Chilli pepper extract latest anti-aging ingredient
according to SiCap, which claim the ingredient helps the skin
absorb active ingredients.
The US company has used capsaicin - the ingredient responsible for the burning sensation experienced when eating chilli peppers - in a number of products including a deep cleansing body wash and an unblocking nasal spray. Now, the ingredient has been combined with acai berries, collagen and acetyl hexapeptide-3 in SiCap's to create a new anti-wrinkle formulation, Youthful Trends. The key lies in the delivery According to company founder Wayne Perry the key to topical beauty products is the delivery, and capsaicin helps the skin absorb the other active ingredients in the formulation. Perry explained: "The pepper extract increases blood flow and absorption at the skin's surface so the ingredients penetrate immediately. "Traditional anti-wrinkle creams have the right idea by using collagen and peptides, but the ingredients don't penetrate the skin the way Youthful Trends does." Youthful Trends also contains one of the latest super foods, acai berries, which help to control inflammation and fight the aging process, according to the company. The phytosterols in the acai berries are known to reserve natural collagen levels, claim the company. Furthermore, the formulation contains hydrolyzed collagen and the neuropeptide acetyl hexapeptide-3, one of a new class of peptide ingredients becoming increasingly popular in anti-aging formulations. This neuropeptide reportedly works in a similar way to Botox, inhibiting muscle contraction and leading to a reduction in lines and wrinkles. The acetyl hexapeptide ingredient is appearing in increasing numbers of anti-aging products. According to Mintel figures the number of new products released containing the ingredient increased six-fold between 2006 and 2007. Any burning side effects? Regarding any possible side effects to the formulation, Perry reassured consumers that no burning sensation would be felt on applying the products as a result of its peppery ingredient. "Everybody thinks a pepper based cream has to burn, but you only need a tiny amount of extract to do the job so there is no burn," said Perry. The extract joins a number of somewhat intriguing additions to the anti-aging ingredients portfolio of late. A notable example is the anti-wrinkle ingredient Syn-ake based on a peptide found in snake venom.
