Among the biological processes regulated by means of epigenetics Lipotec chose to focus on the control of the fate of progenitor cells located in the basal layer of the epidermis. “The epidermis is one of the most active tissues in terms of regeneration thanks to the ability of the stem cells from the basal layer to divide and renew themselves. With age, this regenerative potential and the overall function of epidermis are reduced resulting in the development of aging signs, such as appearance of wrinkles and loss of radiance,” explains the company.

To address this problem, Lipotec has developed Reproage, a new peptide that may induce cellular reprogramming in the epidermal basal layer through the modulation of epigenetic elements, thus helping to reactivate basal cells and their regenerative abilities, leading to an improved appearance of mature skin.

The new peptide specifically targets the microRNA-145, an epigenetic regulator known to repress the activity of the stem cell transcription factors, restraining the stemness properties of the basal cells. According to Lipotec, “Reproage reduces the levels of microRNA-145 and increases the level of the stem cell factors related to stemness, contributing to an improvement in the skin properties.

Lipotec performed two in vivo assays, using 2% peptide solution twice a day during 56 days. The tests showed a general improvement in skin complexion and more radiance with 1.5% increase in luminance as well as a rejuvenated skin with epidermal self-renewal activity increased to the level of a skin 17 years younger in the 50-55 years old volunteers and up to 41.3% decrease in skin roughness.

Reproage peptide assists in obtaining a smoother, more radiant and visually rejuvenated complexion and can be incorporated into any anti-aging formulation to cope with the slowdown in skin regeneration that takes place with age or in products designed to rejuvenate the skin,” concludes the company.