| abstract |
Short tri- and tetrapeptides according to the following Formula I Ar(CH 2 ) m X 1 -X 2 -CO-X 3 -X 4 -X 5 -(Trp) n -NX 6 R are potent, selective agonists of melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R). Provided herein are skin care compositions including Formula I peptide agonists of MC1R and methods of regulating a skin condition of a mammal that include applying to a treatment surface of the body a safe and effective amount of a skin care composition including a Formula I peptide. The peptides, skin care compositions, and skin care methods described herein are useful in regulating a skin condition of a mammal associated with exposure ultraviolet (UV) radiation, including sunburn, UV sensitivity, photoaging, and skin pigmentation, particularly in the absence of sun exposure. |