Facial skin-lightening benefits of the tetrapeptide Pro-Lys-Glu-Lys on subjects with skin types V-VI living in South Africa

Mike Farwick*, Ursula Maczkiewitz, Peter Lersch, Beverley Summers, Anthony V. Rawlings

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background Irregular skin pigmentation may be a substantial contributor to the signs of aging and to a person's lack of psychological well-being. Although a large number of skin-lightening agents are available, the opportunity exists to identify more efficacious agents, agents that target alternative biological mechanisms. Aims To provide clinical evidence of the skin-lightening effect of the tetrapeptide, Pro-Lys-Glu-Lys (PKEK), on subjects with skin types V-VI living in South Africa. Methods Pro-Lys-Glu-Lys was evaluated in a double-blind and vehicle-controlled clinical study using expert grading of digital images by comparing its effects in subjects with skin types V-VI suffering from facial melasma and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Results This study demonstrated the efficacy of PKEK on subjects with skin types V-VI. On comparing the two treatments, the skin-lightening peptide-containing formulation was significantly superior to the vehicle at 12weeks on overall appearance (P<0.05) and evenness of skin tone (P<0.01). Conclusions The tetrapeptide, PKEK, has proven skin-lightening benefits on skin discoloration from melasma and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. These studies have been conducted on subjects with skin types V-VI living in South Africa, but we believe this technology to be suitable for all racial groups.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)217-223
Number of pages7
JournalJournal of Cosmetic Dermatology
Volume10
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2011

Keywords

  • Peptide
  • Photoaging
  • Proline attached to its N-terminus
  • Proopiomelanocortin
  • Skin-lightening
  • α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Facial skin-lightening benefits of the tetrapeptide Pro-Lys-Glu-Lys on subjects with skin types V-VI living in South Africa'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this