Peptides In Skin Care

 

I admit, I am always looking at new products with new ingredients to try.  I saw one I decided was interesting because the serum contained peptides. I haven't had a biology class in many years and I do recognize the term but couldn't remember what it was.  Peptides are also known as polypeptides and they are naturally produced by the skin.

Peptides are one of the amino acids the skin uses to make proteins such as collagen which is made up of three polypeptide chains, keratin, or elastin.  Thus when you use a skin care product containing peptides you are helping stimulate the production of collagen by your face.  Unfortunately, the collagen molecule is too large to be absorbed into the skin but the peptides can so they are easily used by the body.

Furthermore, our bodies begin to loose one percent of the collagen in our skins each year as we pass the age of 30. There are at least three versions of peptides.  signal, carrier, and neurotransmitter.  The one we want are signal peptides because they are the ones that communicate with other cells that it is time to make collagen rather than the others who have different jobs. There are some products which claim the neurotransmitter peptides works in the same way botox does to eliminate wrinkles but there is concern the product is unable to penetrate deep enough in the skin to be effective.  Carrier peptides are responsible for transporting trace minerals to the areas of collagen production.  

There are definite benefits to using peptides such as reinforcing the skin barrier.  The skin barrier is what protects the skin from bacteria, pollution, ultraviolet rays, and other things but it can be broken down by over exfoliation, exposure to smoke, and pollution.  Since peptides are used by the skin to produce collagen, the collagen helps increase hydration which plumps the skin and lips to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. In addition, peptides are found in elastin fiber which is another type of protein made and used by the skin. These fibers also help the skin look younger with fewer wrinkles.  

The actual way peptides work is that when they are absorbed into the skin, rather than sitting on top, and signals cells that it is time to produce collagen and elastin fibers. There are things you have to look at when selecting a product with peptides so you get the correct one.  The product should be a serum or moisturizer rather than a cleansing product so the peptides stay on your skin longer.  

In addition, peptides can be used in conjunction with vitamin C, niacinamide, antioxidants, or hyaluronic acids but never with alpha hydroxide acid.  Side note: do not use vitamin C and niacinamide together and more on that Wednesday.  Make sure the product you choose lists peptides close to the top.  It might be listed as palmitoyl which is another name for peptides.  Peptides are safe enough to use twice a day, in the morning and evening.

So if you decide you want to check out products with peptides, you now have a better idea of what they are and how they work.  You also know more about what type of product to select.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear. Have a great day.