All About Peptides And How They Benefit The Skin

Nowadays  , there is an overwhelming amount of new products and technologies for aesthetic or cosmetic purposes. They include peptides for the skin.

Peptides are short amino acid chains. They are important for the skin as they are the building blocks of collagen and elastin.

Although the body naturally produces peptides, collagen production is reduced at a rate of 1% per year after the age of 30.

This is why the skin loses its smoothness and begins to look wrinkled, flabby and less shiny. That is why peptides are included in many beauty products nowadays.

Since there are many trends and components that claim to be “miraculous” products for restoring youthful skin, are peptides so really effective? We will try to answer this question below.

All about peptides: Different types

We need to start by mentioning that there are several types of peptides,  each of which has different functions and effects on the skin. Here are the primary ones:

Cell-penetrating peptides

They can cross cell membranes. They supply minerals (such as calcium, manganese and iron), which can increase collagen levels.

Enzyme inhibiting peptides

This type of peptide inhibits certain enzymes, as its name indicates. For example, angiotensin is found primarily in the bloodstream. On the other hand  , they help stop the skin’s natural breakdown of collagen.

Signal peptides

Signal peptides are the first to appear in polypeptide chain synthesis and indicate the destination of proteins. Once delivered to the skin, their “message”  helps promote the production of collagen and elastin.

Neuropeptides

Neuropeptides are chemical substances that consist of amino acids. They are secreted by nerve endings and affect the activity of various organs.

It blocks certain hormones, which cause contractions in the muscles if released. Thus  , they make wrinkles and fine lines smoother  when it comes to the aesthetic effects.

Tetrapeptides and hexapeptides

Depending on the length of the peptide chain, there are tetrapeptides, pentapeptides and hexapeptides. They all have different functions and effects:

• The former,  tetrapeptides and pentapeptides,  act on delicate areas (such as bags under the eyes) and are firming agents. In addition, pentapeptides stimulate tissue repair, contribute to healing and enhance and promote the synthesis of collagen.

• In terms of  hexappet times , they help soothe muscles by acting on dynamic wrinkles. They have a Botox-like effect, without needles and the side effects that come with this treatment.

Other peptides

Peptide Q10 promotes the synthesis of coenzyme Q10. Experts have studied the effects of this on athletic performance. They also consider it an antioxidant, which delays premature aging and neutralizes free radicals.

As the latter, there are also copper peptides. Experts are still studying its properties, as they estimate that they can prevent the oxidative activity of this metal on cells. However, its aesthetic effects have not yet been proven.

All about peptides: Its benefits for the skin

Peptides have many functions in the body. They are building blocks for enzymes and hormones and are also a source of energy.

It is important to keep in mind that peptides “tell” the cells to produce more collagen when it is broken down, to replace what is lost.

The primary function of peptides is thus to facilitate the production, protection and replacement of collagen. We can say that its other benefits derive from or are a consequence of it.

In particular, peptides benefit the skin in different ways:

• Hydration:  Reduced levels of collagen lead to dehydration. Because peptides increase the production of this substance, they enhance or reduce the effects of moisture loss in the skin.
• Soft, elastic and tight skin:  The direct consequence of collagen and the restoration of moisture is visibly more soft, elastic and tight skin. Remember that peptides also make up elastin fibers.

• Reducing wrinkles and lines:  Increased collagen means smoothness and a youthful appearance. This is because wrinkles and lines are less visible when the skin is tight and smooth.
• Skin barrier:  Peptides are the first defense against infections. Increased production of collagen makes the skin stronger and more resistant.

All about peptides: How they work

Peptides are amino acid chains, and  amino acids are building blocks of protein throughout the body.

When using products and treatments that contain them, they basically penetrate the skin and send a message to the body’s cells telling them to produce more collagen. In a way, it’s like cheating on your body. But in this case, the result justifies the action.

There are other ways to stimulate the production of collagen in addition to using cosmetic products. Some foods are rich in this substance, such as gelatin, salmon, peppers and tomatoes, among others.

What to look for in a skin care product with peptides

In general, they are beneficial for the skin. However, they are not all developed in the same way. We explained above that some emit signals to stimulate the production of collagen, while others inhibit the production of enzymes. Either way, most types act as water collectors.

One can also combine peptides with other ingredients. By binding to specific skin receptors, various peptides can produce many effects such as anti-aging, hydration, antioxidant, firmness or elasticity, repair of tissues, lighter skin and reduction of acne.

The following things should be  taken into consideration when choosing a skin care product with peptides:

• Be sure it does contain peptides. Either way, keep in mind that it can sometimes appear under a different name (such as palmitoyl).
• Choose the most appropriate type of product. For example, creams are more effective because they are in contact with the skin for longer periods of time. This means that the skin will absorb the peptides more.
• No product contains everything, so you should  base your choice on your needs. It is important to mention that tetrapeptides promote elasticity and firmness, while hexapeptides help in shine and appearance.
• As the last one  , you have to look at the other ingredients. Some peptides work better when combined with other elements. For example, it could be vitamin C and niacinamide. It is thus excellent if a skin care product with peptides contains them.

All about peptides: Contraindications and things to keep in mind

Yes, these substances may seem miraculous, but there is also a downside.

First  , the word, peptides, can be used generically to refer to any short amino acid chain.

There are actually many different types and they do not all have effects on the skin. It is thus possible that the term is used as a “brand” in marketing, even if the product does not contain an ingredient that renews the skin.

Studies are being conducted. Some peptides have already been analyzed, although only in clinical trials with control groups. In other words, it is small samples or in laboratories (in vitro). While peptides may be beneficial to the skin, there is still a long scientific path to be able to come up with accurate claims.

The good news is that no adverse reactions have been observed, they are not toxic and they have no side effects. Cases of allergy have been reported in very rare cases. The only downside is that they are often expensive.

Are peptides the source of youth?

Like many other products, they are marketed as the ultimate treatment for aging. You can find them in creams, masks and other products in online stores or malls.

Yes, peptides can help, but they are not miraculous. It requires a combination of different factors, ranging from diet and exercise to adequate hydration and stress reduction, to reduce or delay aging. One also needs to keep in mind that peptides already exist in our body.

One can apply them in moderate amounts, no more than twice a day. You should also be sure that you choose the right product that your skin will absorb in a better way.

Meanwhile  , medical researchers are still studying the effect of peptides on skin rejuvenation.