Planet Skincare launches skin tightening range

Based in Kent, in the south of England, the company has launched its Instant Firming Serum, which, thanks to the inclusion of the ingredient, is said to smooth skin lines and wrinkles.

Pepha-Tight is a highly purified and biotechnologically enhanced extract from microalga nannochloropsis which has been combined with a fraction of polysaccharides.

Targeting collagen production​

According to its makers, Pentapharm, the ingredient combines polysaccharides, amino acids, and vitamins that include C and B12 to target the skin at the cellular level, by targeting the cell’s structure thanks to its ability to enhance collagen-1 production.

Ultimately this is said to protect the skin from oxidative stress and helps to tighten it as well as providing added protection on a long-term basis

In-vivo tests carried out by Pentapharm on 20 volunteers using a gel containing a 5 per cent dose of the ingredient showed that it enhanced skin tightening by 120 per cent, when compared to a placebo.

Aloveria, Pentacare-Na and Idinyl LS​

As well as Pepha-Tight, the serum also contains Aloveria - which helps to feed the skin with vitamins and minerals, Pentacare-NA - which also helps to target fine lines and wrinkles, and Idinyl LS - which is a plant extract which helps to provide further protection, particularly for sensitive skin.

The latest addition to the company’s range compliments its Anti-Ageing Moisturiser, which was launched in February last year

The active ingredient in that product is Syn-ake, which is based on a synthetic tripeptide that mimics the effect of wagerlin1, a peptide that is found in the venom of the Temple Viper snake.

The famed Botox alternative​

The ingredient is said to work in a similar way to Botox, by blocking the neuromuscular contractions which cause facial tension, and ultimately wrinkles.

In vitro tests showed that, when used with a 0.5nm concentration, the Syn-ake tripeptide reduced muscle cell contraction, while in vivo tests showed that a 4 per cent dose of the ingredient had a significant smoothing effect on the skin.

In detail, the clinical tests showed that a smoothing effect was measured in 80 per cent of volunteers, while an anti-wrinkle effect was demonstrated in 73 per cent of the volunteers over a 28 day period.