What are Peptides?

What are Peptides?

Peptides are the building blocks of proteins, made up of two or more (up to about 50) amino acids and found throughout your body. The main difference between peptides and proteins is the number of amino acids used to make up the molecules—proteins tend to have more than 50 amino acids.

Collagen, elastin, and keratin are all proteins, and certain peptides form parts of those proteins. Given that collagen may have too large a molecular weight to be absorbed, peptides are likely one of the better options to achieve that youthful glow we are all in pursuit of!

What do Peptides do for You?

Various peptides serve different functions depending on their location in the body and type of tissue. Those most relevant to skincare are the peptides in the facial skin that have been found to minimize the appearance of signs of aging, including reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and boosting the appearance of firmer and more elastic skin.

Benefits of Peptides in Skincare

So, what do peptides do for skin? Peptides are ideal ingredients for pollution-focused products in the urban environment, promoting the look of healthy skin. In addition, they are perfect for antiaging product lines targeting maturing skin, helping it look rejuvenated and balanced. Peptides can also have antioxidant qualities, further contributing to their antiaging benefits.

To be clear, peptides don't erase fine lines (and very few ingredients can) – but they do indirectly help to ease wrinkles by kickstarting the production of collagen. This skin-plumper helps smooth the skin from the inside out, helping to iron out those creases and helping fine lines to appear less prominent over time. Which is exactly why they’re in everything from serums and moisturizers to masks.

Peptides Used in Skincare

• Copper peptides: A common signal peptide that can stimulate collagen and elastin production
• GHK-Cu: A carrier peptide that delivers trace minerals to boost collagen
• Soybean peptide: A rice-derived enzyme inhibitor peptide that slows down skin aging
• Acetyl hexapeptide-8 (Argireline): A neurotransmitter peptide that can soften expression lines
• Pentapeptide-18 (Leuphasyl): A neurotransmitter peptide that can soften expression lines

Peptides in skincare offer a range of benefits including reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improving skin elasticity, minimizing inflammation and redness, supporting skin barrier function, potentially reducing breakouts, and promoting overall skin repair and regeneration by signaling the skin to produce more collagen and elastin, key proteins for youthful skin.

Key benefits of peptides in skincare:

• Anti-aging
• Skin repair
• Improved skin texture
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Protection against environmental damage

Important points to consider:

• Different types of peptides: Various peptides target specific skin concerns, so choosing the right one depends on your individual needs.
• Concentration matters: The effectiveness of peptides can depend on the concentration used in the product.
• Consistency is key:
• For noticeable results, it is important to use peptide-based skincare products consistently.

 

…be your own kind of beautiful

Jeri