Skin Cross Section https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Skin_cross_section_model.jpg
Deborah Tosline wrote and published “Skin Remodeling DIY: An Introduction to the Underground World of Do-It-Yourself Skincare” in 2015. Her approach to skin care is based on a scientific background, love of research and over 30 years of DIY skincare experience.
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Constant facial expressions and tight facial muscles turn dynamic lines on facial skin (lines that disappear after an expression) into static lines (lines that are permanent regardless of expression).
There are a variety of ways to address tight facial muscles:
· Use the mind to consciously stop contracting a muscle – nice concept, it is possible, can be challenging to implement.
· Use facial exercise, massage and trigger point therapy to modify facial muscles.
· Inject a botulinum toxin product to numb a muscle and prevent it from moving.
· Buy a retail product that contains neuropeptides to relax facial muscles.
· Make a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) neuropeptide skin care product to relax facial muscles.
This article summarizes the benefits of using neuropeptide ingredients to prepare DIY products to relax facial muscles and more.
Over the years I unconsciously developed a bad habit of furrowing my brow when I concentrate, read, and think about stuff. I’ve been trying to naturally relax my forehead for years and I got pretty good at it. The fine line that I had in between my eyebrows was not indented and hardly visible. I showed photos in an article that I wrote here in May 2020.
Forehead muscles https://mobilephysiotherapyclinic.in/corrugator-supercilii/
In October 2020 I had an accident that left me with a 2-inch vertical forehead scar that is atrophic (indented) in between my eyebrows. I wrote about it here in January 2021 and show photos. Now, every movement of my forehead muscles including the Procerus, Depressor supercilli, Corrugator supercilli, and Frontalis muscles seem to cause my atrophic scar indentation to deepen. Also the muscles seem more tense and engaged than they were before the accident. My forehead muscles now feel trembly with constant small twitches and tremors.
Muscles contracting or not, the atrophic scar has formed a permanent indentation in between my brows as a result of tissue loss. I recently began a series of microneedling treatments in an attempt to rebuild tissue beneath the atrophic scar.
My primary focus is to find a way to relax my constantly micro-contracted forehead muscles. Do you know what I mean? Granted, fainting and injuring oneself is reason for concern but will my brain ever let my forehead muscles relax again?
To maintain smooth forehead muscles, I typically use facial exercise, deep facial tissue massage, and facial fascia remodeling. Executive Decision - I need to use heavy artillery to smooth my tense forehead muscles.
GABA https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:GABA.png
I’ve been on the prowl for an alternative that would relax my brow but does not involve injections. I went through my facial skin care supplies and found a package of Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) or γ-Aminobutyric Acid.
GABA is a water soluble, non-protein amino acid that is produced by the body. Topical use of GABA has been found to relax tense muscles; continued use over time is reported to reduce small facial lines and wrinkles.
I’ve had a bag of powdered GABA in my Do-It-Yourself (DIY) facial supply cabinet for at least a decade. It was unopened. Best laid plans. I pulled this little bonus from my stash, researched it and used it immediately.
I bought the GABA powder all those years ago from Bulk Actives (not affiliated). The Bulk Active formulation instructions state “No data available, up to customer's discretion” so I simply placed some GABA powder in the palm of my hand, added a bit of water and applied it to my forehead. I’ve since found a formulation recommendation for GABA of 0.05 - 3% from Lotion Crafter (not affiliated).
Following my crude use of GABA, I experienced an immediate relief of the micro-spasms in my tense forehead muscles. It did not paralyze the muscles but it seemed to numb tiny muscle movements and make the skin above the muscles look a bit more relaxed and smooth. It was subtle but noticeable to me. The results vary from time to time but demonstrate enough of an effect that I can feel a micro level muscle relaxation as well as see a subtle difference.
I have not used GABA consistently over time, yet. I still periodically formulate a crude GABA serum in a little water puddle in my hand and am ready to make a proper serum for daily use.
This desire prompted me to begin Internet research on other neuropeptides to learn about the multiple co-benefits and to find ideas on how to formulate a muscle relaxing serum.
Oh GABA why would we love you? Let me count the ways…
When GABA is taken internally it has been found to calm anxiety and stress and promote brain function. GABA acts as a neurotransmitter and inhibits nerve transmission to calm nerves. As a result of this action, GABA is promoted as a natural tranquilizer when taken as a supplement. The relaxing impact of GABA supplementation is reported to promote brain function, reduce anxiety and stress (which may cause tense facial muscles) and improve sleep.
Topical application of neuropeptides relaxes tense facial muscles and slows the intensity of muscle contractions to smooth facial lines and make them less noticeable. Platinum Skin Care (not affiliated) suggests that while GABA is not equivalent to a neurotoxin injection, using GABA consistently over time shows positive cumulative results in relaxing facial muscles.
GABA penetrates skin easily and has been shown to decrease wrinkle depth. When used at a concentration of 3.4 milligrams per liter (mg/L) GABA was found to smooth skin roughness, increase epidermal cells and promote fibroblast proliferation in the dermis. GABA promotes the synthesis of hyaluronic acid and collagen in the epidermis and dermis and improves skin moisture and elasticity.
Yea baby, I am preparing to make my own peptide super muscle relaxing serum!
There are other peptides that have a relaxing effect on facial muscles. These ingredients may be combined to produce a synergistic effect that enhances results.
Argireline® https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Argireline.png
Argireline® is a synthetic peptide known as acetyl hexapeptide-3 (acetyl hexapeptide-8) known to relax muscles and support collagen and elastin production. Some peptides are involved in regulating molecular activity. Argireline® interferes with the communication between the nerves and muscle resulting in reduced muscle contraction. A clinical trial using Argireline® at a concentration of 10% for 30 days by 70 women aged 35 to 45 showed a 30% reduction in the depth and length of wrinkles.
Leuphasyl® is a synthetic PentaPeptide. Leuphasyl® works well in conjunction with Argireline® because it uses a different method to reduce muscle movement and acts prior to the Argireline® reaction. Leuphasyl® interferes with the electrical charge of the muscle and reduces neuron activity which relaxes muscle contractions resulting in smoother skin.
Vialox, PentaPeptide-3 is reported to be a potent ingredient that reduces muscle contractions and smooths deep wrinkles. Vialox blocks nerves and electrical pulses to relax muscles. Relaxed muscles prevent new wrinkles from forming and allow existing wrinkles to soften. A clinical study using Vialox twice a day for 28 days showed that wrinkles were reduced by 49% and skin roughness improved by 47%.
SNAP-8™ hexapeptide reduces muscle contractions to reduce wrinkle depth in the forehead and the eye area. Clinical studies report a 63.13% decrease in eye wrinkles. SNAP-8™ works in the same manner as Argireline but is 30% more active.
Syn®-Ake is a synthetic tripeptide that reduces muscle contractions to smooth skin.
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The ingredients for my “super muscle relaxing serum” arrived today. I ordered Argireline and Leuphasyl®. I have GABA. I would like to order Vialox but it is quite pricey. For now, I revise my serum to a “muscle relaxing serum” and will plan on making a “super muscle relaxing serum” with more ingredients (maybe the Vialox but probably the SNAP-8™ first). I’ll let you know how it goes!
If you need more information, go to the library, search the Internet, read my past Blog articles, or get my book “Skin Remodeling DIY: An Introduction to the Underground World of Do-It-Yourself Skincare”
Take good care of yourselves!
XO Deborah
This article is intended to be used as general information only and is in no way intended to replace medical advice, be used as a medical treatment program, diagnosis, or cure of any disease or medical condition. There are no warranties, expressed or implied, regarding the effectiveness of the practices described in this article. Products or substances discussed herein are for educational purposes only and are not intended as recommendations of the author.