Mibelle Biochemistry created a heptapeptide that helps the skin protect itself from oxidative stress at the cellular level. PerfectionPeptide P7 (INCI: Acetyl sh-Heptapeptide-1 (and) Hydrogenated Lecithin (and) Glycerin (and) Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter (and) Phenethyl Alcohol (and) Ethylhexylglycerin (and) Water (aqua)) keeps Nrf2 constantly present in active form to help skin cells protect themselves from stress caused by oxidants, free radicals and toxins.
Human cells respond to oxidative stress by activating the transcription factor Nrf2. This is a master switch in the cellular self-protection system that leads to an increased synthesis of cell protecting enzymes to fight oxidants and other reactive chemical species. However, this self-protection system of the skin is unable to cope with an excess of stress factors, and it also declines with age.
Normally Nrf2 activity is repressed by the keap1 protein. Nrf2 only becomes activated when the cells are faced with too much oxidative stress. In response to this, the heptapeptide is a competitive inhibitor of the keap1 protein. Consequently, Nrf2 is constantly present in its active form to protect skin cells.
In cell culture assays, the peptide stimulated the expression of detoxifying enzymes. In ex vivo experiments and clinical trials, the peptide showed an ability to significantly protect the skin from oxidative stress at the cellular level by reducing DNA damage, UV-induced formation of sunburn cells an depletion of langerhans.
To ensure the stability and bioavailability of PerfectionPeptide P7, the peptide has been encapsulated into a novel soft sphere carrier system that is based on shea butter. It is recommended for any daily defense formulation to safeguard both the youthfulness and beauty of skin.
