What Are Peptides?

The Effect of Peptides on Skin Care

New skin care products and ingredients are introduced to women constantly. The surplus of new and innovative information seems never-ending, and which can become overwhelming and difficult for many of us to understand.

The addition of peptides to skincare products is among the most promising recent developments in the beauty industry. The inclusion of synthetic peptides in skincare products has led to remarkable improvements in the clinical management of aging skin.

In order to fully understand just how influential an addition peptides can be in skincare products, it is important to the basics of what they are and how they work.

Peptides receive most, if not all, of their attention due to their ability to stimulate collagen production. Collagen is a very important protein that gives our skin its thickness, support, and flexibility.

Peptides are molecules made up of two or more amino acids, and are known as the “building-blocks” of protein.

Collagen is related to peptides, in that it is bound together by amino acids and peptide bonds.

As we age, our skin naturally becomes depleted of collagen. This causes sagging, wrinkles and dark circles in the skin under our eyes. When collagen breaks down, it eventually breaks into chains of peptides, which communicates with our bodies to begin making more collagen.

However, thanks to recent innovative scientific studies, it has been found that peptides, when applied topically to the skin, can essentially “trick” to the body to produce even more new replacement collagen. This process causes skin to appear more youthful and agile, providing a scientifically-sound and painless alternative to more invasive anti-aging methods.

Peptides are able to interfere with some of the processes associated with visible aging. In addition to their ability to increase collagen production, peptides also have the ability to inhibit repeated muscle movements and stimulate wound repair. It is important to note, however, that different peptides have different functions. There are three main types of peptides commonly found in cosmetic skin care formulas.


1.) Carrier Peptides

- Deliver essential metals to the skin, especially copper, a trace element that’s important in wound healing. Copper also plays a role in both collagen and elastin synthesis. This results in reduced wrinkles, increased skin firmness, and improved skin texture.

2.) Neurotransmitter-Affecting Peptides

- Prevents repeated movement of facial muscles by blocking the release of chemicals that are responsible for muscle contraction (similar to Botox®). This decreases the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. One example is Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, also known as SYN®-AKE
[ read more ].

3.) Signal Peptides

- Signals your skin to either produce collagen or to stop breaking it down, thereby slowing the process of wrinkling, filling in the look of lines and wrinkles, and building a support structure within skin that helps to increase firmness and reduce sagging.

Palmitoyl-tripeptide-38 and palmitoyl-tripeptide-5 are two of the newest, most revolutionary signal peptide compounds used in skincare products. Research indicates that these compounds are two of the most scientifically advanced ingredients used to fight against the effects of aging and help promote the main processes associated with younger, healthier skin.

Both are essential instruments used to help maintain and improve skin’s natural elasticity and firmness, and to refine skin texture by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and by promoting wound restoration and regeneration.

Peptides can be great anti-aging ingredients to look for in skincare products. Not only do they amplify collagen levels, they also work to block uncontrollable muscle movements (responsible for wrinkles) and aid in the repair and restoration process of damaged skin.

However, like any ingredient, it is important to consider that peptides are most effective when combined with other active agents such as antioxidants. With this perfect cocktail of essential ingredients, you now know exactly what to look for to find the ultimate perfect product for effective skin care.