I took it upon myself to research how this ingredient works if it does have the said benefits and you should try it.

What causes wrinkles?

Before starting our journey to find out if Argireline can give us our wrinkle-free utopia, it is important to dig a little deeper into what causes wrinkles in the first place. First, age is the obvious answer. As we age, our skin starts to lose its elasticity and flexibility, making it more fragile. From there, the lines from our facial expressions can become permanent features on our faces. How does that happen? Whenever we make an expression, be it a smile or a frown, a facial muscle is moving. That muscle makes a groove form beneath the surface of the skin. When the flexibility of the skin lessens, this groove can’t spring back to its place as fast and as frequently as it once did. Et voila, you now have a wrinkle! Well, technically, after this happens repeatedly. Now, I am not saying you should limit your facial expressions entirely for the benefit of smooth skin as your age advances. With today’s cosmetic market, various solutions can help slow this process down that won’t deprive you of showing your happiness or anger. This brings us back to Argireline. Let’s find out if this is one of those ingredients.

What is Argireline and how does it work?

Argireline is an anti-aging product that claims to prevent the formation of skin lines and wrinkles in a very similar way to that of Botox. Essentially, it prevents the contraction of your muscles when attempting to make a facial expression. To explain how this happens, we will take a look at something called the SNARE complex. The SNARE complex refers to 3 proteins that are essential in the final stages of the muscle movement process. Argireline competes with one of these proteins which results in a destabilized complex. Once the SNARE complex is not stable, the muscles contractions are weakened, and the muscles relaxed. What this means is – the less muscle movement, the less cause of wrinkles. We should note that Lipotec does not claim that the product has other effects like boosting collagen levels or repairing skin.

Now, let’s take a look at how Botulinum toxin works. Botox is a popular solution on the cosmetic market for its ability to prevent wrinkles, with effects lasting from three to four months. It is a neurotoxin that targets the nervous system and it disrupts the signaling processes that allow the normal movements of muscles. The aspect of preventing muscle contraction is what makes the two solutions similar. However, unlike Botox, Argireline does not require injecting the product under the skin. Instead, it is used as an active ingredient in different dermal serums and creams.

Does it work?

Most studies carried out to examine the substance show a favorable result. They reveal that Argireline has the ability to rejuvenate skin and improve the structure of the skin tissue. Studies show that Argireline is biosafe, yet it is important to use it in a limited dosage and for the advised period of treatment. There hasn’t been enough clinical data to support positive long-term use.

An independent study by Universitas Miguel Hernandez on the substance claimed that with a concentration of 10%, the results showed a 30% reduction in wrinkles over a 30-day course of treatment. Meanwhile, Lipotec has carried out their study with a 5% concentrated Argireline which resulted in a 27% decrease in wrinkles over the same period of treatment. Most products on the market that contain Argireline, have 10% concentration and those are most often recommended by physicians.

It is interesting to note that studies are looking into the fact that the substance is not potent enough to penetrate further than the first layers of the skin. This points to conflicting results in decreasing wrinkles. In general, the substance is suspected to have more effect on older, thinner skin because the product can be absorbed better.

Should you try it?

You may be wondering if dermatologists would recommend this product. Or whether you should give it a try or stick to the myriad of anti-aging creams that you see on TV or “treat” yourself to a Botox treatment.

Some dermatologists seem to be on the fence about this product, claiming that there is not enough empirical evidence that it has an effect. In general, they would suggest good hydration, a healthy diet and application of topical creams as the most effective solutions. Some say that it is better to use products that stimulate collagen and tighten the skin.

There are alternatives when these solutions have not been effective for you. Since plastic surgery is costly and could carry quite a few risks, Argireline is a better next step when trying to battle wrinkles.

Below I have listed a few options that can get you started on the journey of younger-looking skin. I would advise seeking out a professional before starting a treatment. This can help you understand what your skin type is, determine if the substance will be safe for you, as well as choose the right treatment period.