What Are Peptides And What Benefits Do They Offer To The Skin?

Peptides are the “building blocks” of collagen. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need about peptides and explain why they’re so important in today’s cosmetics industry.

Today, there are countless new products and various methods have been developed for aesthetic or cosmetic purposes. Such are also peptides for the skin. In this article, we will explain in more detail what peptides are and why they are good for the skin.

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

Although the body naturally produces peptides, collagen production begins to decline by 1% per year after the age of 30.

Because of this, the skin begins to lose its smoothness and looks wrinkled, flabby and unpolished. Because of this, many skin care products today contain peptides.

Various trends and ingredients are claimed to act as a “miracle product” to regain youth, but are the peptides actually effective? We will try to answer this question next.

What are peptides?

Peptides are said to be good for the skin.

Collagen is made up of peptides, a substance whose production begins to decline after the age of 30.

First, it is important to start with the fact that there are different peptides. They each have different functions and effects on the skin. Here are the most common peptides:

Cell penetrating peptides

Such peptides can cross the cell membrane. They carry minerals (such as calcium, manganese, and iron) that can raise collagen levels.

Enzyme inhibitors

As the name suggests, these peptides inhibit certain enzymes, such as angiotensin, which is found mainly in the circulatory system. On the other hand, these peptides help to stop the skin’s natural collagen reduction process.

Signal or transfer peptides

Signal peptides appear first in the synthesis of the polypeptide chain and indicate the target of the proteins. Once their “message” is delivered to the skin, they help promote the production of collagen and elastin.

Neuropeptides

Peptides of brain neurotransmitters are chemical substances made up of amino acids. They are secreted at the ends of nerves and affect the activity of several organs.

This prevents the release of certain chemicals, which causes muscle contraction. The aesthetic effects of these peptides are that they help smooth wrinkles and fine lines.

Tetrapeptides and hexapeptides

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

Tetrapeptides and pentapeptides act on sensitive areas (such as the skin below the eyes) and act as firming agents. Pentapeptides stimulate tissue repair, promote healing, and enhance collagen synthesis.

Hexapeptides help muscles relax by acting on dynamic skin wrinkles. They have a Botox-like effect, without the side effects of needles and the use of this substance.

Other peptides

The Q10 peptide promotes the synthesis of coenzyme Q10. Experts have studied its effects on sports performance. It is also considered an antioxidant that helps slow down premature aging as well as neutralize free radicals.

Last are copper peptides. Their properties are still being studied as they are evaluated by experts to inhibit the oxidative activity of copper in cells. The aesthetic effects of these peptides have not yet been proven.

Peptides are good for the skin

Peptides are collagen building blocks that are beneficial to the skin.

Peptides help keep skin moisturized, smooth, supple and youthful.

Peptides have a variety of functions in the body. They are the building blocks of enzymes and hormones as well as energy sources.

Peptides “resemble” cells in that they need to produce more collagen to replace the collagen already lost.

The main function of peptides is to assist in collagen production, security and replacement. The other benefits they provide are dependent on or the consequences of these main functions.

Peptides are good for the skin in many ways:

Humidification. Decreased collagen levels lead to dehydration. Because peptides help increase collagen production, they reverse or reduce the effects of lack of moisture on the skin.
Skin softness, elasticity and firmness. The immediate result of the recovery of collagen and moisture is visibly soft, supple and firm skin. It is good to remember that peptides also form elastin fibers.

Reduction of wrinkles and fine lines. Increased collagen helps to make the skin smooth and youthful. This is because wrinkles and fine lines are less visible when the skin is firmer and smoother.
Protects the skin. Peptides are at the forefront of protecting the skin from infections. Increased collagen production makes the skin stronger and more durable.

How do peptides work?

Peptides are amino acid chains and amino acids form proteins throughout the body.

Using products and treatments that contain peptides, the peptides penetrate the skin and send a message to the body’s cells to produce more collagen. It’s kind of like cheating the body to produce collagen.

In addition to the use of cosmetic products, there are other ways to stimulate collagen production. Some foods are high in this ingredient, such as gelatin, salmon, peppers and tomatoes.

What kind of skin care products containing peptides should be preferred?

In general, skin care products containing peptides are beneficial to the skin. However, not all of them are made in the same way. As already mentioned above, some peptides transmit signals to stimulate collagen production, while others inhibit enzyme production. However, most of the peptides act as water collectors.

In addition, the peptides can be combined with other ingredients. By attaching them to specific skin receptors, various peptides can produce a variety of effects such as slowing aging, moisturizing, preventing oxidation, firming or elasticity, repairing tissue, brightening the skin, and reducing acne.

When choosing skin care products that contain peptides, you should consider the following :

Make sure the product actually contains peptides. It is good to remember that sometimes peptides come under a different name (such as palmitoyl).
Select the most appropriate Product Format. For example, creams are more effective because they stay in contact with the skin for a longer period of time. This means that the skin absorbs more peptides.
No product contains everything, so you should make the choice according to your own needs. It is good to note that tetrapeptides enhance the elasticity and firmness of the skin, while hexapeptides help to brighten and improve the appearance of the skin.
Check what other ingredients the product contains. Some peptides work better with some elements than others. This is the case, for example, with vitamin C and niacinamide. Thus, it is good if the skin care product containing the peptides contains, for example, these ingredients.

Disadvantages of peptides – what to keep in mind

Peptides are good for the skin as they help to make the skin more elastic and firmer.

In general, peptides have no disadvantages, although they are associated with some rare cases of allergies.

Peptides may seem like “magical” ingredients, but everything also has its downsides.

First, the term peptide may be used too generally when referring to any short amino acid chain.

There are many types of peptides, and not all of them provide effects on the skin. Thus, the term may only be used for marketing purposes, even if the product does not contain ingredients that would help rejuvenate the skin.

More on the topic , however, made inquiries. Some peptides have already been analyzed, although only in controlled clinical trials, i.e., taken in small samples or in laboratories. While peptides may be beneficial to the skin, it will take time for broader scientific conclusions to be drawn.

The good news is that no adverse reactions have been observed, the peptides are non-toxic and have only minor side effects. Only a few cases of peptide allergies have been reported. The only significant drawback is that products containing peptides are often expensive.

Are peptides a source of youth?

Like many other products, peptides are advertised as by far the best treatment against aging. Peptides can be found in creams, masks and other products sold in major stores or online stores.

Yes, peptides can be helpful in skin care, but they are not miracle drugs. There are many other things that can help you delay aging: diet, exercise, hydration, and stress reduction. You should also remember that there are already peptides in your body.

The product containing the peptides should be used in moderation, no more than twice a day. Be sure to choose the right kind of product for your skin so that the peptides are best absorbed.

Medical researchers continue to study the skin rejuvenating effect of peptides.