DOSING

ACETYL HEXAPEPTIDE-8 (ARGIRELINE)

Acetyl hexapeptide-8, better known as Argirelene, is a six amino acid peptide that functions an a neurotransmitter inhibitor. It interferes with the formation of the SNAP-25 protein complex (part of the SNARE machinery), which dampens the release of neurotransmitters that signal facial muscles to contract. It shows an amplified efficacy in regulating the pre-synaptic mechanism behind expression wrinkles, but it also acts at the post-synaptic level to produce softer muscle contraction and improved muscle relaxation after an expression (particularly the forehead creases, “eleven” lines between the brows, and crow’s feet around the eyes. Regular surface application can reduce the frequency of repetitive muscle movements that can etch in new lines over time.

Argireline is a gentle, well-tolerated formulation: unlike stronger actives like retinoids or acids, Argirelene is non-irritating and well-tolerated by all skin types, even the most sensitive varieties.

HOW TO USE IT

PLACEMENT IN ROUTINE: Apply as a lightweight serum during the “treat” step- right after cleansing (and after water-based vitamins like Vitamin C), then follow with a moisturizer

FREQUENCY: Use twice daily (morning and evening) for best cumulative results

SELECT A BASE: A base is any serum or cream with compatible ingredients to serve as the delivery material for the argireline.

Compatible and/or Synergistic Ingredients

  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Retinol/Tretinoin
  • Copper peptides (e.g. GHK-Cu)
  • Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)
  • Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
  • Matrixyl 3000
  • Leuphasyl

Incompatible Ingredients (those which have an extremely low pH- low pH equals high acidity)

  • AHA’s and BHA’s
  • Glycolic acid
  • Lactic acid
  • Mandelic acid
  • Salicylic acid
  • Azelaic acid

When exposed to highly acidic environments, the peptide bonds in Argireline undergo hydrolysis, becoming degraded and causing a loss of efficacy.

If your routine includes items which contains these ingredients, space out use of the items: for example, use the exfoliating acids in the evening, and use Argireline in your morning routine.

CHOOSE AN APPROPRIATE MIXING/STORAGE CONTAINER FOR YOUR ARGIRELINE SERUM OR CREAM. The least expensive is any of the pot-style containers with the twist-off caps, found in the travel section of just about every grocery store and craft store. Opaque plastic is always preferred for maximum longevity. If only see-through options are available, just wrap the container in foil. It is not recommended to buy a container that is larger than 3 ounces: even if you purchase multiple vials of Argireline at a time, it is recommended to mix them one at a time as you go.

GATHER ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES. You will need:

  • 1/4-cup measuring cup
  • Small bottle of distilled water
  • Clean object to utilize as a stirring device
  • either 2 ounces compatible serum or cream as specified above
  • 1 gram raw Acetyl hexapeptide-8 powder
  • Either a new syringe (any size) or a clean water dropper

CONVERTING RAW ARGIRELINE TO SERUM OR CREAM FORMULATION

  1. Add 1 gram of Acetyl Hexapeptide-8/Argireline to your container.
  2. Use either a clean syringe or dropper to collect an amount of distilled water to work with. There is no specific amount. If you end up with too much, the extra will remain in the syringe or dropper after you have added what you need to the powder, and if you end up not having enough, you’ll just draw some more up once the initial supply runs out. Don’t overthink the simple things!
  3. Add a small amount of distilled water at a time to the raw powder, stirring frequently. Use extreme caution not to add too much water. The goal is to stop adding water as soon as the powder reaches liquid form. Double check that no pockets of dry powder remain before moving to next step.
  4. Add 1/4-cup of serum or cream to the acetyl-hexapeptide-8 liquid.
  5. Mix. Then mix some more. When you think you’re done, recruit a responsible offspring or unsuspecting spouse to keep going… When they think they’re done, get them to keep going a little longer…..
  6. When the mixing has achieved absolute perfection, refrigerate. Is it necessary? Pretty much. You will lose a lot of efficacy if you don’t keep it in the proper storage environment. If you dislike the idea of slathering on a face cream that has absorbed some of the smells of its refrigerator neighbors? Worry not! I have stored my topicals in the fridge constantly over the years without detecting a suspicious feta or ham-esque odor emanating from my face creams… Should the idea of storing your topicals with your foodstuffs bother you still, use it as an excuse to buy a “makeup” fridge for your bathroom, which you can then use to house the entirety of your personal peptide supplement collection.
  7. Use within 90 days.