Four weeks ago, I started using the Skinceuticals P-Tiox Anti-Wrinkle Peptide Serum, which promises Botox-like results, with the intention of using it daily for 12 weeks. A third of the way into my trial, these are my thoughts so far.
Firstly, it’s important to know what the serum claims to be able to do and its prime claim is that it’s ‘proven to visibly reduce nine types of contraction lines and improve texture and radiance’. The most exciting part of this is that these ‘nine types of contraction lines’ are things like forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet, nasolabial lines and undereye wrinkles, which are usually treated via injectables such as Botox and/or filler.
As someone who is teetering on the edge of, but has never had Botox, my interest was piqued because while I would like to reduce and minimise the lines on my forehead, I’m not quite sure I’m ready to start on the injectables just yet.
When I went to the launch for P-Tiox, it was my friend and consultant dermatologist Dr Emma Craythorne who talked me through the claims, benefits and trials that have been conducted thus far and it was her excitement that made me decide to commit to a 12-week trial. When we discussed it, her advice was to target the treatment to my forehead, although it can be applied all over the face, to see what the impact would be on the contraction lines there.
Because this, dear reader, is where it gets interesting. While I’ve heard many brands say a product is like ‘Botox in a bottle’ nothing has convinced me that their claim is anything more than a brilliant soundbite.
Skinceuticals though is a different thing altogether because they are known for their no-nonsense, high-quality skincare using the best of the best of active ingredients. They are one of those brands that if they make a claim, I’m more likely to believe it because it won’t take long before the results of a clinical trial are put under my nose to prove what they’ve told me.
What makes this serum different from anything else I’ve seen claiming to have the same result as an injectable is the peptide blend itself. This serum contains neuropeptides which are a type of peptide that can inhibit neurotransmitters. While they can’t be compared like-for-like with injectables that ‘freeze’ expression lines, there is evidence to suggest this serum can help slow or even prevent the formation of expression lines. And, if you’ve spent any time around me at all, you’ll know I’m a frowner with some embedded lines across my forehead that I’d like to soften.
Bearing all that in mind, here are my thoughts four weeks into the 12-week at-home trial.
I’ve been using the P-Tiox serum in conjunction with CE Ferulic, H.A. Hyaluronic Intensifier, Eye Balm, Triple Lipid Restore and La Roche Posay Anthelios UVMune SPF50+ and, in addition to the P-Tiox, it’s worth noting this is a comprehensive and efficient skincare regimen and my skin overall has responded well.
In the month I’ve been trialling the serum and using this regimen, I have noticed that my skin looks more even, requires a lot less makeup and has generally ‘behaved’ with no flare ups.
The big question though is does the skin on my forehead look taut and smooth, as one would expect from anything claiming results in any way similar to Botox? After one month of consistent use, I can’t say I’ve noted a significant amount of change for me to think ‘Wow!’ but I’m not looking for a miracle, I’m looking for something that, with consistent use, offers a smoothing, toning appearance to my skin.
In laboratory conditions, it’d be possible to be more granular and forensic about any progress so far, but I can only go off what I can see and, in my opinion, what I see is promising. What I see when I look in the mirror is enough for me to be convinced to continue, not just because I committed to three months so I want to fulfil the commitment but because I have a hunch that if I carry on for two more months, I won’t have to look very hard for the difference at all.
The key here though is patience and consistency and I’ll show you more progress photos in another four weeks to see if there’s a more obvious change.
Looking forward to the next update. V keen to have your opinion on this one!
Thank you for the update! I look forward to reading your thoughts at the end of the trial. I have not had Botox and as a nesdlephobe, that will never be an option for me. I have tried countless of these serums and would be thrilled to find one that actually does what it says.