INhance Serum

The full TriHex complex

Alastin's patented peptide platform is hexapeptide-11 combined with acetyl tetrapeptide-2. Both are present here, which is not the case across the whole Alastin range.

The proposition is that supporting the skin's own clearance of damaged, fragmented collagen and elastin creates a better environment for new fibres to form, rather than only stimulating production. Alastin hold a US patent and have published supporting studies, largely their own.

Three additional peptides

Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 is a matrikine, modelled on a collagen fragment, signalling to fibroblasts as though repair were needed. Palmitoyl hexapeptide-12 is studied for effects on matrix proteins. Both carry palmitoyl chains improving barrier compatibility.

Acetyl hexapeptide-38 is the distinctive one. It is studied for effects on adipocytes, the cells that store fat, and specifically on their volume. Subcutaneous fat loss contributes significantly to facial hollowing with age, and this peptide is the reason Alastin describe some formulations in terms of volume rather than firmness alone.

Five peptides is a lot for one formula, and they are aimed at four different targets.

Arnica and marsh tea

Arnica montana has centuries of topical use for bruising and swelling, attributed largely to sesquiterpene lactones including helenalin, with documented anti-inflammatory activity.

Ledum palustre, marsh tea or Labrador tea, is used similarly and appears in formulations concerned with bruising.

Their presence together tells you the intended context. This is a formula built around injectable procedures, where bruising is the most common and most visible side effect.

The hydration complex

Sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer is chemically cross-linked, forming a three-dimensional network rather than a linear chain, which holds water more persistently than standard hyaluronic acid.

Xylitylglucoside, anhydroxylitol and xylitol appear together as a defined complex, studied for effects on the skin's own water management rather than only for surface humectancy.

Tremella fuciformis is snow mushroom, a polysaccharide with substantial water-holding capacity. Betaine is a natural osmolyte.

The supporting formula

Squalane, phospholipids, lecithin and sunflower seed oil supply lipids. Tocopherol and ascorbyl palmitate provide antioxidant activity in the lipid phase. Dunaliella salina is a carotenoid-rich microalga.

Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate is a fermentation-derived preservative, used as an alternative to conventional preservative systems.

Lactoferrin

Milk-derived, with iron-binding and antimicrobial properties. This product is not vegan, and it is relevant if you have a milk allergy.

What is not in it

No fragrance, no essential oils, no alcohol, no acids and no retinoid, which matters in a product designed for skin that has just been treated.

Skin around injectable treatments, and skin that is temporarily reactive.

Also usable as a daily peptide serum, though it is formulated with a specific context in mind.

Consider carefully if you have a known Asteraceae allergy, which covers ragweed, chamomile, marigold and arnica itself. If you have reacted to arnica before, this is not the product for you.

Also relevant if you have a milk allergy or avoid animal-derived ingredients.

If you are using this around a procedure, follow your practitioner's direction on timing. When any product can be applied after a treatment depends on what the treatment was, and that is a clinical decision rather than a general one.

Apply to clean, dry skin morning and evening.

Around injectable treatments, use as directed by your practitioner. Alastin position the product for use both before and after, but the appropriate timing is a clinical judgement.

Follow with moisturiser and, in the morning, sunscreen. Recently treated skin is more UV-sensitive than usual.

Peptide products work gradually. Consistency matters more than quantity.

Use alongside

Your usual routine, with this applied early.

Sunscreen in the morning.

Keep apart

Retinoids and exfoliating acids while your skin is recovering from a procedure. Your practitioner will advise when to reintroduce them.

Order

After cleansing, before moisturiser.