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What is StriVectin®?

Dorothy Distefano
Dorothy Distefano

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.

StriVectin is used to reduce wrinkles.
StriVectin is used to reduce 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.

StriVectin may help reduce dark circles under the eyes, which are often caused by stress and lack of sleep.
StriVectin may help reduce dark circles under the eyes, which are often caused by stress and lack of sleep.

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.

Many smokers develop wrinkles that make them appear older than their non-smoking peers.
Many smokers develop wrinkles that make them appear older than their non-smoking peers.

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.

StriVectin was originally used to treat stretch marks.
StriVectin was originally used to treat stretch marks.

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.

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    • StriVectin is used to reduce wrinkles.
      By: michaeljung
      StriVectin is used to reduce wrinkles.
    • StriVectin may help reduce dark circles under the eyes, which are often caused by stress and lack of sleep.
      By: WONG SZE FEI
      StriVectin may help reduce dark circles under the eyes, which are often caused by stress and lack of sleep.
    • Many smokers develop wrinkles that make them appear older than their non-smoking peers.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Many smokers develop wrinkles that make them appear older than their non-smoking peers.
    • StriVectin was originally used to treat stretch marks.
      By: Leo Lintang
      StriVectin was originally used to treat stretch marks.
    • As people age, the body's collagen production slows and the skin begins to lose its elasticity.
      By: Daria Filiminova
      As people age, the body's collagen production slows and the skin begins to lose its elasticity.
    • The peptides in StriVectin reduce wrinkles by healing tissues and skin cells while rebuilding the elastins and collagen fibers.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      The peptides in StriVectin reduce wrinkles by healing tissues and skin cells while rebuilding the elastins and collagen fibers.
    • Exposure to secondhand smoke may dehydrate skin and increase wrinkles.
      By: illustrez-vous
      Exposure to secondhand smoke may dehydrate skin and increase wrinkles.