Better Than Botox?

Frequently Asked Questions

In a remarkable turn of events, arguably one of the strangest in the history of cosmetics, women across the country are putting a stretch-mark reducing emulsion called StriVectin-SD® on their face to get rid of fine lines, wrinkles and crow’s feet. And, if consumer sales are any indication of a product’s effectiveness, StriVectin-SD is nothing short of a miracle. Women (as well as a growing number of “Boomer” men) are buying so much StriVectin-SD that finding a tube at your local cosmetic counter has become just about impossible. Has everyone gone mad? Well… not really.

Scientific Breakthrough or Dumb Luck? Although StriVectin-SD was already backed by clinical trials documenting its ability to visibly reduce the depth, length, discoloration and roughness of existing stretch marks, the success of StriVectin-SD as an anti-wrinkle cream was “dumb luck,” says Gina Gay, spokesperson for Klein-Becker™, StriVectin-SD’s exclusive distributor.

"When we first handed out samples of the StriVectin formula to employees and customers as part of our market research, the sample tubes were simply marked ‘topical cream’ with the lot number underneath,” Ms. Gay explains. “As the samples were passed to friends and family, the message became a little muddled and some people used this ‘topical cream’ as a facial moisturizer. As we began to receive feedback from users, like ‘I look 10 years younger’ and ‘my crows’ feet are gone,’ we knew we had something more than America’s most effective stretch-mark reducer. The point was driven home as store owners began reporting that almost as many people were purchasing StriVectin as an anti-wrinkle cream as were buying it to reduce stretch marks.”

Dr. Daniel B. Mowrey, Klein-Becker’s Director of Scientific Affairs, says, “Clearly, people were seeing results, but we didn’t have a scientific explanation as to why this wrinkle-reduction was occurring. However, based on the incredibly positive reports, I started using it myself –– applying StriVectin to my face after shaving.” Dr. Mowrey adds, “On a personal note, my wife tells me I haven’t looked this good in years.”

Dumb Luck Strikes Again!

Then, on Tuesday, July 2, 2002, at a meeting of the 20th World Congress of Dermatology in Paris, France, a series of studies detailing the superior wrinkle-reducing properties of a patented oligopeptide (called Pal-KTTKS) versus retinol, vitamin C, and placebo, on “photo-aged skin” was presented.1,2 “As luck would have it,” Dr. Mowrey states, “the wrinkle-reducing oligopeptide tested in the breakthrough clinical trials turned out to be a key active ingredient in the StriVectin cream.”

In the trials, subjects applied the patented peptide solution to the crows’ feet area on one side of the face, and a cream containing either retinol, vitamin C, or a placebo to the other side.Subjects in the Pal-KTTKS/retinol study applied the cream once a day for 2 months and then twice a day for the next 2 months. Using special image analysis, the study’s authors reported “significant improvement” in wrinkle depth, length, wrinkle volume, and skin roughness for those women using the peptide solution.

Better yet, at the 2-month halfway point, the peptide solution thickened skin nearly 1.5 times faster than retinol, and without the inflammation retinol often causes in sensitive skin. As was expected, the results of the remaining studies confirmed that the Pal-KTTKS solution’s effectiveness at reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles far exceeded both vitamin C and placebo.

A smoother, younger complexion, less irritation, fewer wrinkles, and faster results –– all without expensive (and painful) peels, implants or injections.

Better than Retinol and Vitamin C, But Is StriVectin-SD®   Better than Botox®*?™

Dr. Nathalie Chevreau, Director of Women’s Health at Salt Lake City based Basic Research®, exclusive distributor for Klein-Becker, explains, “Many researchers believe less invasive cosmetic alternatives are better than Botox [sometimes referred to as Botox® Cosmetic].† That’s because ‘cosmeceutical’ creams and gels offer gradual, continual results, while the effects of injections, facial peels, and dermabrasions wear off… in fact, you’ll never look better than you do shortly after the inflammation and redness subside. Not one bit better.”

“Furthermore,” Dr. Chevreau continues, “Botox has been approved by the FDA for an extremely limited use ––the tiny little space of deep furrows between the eyebrows –– and can cause side effects such as ‘headache, temporary eyelid droop, and nausea.’ The active ingredient in StriVectin, on the other hand, has been shown to significantly reduce the appearance of that category of fine lines and facial wrinkles (including crows’ feet) that can add 10-15 years to your appearance… the type of fine lines and wrinkles Botox treatments leave behind.” In other words, StriVectin-SD helps give you a youthful, healthy,glowing complexion faster than retinol, far superior to vitamin C, and without irritation, needles, or surgery.

So, if you see someone applying an anti-stretch mark cream to their face, don’t think they’ve gone off the deep end… they may be smarter than you think.  

StriVectin Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How does StriVectin-SD® work?

A: StriVectin-SD is a deep penetrating, bio-active topical formula originally developed to repair existing stretch marks. However, in a remarkable turn of events, StriVectin-SD also turned out to be the anti-wrinkle breakthrough of the decade! The active formula in StriVectin-SD has recently been shown in clinical trials to significantly reduce the appearance of that category of fine lines and facial wrinkles that can add 10-15 years to your appearance… and even reduce the dark circles under your eyes… without irritation, painful injections, or surgery. But that’s not all. StriVectin-SD includes a proprietary combination of skin firming agents, elasticizers, and skin hydrators… adding up to the most comprehensive topical formulation shown to effectively confront virtually every aspect of wrinkle reduction.  You’re going to love it!

Q: What were the results of the clinical trials?

A: The active wrinkle-reducing compound in StriVectin-SD was shown to increase collagen I synthesis by 117%, increase collagen IV synthesis by 357%, increase glycosaminoglycan synthesis by 267%, reduce wrinkles by as much as 68%, increase skin firmness, improve the appearance of age spots and dark circles under the eyes, and reduce the actual length, depth, volume, and surface area of wrinkles.

Q: How do I apply StriVectin-SD®?

A: Begin with clean, dry skin. Apply StriVectin-SD at least twice daily (do not exceed three applications per 24-hour period). Use sparingly (StriVectin-SD is a concentrated formula). Massage a small amount of StriVectin-SD into the target area, using a circular motion, until completely absorbed. StriVectin-SD penetrates immediately, leaving your skin youthful, smooth, and silky.

Q: Can I use StriVectin on the wrinkles/circles underneath my   eyes?

A: The correct way to apply StriVectin to the eye area is to softly massage it into the skin covering the orbital bone around the eye. Do not apply StriVectin directly underneath the eye or on top of the eyelid.

Q: Can StriVectin help with acne scars and other types of   scarring?

A: Yes. Although StriVectin was specifically formulated to help with stretch marks (which are, after all, scars), many StriVectin users have reported improvement in acne scars, burn scars, chicken pox marks, scars from old injuries, etc.

Q: When will I begin to see results?

A: In as little as 28 days, StriVectin-SD’s deep penetrating, clinically proven, bio-active topical formula will produce a visible reduction in the actual length, depth, surface area, and rough texture of your existing wrinkles. That’s right… whether you’ve got “crows’ feet,” “worry lines,” or just plain old wrinkles, StriVectin-SD will begin to eradicate them.  You won’t believe the difference!

Q: Does StriVectin-SD® work on old wrinkles?

A: Absolutely! StriVectin-SD works no matter how long you’ve had your wrinkles – whether it’s been ten days or ten years.

Q: Does StriVectin-SD® work on all colors of skin?

A: Yes.

Q: Is StriVectin-SD® safe?

A: StriVectin-SD has been clinically proven to be safe and effective.

© Copyright 2002 Klein-Becker usa®. All rights reserved.

* Botox® is a registered trademark of Allergan, Inc. 

   Botox® Cosmetic is manufactured by Allergan, Inc. 

Study References:

1 PO438 "Relevance of antiwrinkle treatment of a peptide: 4 months clinical double blind study vs excipient." 20th World Congress of Dermatology (60 subjects - 4 mos.)

2 PO179 "Pentapeptide offers improvement in human photoaged facial skin." 20th World Congress of Dermatology (204 subjects - 14 weeks)