Peptides in skincare are a buzzword today. From creams to serums to lotions, many products available on the market now feature this ingredient.
But what exactly are peptides? What are their benefits? What are the best peptides for your skin? How do you incorporate a face cream or moisturizer with peptides into your skincare routine?
Read on. Here’s a quick guide to peptides for skincare.
What Are Peptides In Skincare?
To fully understand the role of peptides in skincare, we must first understand three other compounds in our skin – amino acids, collagen, and elastin – and the link between peptides and these compounds. +
To put it simply, collagen and elastin are two proteins essential for maintaining the health, elasticity, and firmness of the skin. These proteins are made up of amino acids. In other words, amino acids are the building blocks of proteins like collagen and elastin.
Peptides, or polypeptides as they are also known, are naturally occurring short chains of amino acids. They are skin-identical ingredients – that is, compounds that are naturally found in your skin’s structure.
Peptides play the role of a messenger – they signal our skin cells to increase the production of collagen and elastin. Thus, they help maintain the structure and function of the skin.
Why Include Peptides In Skincare Routines?
So, why should we use skincare products with peptides if our skin already has them?
Over time, reduced cell turnover rates, hormonal changes, and environmental factors lower the collagen and elastin levels in your skin. This weakens the skin’s natural barrier and reduces its firmness.
Using topical products, such as a serum or face cream with peptides, helps replenish these levels. The peptides in skincare products signal skin cells to produce more collagen and elastin and aid in skin regeneration.
Peptides For Skincare – Top Benefits
Choosing products with peptides sets the tone for a holistic skincare routine. Some of the key peptide benefits for skin include:
Stronger skin barrier
Our skin’s barrier, or its top layer, is what keeps the skin hydrated and protects it from environmental aggressors. Peptides are small enough to penetrate the skin’s outer layers to hydrate skin cells and keep the structure intact. In turn, this strengthens the skin’s barrier function from within.
Minimized fine lines and wrinkles
Peptides stimulate the production of collagen, which is a type of protein that helps regenerate the skin and maintain its elasticity. This plumps up your skin and makes fine lines and wrinkles less prominent.
Firmer skin
In addition to collagen, peptides support the production of elastin fibers, another form of protein that gives the skin its tightness. This improves your skin’s elasticity and gives it a firmer appearance.
Even skin tone
By increasing the levels of collagen, elastin, and other proteins, peptides promote healthier, plumper, and smoother skin. They also have anti-inflammatory properties to calm the skin, while some peptides minimize dark spots. All of this helps even out your skin tone.
Hydrated skin
Peptides are moisture magnets. Due to their small size, they penetrate deep into the skin to attract and lock in moisture. Using a cream or moisturizer with peptides improves your skin’s ability to retain moisture and gives it a hydration boost.
Lower risk of breakouts
Some types of peptides have antimicrobial properties. They fight bacteria on the skin’s surface to keep them from clogging the skin’s pores. In turn, this keeps pimples and acne at bay.
Antioxidant properties
Some peptides have antioxidant properties. This shields your skin from the damage caused by free radicals, oxidative stress, and other environmental stressors.
Different Types Of Peptides In Skincare
Peptides can be categorized into four main groups based on their function.
Signal Peptides
These peptides stimulate skin cells into producing collagen, elastin, and other structural proteins to make skin firmer and more elastic.
Carrier Peptides
Carrier peptides get their name from their ability to carry elements like copper and magnesium. These trace elements are known to support enzymatic functions and heal wounds to improve skin tone and texture.
Neurotransmitter Inhibitor Peptides
These peptides are capable of calming facial muscles by stopping neurotransmitters that cause contraction. They help soften expression lines and delay the onset of wrinkles.
Enzyme Inhibitor Peptide
These peptides bind with certain enzymes to block their ability to break down collagen and other structural proteins. This helps maintain skin elasticity and firmness.
