PEPTIDES

What Are Peptides?

Peptides are composed of small chains of amino acids that range in length from 2 to 50 amino acids. Since amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, peptides may be thought of as mini-proteins.

Many of these peptides are found naturally in the skin. They are proteins that the skin requires in order to synthesize collagen or other complex molecules. Collagen can be present in any human cell and is found all over the body. Collagen is what makes skin plump and firm and gives skin structure–imagine a newborn baby's full cheeks. Bones, tendons, cartilage, and ligaments all contain collagen. Consider it the "glue" that binds everything together.

Peptides are also the building blocks for elastin and keratin, all of which help to keep skin clean and supple. Collagen peptides account for 75-80 percent of the dermis, the layer of skin under the epidermis. Our bodies produce less collagen as we age, which can result in wrinkles and sagging skin. According to some figures, after the age of 30, people lose 1% of their collagen. Collagen degradation can also be accelerated by the sun, pollution, alcohol, and an unhealthy diet. Without peptides, the skin appears less firm and the texture can appear less smooth.

How Peptides Works?

Peptides can aid in a number of ways, including hydration and collagen formation, as well as wound healing. The benefit of peptides varies greatly depending on the form used. Peptides play a variety of roles and perform a variety of functions. This ensures that peptides communicate with the skin for everything from collagen and colour to hydration and muscle control. Peptides aid in instructing the body to focus on the injured region and heal it. Although certain peptides may aid in wound healing and reconstruction, others may aid in hydration.

Some peptides may have anti-inflammatory effects, while others, such as hexapeptides, may have a muscle-relaxing effect that may help to temporarily reduce the formation of fine lines. Peptides can also help to reduce the appearance of redness in the skin as well as fade it.

What Peptides Do To The Skin?

Peptides basically instruct the skin on what needs to be done. For example, if you tell your skin that you need more collagen, your body can react by increasing output. Since collagen is what makes the skin appear plump and strong, products that preserve and promote collagen levels may be an important part of any anti-aging skincare regimen.

Some peptide-rich materials may help increase hydration levels, while others may instruct a muscle to temporarily freeze, which may help soften the appearance of a wrinkle. Certain peptides can also make skin feel stronger and cleaner, while others may concentrate on collagen.

Reference Sources

• Jeong S, Yoon S, Kim S, et al. Anti-Wrinkle Benefits of Peptides Complex Stimulating Skin Basement Membrane Proteins Expression. Int J Mol Sci. 2019;21(1):73. Published 2019 Dec 20.
• Ganceviciene R, Liakou AI, Theodoridis A, Makrantonaki E, Zouboulis CC. Skin anti-aging strategies. Dermatoendocrinol. 2012;4(3):308-319.