What is Matrixyl 3000 and what can it do for your skin?

Vanessa Gibbs

 

The world of skincare moves fast. Not only are new products and brands popping up all the time, but new ingredients come to the market regularly, too, and it’s hard to know which ones to use. Just take Matrixyl 3000. This ingredient has garnered a lot of buzz when it comes to anti-ageing, but how do you know if it’s worth adding to your routine? That’s where we can help.

Here at Face Dr, we help clients get clear, glowing skin they’re proud to go make-up free with. Our team is made up of experts with decades of experience in the skincare world. They know all there is to know about the latest ingredients out there and—more importantly—which ones are worth a spot in your routine. 

Interested in our take on other top skincare ingredients? We’ve covered lactic acid, bakuchiol and mandelic acid

Want to skip the research and get an expert opinion on whether Matrixyl 3000 is for you straight away? Book a free online consultation with one of skin experts. Not only can they answer any questions about Matrixyl 3000—or any other ingredients—they can analyse your skin to let you know if you should be using it and, if so, recommend the best products to try. 

 

Here’s what we’ll cover for Matrixyl 3000: 

  • What Matrixyl 3000 is 
  • What Matrixyl 3000 does for the skin
  • Who should (and shouldn’t) use Matrixyl 3000
  • Whether you should use Matrixyl 3000 or retinol  
  • The side effects of Matrixyl 3000 
  • The top products to try with Matrixyl 3000

Woman looking in mirror after using Matrixyl 3000 skincare product

What is Matrixyl 3000


Matrixyl 3000 was developed in a lab by French company Sederma. If you’ve heard of Matrixyl, Matrixyl 3000 is a newer version and is thought to be even more effective at anti-ageing.  

Matrixyl 3000 is made of palmitoyl oligopeptide and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, two peptides—or amino acids that make up proteins in our skin—which communicate with the skin. They tell the skin to create more collagen, a protein that naturally declines as we age. 

With more collagen, the skin is revitalised and looks firmer, plumper and younger. Matrixyl 3000 also tells the skin to create more elastin which helps support the skin’s structure and keep it looking full and healthy. 


What does Matrixyl 3000 do for the skin 


You’ll most often find Matrixyl 3000 in products that are targeted at anti-ageing. Here are the top things the ingredient can do: 

  • Smooth lines and wrinkles 
  • Firm and plump the skin 
  • Improve texture and smooth roughness 
  • Brighten the overall complexion 
  • Reverse skin damage 
  • Increase hydration in the skin 
Matrixyl 3000 serum skincare product

Who is Matrixyl 3000 good for? 


As the ingredient boosts collagen and has several anti-ageing effects, Matrixyl 3000 is ideal for anyone looking for a more youthful glow and anyone looking to target lines, wrinkles and give skin that’s lost its elasticity a boost. 

It works for all skin types and as Matrixyl 3000 is considered a gentle ingredient, it’s safe for sensitive skin. 

Face Dr top tip: If you’ve tried retinol and found it too irritating, Matrixyl 3000 may be a gentler anti-ageing alternative. Though of course, as with any ingredient, some people may experience irritation, so you should always patch test before using a new product on your face and reduce or stop using it if you notice any irritation. 


Should I use Matrixyl 3000 or retinol? 


If your skin can tolerate retinol without irritation, should you choose it over Matrixyl 3000? There’s much more science behind retinol as an anti-ageing ingredient, but Matrixyl 3000 is catching up. Studies are looking promising and show that the ingredient could be just as effective as retinol at smoothing lines and wrinkles. 

So until more research comes out proving one as a clear winner, it mainly comes down to personal preference and if you prefer a certain brand and product over another. But you actually don’t have to choose one or the other. There are products out there that use both retinol and Matrixyl 3000 to give the skin a double-dose of anti-ageing ingredients. 

Face Dr top pick: ZO Daily Power Defense. This serum uses Matrixyl 3000 and retinol in the right dosage to target signs of ageing. 

Man using Matrixyl 3000 anti-ageing skincare ingredient

 

Who shouldn’t use Matrixyl 3000? 


Matrixyl 3000 is suitable for everyone. It works for all skin types, even those with sensitive skin. It can be used during pregnancy and the ingredient can even be found in some creams designed to reduce or prevent stretch marks. 


What are the side effects of Matrixyl 3000?  


There aren’t any known side effects of Matrixyl 3000. But as the ingredient is relatively new in the skincare world, there aren’t any long-term studies. 

Looking for something with more science behind it? Retinol has decades of studies proving not only how effective it is, but how safe it is, too. Retinol can help with many of the same concerns to target signs of ageing. 

Face Dr top pick: ZO Retinol Skin Brightener. Smooth wrinkles, lighten age spots and get a more youthful glow with this retinol serum. 


Top products to try with Matrixyl 3000


There are more and more products with Matrixyl 3000 coming to the market. Here are our top choices: 

  • ZO Daily Power Defense. This all-in-one serum can fight signs of ageing while brightening your complexion and protecting the skin from damage. It also contains other anti-ageing ingredients like retinol to supercharge results. 
  • ZO Intense Eye Crème. Reduce dark circles, puffiness and lines and wrinkles around the eyes with this eye cream. 


Want to speak to an expert? 

Face Dr experts giving skincare consultation about Matrixyl 3000

Hopefully that’s cleared up some of the confusion around Matrixyl 3000 and what exactly it can do for the skin. Still not sure if it’s for you or whether there are better ingredients for your concerns out there? That’s when getting tailored advice can help. 

At Face Dr, we offer free online skincare consultations where you can speak with one of our friendly skin experts. In a 30-minute video call, they’ll analyse your skin and ask about your concerns—whether that’s just signs of ageing, or other things as well like acne, hyperpigmentation and dull skin. Armed with all this information, they’ll then be able to recommend the products and ingredients to help.

We only ever recommend products and brands that we know and trust, so you can be sure you’re investing in something that will provide real results. 

Still have questions about Matrixyl 3000? Send us an email at hello@myfacedr.com or get in touch through Facebook. Our skin experts are always happy to help. 

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