Peptides are quite a skincare trend right now and are gaining a lot of hype. If you too are wondering whether it’s worth investing in peptide-based products, and want to know more about peptides and how to select the best peptide-based product for yourself, this blog is here to help you out.
What are Peptides?
Peptides are chains of amino acids that form proteins, including collagen.
They are found in every cell and are naturally produced in the body. They play important roles in various biological processes and thus are essential for optimal body functioning.
Moreover, these peptides are also responsible for elastin fibre synthesis, the fibre that helps skin with its elasticity and firmness.
Why are Peptides needed?
As mentioned earlier, peptides contribute to various bodily functions.
They are vital for maintaining overall health and skin vitality. They help with:
- Protein Synthesis: Peptides are responsible for communicating to the body the need for collagen and protein synthesis, especially in incidents of wound & injury.
- Cell Signalling: Because peptides act as signalling molecules, they communicate between cells to regulate different cellular functions.
- Hormone Production: Some hormones like insulin and growth hormones are peptides only.
- Immune Function: Peptides help with the body’s immune response, and thus aid in fighting infections and diseases.
How do peptides work in skincare?
Because peptides play a key role in the production of collagen and elastin fibre— the two key elements that are responsible for maintaining a youthful and plump look of skin, peptides tend to be a great skincare ingredient. Moreover:
- Being small-sized, peptides can penetrate deep into the skin and can be absorbed efficiently.
- Being able to communicate with cells on a molecular level, peptides offer great benefits for skincare.
- Because they are produced naturally in our body they have no side effects.
Why do we need peptides in skin care when our body already produces peptides?
After a certain age, especially after mid twenties, the natural production of peptides in our body depletes resulting in collagen and elastic production. By adding peptides to skincare, we can take care of those skin issues and enhance the health of our skin as well.
Benefits of peptides in skincare
- Peptides as mentioned earlier aid with collagen and elastin fibre production. These collagen and elastin together help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and maintain the firmness and elasticity of the skin. Eventually, make the skin look more youthful and plump.
- Peptides can help regulate skin moisture levels, keeping it hydrated and thus resulting in skin looking smoother, healthier, and less prone to dryness.
- Some peptides also have antioxidant properties, which means they fight off free radicals— the harmful molecules that are responsible for premature ageing. Fighting these free radical peptides helps with anti-ageing benefits and protects the skin from damage.
- Peptides soothe and calm irritated skin, reducing redness and inflammation.
- Peptides can prevent acne breakouts and improve skin clarity.
- Peptides are also known to fasten the healing process of wounds, promoting tissue repair and regeneration.
- Peptide can increase cell turnover improving skin tone and reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
What are the different types of peptides in skincare?
There are primarily five types of peptides used as skincare actives:
Signal Peptides
Use this to Stimulate collagen and elastin production.
- How they work: Signal peptides communicate with cells and signal them to produce more collagen and elastin, which in turn improves skin elasticity, and firmness, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Carrier Peptides
Use this to Deliver other active ingredients to the skin.
- How they work: Carrier peptides can transport ingredients, such as antioxidants or growth factors, deeper into the skin layers, enhancing their effectiveness.
Neurotransmitter Peptides
Use this to Relax facial muscles and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
- How they work: These peptides mimic the action of neurotransmitters and block muscle contractions.
Antimicrobial Peptides
Use this to Fight acne and other skin infections.
- How they work: Antimicrobial peptides have natural antibacterial and antifungal properties
Enzyme-Inhibitor Peptides
Use this to Brighten the skin and reduce hyperpigmentation.
- How they work: Enzyme-inhibitor peptides can target specific enzymes involved in melanin production, and reduce the amount of melanin produced thus lightening dark spots and uneven skin tone.
Note: It's important to remember that the effectiveness of peptides can vary depending on factors like concentration, formulation, and individual skin type. Consulting with a dermatologist or skin care professional can help you determine which peptide types are best suited to your specific skin goals.
Popular Peptide Ingredients
- Matrixyl 3000: Helps reduce wrinkles and improve skin firmness.
- Argireline: Temporarily reduces the appearance of wrinkles by relaxing facial muscles.
- Copper Tripeptide-1: Promotes skin elasticity by stimulating collagen and elastin production.
- Acetyl Hexapeptide-8: Helps in relaxing facial muscles and reducing wrinkles.
- Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4: Reduces the appearance of deep wrinkles and improves skin firmness.
- Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 has anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce redness, irritation, and inflammation.
- Hexapeptide-9 is known to promote skin cell regeneration and improve skin texture. It also addresses skin issues like dullness, uneven skin tone, and premature ageing.
- Tripeptide-1 is another collagen booster peptide and helps enhance skin hydration.
Peptide Cocktails: A Synergistic Approach
The skincare industry nowadays is seeing more and more new peptide cocktails in products that combine multiple peptides that have complementary benefits to:
- Address various skin concerns simultaneously.
- Increase the effectiveness of each peptide.
- Provide a wider range of benefits.
These cocktail formulations are often found in anti-ageing creams, serums, and eye creams.
The specific peptides included in a cocktail depend on who the final product is being curated for and for what skin concerns.
Note: If you’re looking to try peptide-based skincare research different options and choose a product that aligns with your specific skin concerns.