When talking about "In Silico & Biomimetic Design of Peptides," you are getting way deep into a new generation of skincare ingredients. This is Molecular Bioscience at the service of your skin to make you look young and beautiful! And no, it is not Sci-Fi. It is happening right now, and we will tell you everything about it.
When applying skincare products, you do it with the satisfaction of knowing that you will get a brighter, smoother, and younger complexion. You feel it from the moment that you apply your products and get an instantly silky, shiny, or smoothing effect.
When applying skincare products, you do it with the satisfaction of knowing that you will get a brighter, smoother, and younger complexion. You feel it from the moment that you apply your products and get an instantly silky, shiny, or smoothing effect.
However, you probably get the notion that the skincare molecules or actives stay atop your skin, on the surface, acting at a superficial level. Maybe they are capable of binding water like hyaluronic acid or cause the shedding of dead cells like retinol. But some molecules go beyond.
With ingredients named peptides, such as Munapsys™ and iPeptide™, you cause changes right at a molecular level, right into the cells, including DNA alterations for the better. This is highly specialized and effective! It is cutting right to the chase, sort of speak.
What Are Peptides?
Peptides are short strings of amino acids, which are the "building blocks" of proteins. So peptides are like the mini-version of proteins.
You have to understand that the cells in our body speak a "special language," and proteins and peptides are their core. Proteins rule every biological activity!
So, all our cells end up forming an enormous network system composed of a whole set of molecular interactions, particularly protein-protein interactions (PPIs). This system works like a well-oiled machine with a constant dynamic between receptors and binding molecules or messengers1.
Proteins and, consequently, PPIs are the functional language of living cells!
These PPIs modulate the day-to-day of our cells and signaling pathways of the body. Hence, they are essential to understanding the chemical biology of cells, and the possible applications are endless.
Lab-made peptides can mimic some of these peptides found naturally in our bodies. Some of them are used in medications for conditions including cancer, infectious diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases. And now, their skincare applications are being explored2.
What Are In Silico & Biomimetic Design of Peptides?
Given the promising properties of peptides, there are multiple studies targeting PPIs using peptide design strategies. In silico tools have recently become an innovative approach for the design and optimization of these peptides1.
This process involves developing a map describing the interaction patterns between the target molecule (receptor) and its natural substrate (peptide).
The in silico tools predict the best candidate for optimal binding to a targeted active site. That's why this process is called "Biomimetic Design of Peptides."
Inspired by nature's protein masterpieces, the idea is to mimic life's genius patterns and try to disguise them. The small peptides must fit perfectly into their action site to elicit a proper response.
This process demands:
- Deep knowledge of skin biological mechanisms.
- Experience in peptide synthesis.
- Using nature as a source of the design (plants, spices, venoms).
Munapsys™: Laugh Or Cry Without Fear Of Getting Wrinkles
Using in silico design, experts in neuroscience developed a botulinum toxin-like peptide called Munapsys™. This is the first cosmetic ingredient that can affect muscle contraction directly.
Considering that expression lines and wrinkles appear due to repetitive muscle contraction, Munapsys™ has two action points.
To begin with, it acts at nerve endings, inhibiting the release of a substance called acetylcholine (ACh), which is a neurotransmitter that "activates" receptors right in the muscle surface. Just like Botox, Minapsys™works by acting at a presynaptic level.
On the other hand, Munapsys™ goes one step further, inhibiting muscle contraction in itself, acting at a postsynaptic level. It inhibits the whole process that happens inside the muscle cells, involving calcium ions and the cross-bridge and sliding of special proteins called actomyosin, which directly cause the contraction.
Benefits Of Munapsys™
Munapsys™ mechanism is a real upgrade and innovative option in the expression lines field. This product can be considered the new generation of botulinum-like ingredients!
After using the product for seven days, patients can show up to 37.6% less depth of the most prominent face wrinkles and –21.1% wrinkles volume. Indeed, you can even get a subtle uplifting of oral commissures to 16.7%, resulting in happier smiles.
iPeptide™ Takes Care Of Your Beauty Sleep
iPeptide™ is a product that relies on the great benefits that deep sleep can bring to our bodies. After all, a good night's sleep can be the most underrated beauty tip ever.
When we sleep, the body repairs the damages suffered during the day!
Behind sleep deprivation, there is a complicated physiological process that involves hormones and neurotransmitters, though.
There is an exaggerated inflammatory response of a substance called alarmin or IL-33 and a decrease of melatonin, a hormone that rules our circadian rhythm. Additionally, there is an increase in glycemia and a weakening of the immune response.
At the end of the day, aside from deep internal disbalance, poor sleep translates into a tired-looking face with hanging eyelids, swollen eyes, and deep dark circles!
Benefits Of iPeptide™
Patients who have tried iPeptide™ have reported benefits like:
- 73% "good night sleep" feeling.
- 69% fewer fatigue signs.
- 63% cooling effect.
- 43% eyes more open.
Indeed, with iPeptide™you wake up well-rested and with energy. Also, this translates directly to your face so that you feel and look good!
In the skincare beauty department, studies have found:
- +9% eye awakening in 68% of volunteers after one month.
- -7% eyebags in 2 weeks Vs. placebo.
- -5% fatigue signs in only a week.
- 12% -19% less dark circles in 7 and 28 days
Peptides Vs. Retinol? The Battle Of Antiaging Actives
New skincare ingredients are hand in hand with Molecular Bioscience. They go very well with the concept that beauty comes from within, down to the core of our cells! And this doesn't just involve cells DNA and proteins. It impacts hormones and neurotransmitters too.
We don't want you to put down your retinol or hyaluronic acid, though. This is not a battle of "Peptides Vs. Retinol." You can very well use both! We just want you to keep your options open to new antiaging skincare products, so give iPeptide™and Munapsys™a try!
