Peptides are one of the most famous ingredients when it comes to anti-aging skincare. But what are they in the first place?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids and are the building blocks of certain proteins needed by our skin, like collagen and elastin. These proteins are fundamental for a healthy skin, and they can affect how are skin feels and looks. If these proteins are altered due to external factors like environmental pollution, UV radiation or because we grow older, then we can evidence unpleasant effects like a change in skin texture, loss of firmness, start and progression of wrinkles.
Science on our side
Over the years scientists have managed to develop synthetic peptides for skincare use. When applied topically, these peptides absorb in the skin and work hard like messengers, triggering the skin cells to produce more collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid, etc. The result is a younger looking skin. There has been extensive research which has proven that certain peptides like the ones that we include in our formulas are able to address issues of aging and compromised skin.
Selecting the right peptides
There are different categories of peptides which have different functions. The selection of the right peptides depends on what our formulation aims to achieve.
Our Advanced Wrinkle Corrective Concentrate for example, employs a hybrid approach to fight lines and deeper wrinkles through a combination of peptides with different function. The included neuropeptides work hard to reduce the wrinkles caused by facial expressions and muscle movements. At the same time repairing peptides work together, sending repair signals to the skin which in turn starts processes like increased collagen and hyaluronic production.
Conclusion about peptides
Peptides are really important in the fight against skin aging and can be a very useful ally of your daily skincare routine. It is important, however, to use skincare products with a cocktail of ingredients that are designed to help you achieve your personal skincare goals. You must remember that peptides by themselves are not the holy grail and that you must incorporate a variety of products for the proper care of your skin according to its unique needs.
References
ALDAG, C., NOGUEIRA TEIXEIRA, D., & LEVENTHAL, P. S. (2016). Skin rejuvenation using cosmetic products containing growth factors, cytokines, and matrikines: a review of the literature. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 9, 411–419. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S116158
MAQUART FX. et al, 1999, Régulation de l’activité cellulaire par la matrice extracellulaire : le concept de Matrikines, Journal de la Société de Biologie, 193, (4), p 423.
RIZZ V., et al. 2021 Neurocosmetics in Skincare—The Fascinating World of Skin–Brain Connection: A Review to Explore Ingredients, Commercial Products for Skin Aging, and Cosmetic Regulation. Cosmetics 2021, 8, 66. https://doi.org/10.3390/ cosmetics8030066