The word peptide may be elusive, intimidating, and just downright confusing. But while its name may elicit visions of bright green soda drinks or a laundry detergent designed for especially colorful clothes, a peptide is so much more.
If you’ve been doing your research on the best ingredients for your anti-ageing skincare regimen, you’re probably familiar with the many purported benefits of peptides. If not, let’s break down just what all the peptide talk is about.
What is a Peptide?
A peptide is an organic compound made up of two or more amino acids. Peptides exist naturally in the body and are the building blocks of protein. Although they are a natural part of our skin cells, peptides used in cosmetics are lab-made and specifically designed to promote the production of collagen, elastin, and other proteins in the skin.
Peptides and You
When our skin is young, it produces plenty of collagen which is a protein that keeps everything tight and wrinkle-free. Since it is a protein, this collagen needs peptides to bond its amino acids. When we age, collagen starts to break down, and we need more peptide bonds. With a greater amount of these peptides, collagen production is encouraged and the skin is firmer.
Peptides and Your Skin Care Products
In recent years, peptides have been a key ingredient to many skin care products focused on reducing the effects of age on the skin. Since these peptides are so small, they can penetrate the skin and encourage collagen production. Once collagen levels are on the rise, your skin’s structural protein will improve, and this will leave your skin looking firmer and younger.
Peptides can be found in and applied via creams and serums. Many options are available both over-the-counter and by prescription, so consult your doctor to see which treatment is right for you.
Research and Effectiveness
One point which is debated over the use of these cream and serum peptide treatments is the ability of the peptides to be small enough to soak into the skin. Scientists may disagree on this fact, but results are still very impressive even when peptides merely moisturize the top layer of skin.
While individual results may vary, the effectiveness of peptide serums and creams have been researched and tested with very encouraging results. If you are looking for a solution to aging and wrinkly skin, talk to your doctor to see if peptides could help.
