Peptides are amino-acid microchains widely used in the anti-aging industry due to their potential ability to address specific skin concerns such as wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of elasticity. Peptides permeate the deeper layers of your skin, activating essential biological functions such as collagen production, cell repair, and regeneration mechanisms to promote healthy-looking skin over time.
Let’s take a look at some ways peptides are used in anti-aging skincare treatments.
Peptides can stimulate collagen production in the skin, which promotes increased skin elasticity and a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles.
Some peptides, like oligopeptides, can help correct uneven pigmentation caused by age or sun damage.
Peptides can help penetrate deeper into the skin to deliver active ingredients such as antioxidants that protect against the effects of free radicals which cause premature aging.
Some peptides have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation caused by UV exposure or other environmental irritants.
Peptides can aid in locking moisture into the skin, leading to a more plump and hydrated appearance while reducing dryness and flakiness on the skin’s surface.
Overall, peptides play a significant role in promoting healthy-looking skin while helping address specific anti-aging concerns. Combining peptides with other scientifically proven skincare products can lead to optimal long-term results.
This section will discuss peptides’ role in collagen production and hormones.
As we discussed earlier, peptides are amino acids made by your body. Collagen, in particular, comprises three peptide chains, and using skincare products that contain collagen can stimulate collagen production in your skin.
Peptide hormones act as chemical messengers in the body. Peptide hormones are water-soluble and have shorter lifespans than steroid hormones, and they are built from the protein you consume.
Cells can release peptides through either constitutive secretion or regulative secretion. In constitutive secretion, signals received by the DNA stimulate the cells to create hormones. Excess hormones are stored in biological containers called vesicles and can be released and used whenever your body needs them. In regulative secretion, the cells secrete proteins primarily when the cell detects a specific signal.
Because they are water-soluble, peptides can move through the bloodstream. However, they cannot get through the plasma membrane that covers the target cell because it is a lipid layer that only fat-soluble hormones can move through.
In this section, we will discuss three types of peptides used in anti-aging: copper peptides, matrixyl peptides, and hexapeptide-11.
Copper peptides (GHK-Cu) are a popular anti-aging peptide used to help stimulate collagen production, increase skin elasticity, and reduce wrinkles over time.
This type of peptide also provides benefits for your hair, such as hair follicle stimulation through increased blood flow and maintaining hair color.
Matrixyl is a peptide that can help combat the damaging effects of UV radiation by boosting collagen production and promoting skin repair.
The active ingredient in Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide) helps encourage the growth of new collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, which allows the refilling of wrinkles naturally from within the skin. You can usually begin to see results within two months of use.
Hexapeptide-11 is a signaling peptide of amino acids such as alanine, phenylalanine, proline, and valine. It positively affects skin elasticity and other factors related to firmness and hydration and contains antioxidant properties that help protect your skin against environmental stressors.
Additionally, hexapeptide-11 may improve the skin’s healthspan (longevity) due to how it interacts with senescent cells (cells that no longer perform their usual functions).
This type of peptide is available as a powder or liquid solution.
This section will examine the potential benefits of peptides in anti-aging, including a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, improvement in skin elasticity and firmness, a boost in skin hydration, and brighter and more even skin tone.
Collagen peptides can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. During aging, your body produces less collagen and elastin fibers, weakening your skin and forming fine lines and wrinkles. Peptides work to help smoothen your skin by increasing collagen production and improving elasticity.
Peptides used in skin care products can also lead to an improvement in skin elasticity and firmness. Topical peptides reinforce the shape, firmness, and elasticity of your skin.
Peptides also go hand-in-hand with other proteins like elastin and keratin. Together, they can strengthen the elastin, keratin, and connective tissues in the dermis, which helps skin recover and regain strength.
Anti-aging peptides can also boost skin hydration, according to one study. In the study, participants took oral collagen peptide supplements for 12 weeks. After four weeks of supplementation, the collagen density in the dermis increased, and the fragmentation of the dermal collagen network significantly decreased, and these effects continued after 12 weeks. Skin hydration increased dramatically after eight weeks of intake.
Peptide use can also result in brighter and more even skin tone. Hyperpigmentation occurs when parts of your skin produce too much melanin or pigment, which can cause skin discoloration issues such as age spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
These cosmetic concerns are common for both men and women, and specific peptides may help to brighten and even the appearance of skin affected by pigmentation issues.
Although peptides are safe to use, there are some risks of peptide use that you need to be aware of before you decide to use them.
Your family health history, overall personal health, and physical fitness will affect how your body responds to peptides, and the method of administration directly correlates to the effectiveness of the peptides. For example, oral peptides may not enter your bloodstream and break down as they should, reducing the treatment’s effectiveness. Speak to your doctor about any side effects you experience while taking peptides.
If you have a skin condition or allergies and use topical peptides, you may experience a reaction such as itching, rash, or skin sensitivity. You may be unable to use peptide therapy if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you choose peptide supplements, you must take them only as directed and not overuse them. A study on peptide hormone abuse in exercise and sports found that abusing peptide hormones can cause arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, headaches, hypothyroidism, motor paralysis, skeletal muscle damage, loss, sweating, and vomiting. Abuse of peptide hormones can also enhance your risk for atherosclerosis, cancer, osteoporosis, and thrombosis.
Peptides are available via oral supplements or topically in skincare products. There are several ways peptides are used in anti-aging skincare routines.
Peptides are naturally present in many protein-rich foods, such as:
In addition to getting peptides by eating high-protein foods, you can also take oral peptide supplements. These supplements deliver peptides through the digestive and circulatory systems. That said, gastrointestinal acids often break down the peptide bonds into individual amino acids before circulation, delivering those amino acids to every tissue in the body, not just the skin.
Topical peptide supplements are a more straightforward way of using peptides for anti-aging and skincare purposes. Because peptides are so small, they can penetrate the skin rather than sit atop the skin like other skincare ingredients. Topical peptide skincare products include face wash, masks, creams, and serums.
How frequently you use a topical peptide as part of your skincare routine will depend on your preferences, the manufacturer’s directions, and your skin type. Twice-a-day application in the morning and at night typically works best for most people. Peptide creams and serums that can be safely left on the skin usually deliver better results than topical products. Peptide products pair well with many other standard skincare products. Hyaluronic acids and vitamin C can boost the effectiveness of peptides.
Although peptide products are generally safe, consult a medical professional before taking oral or topical peptide supplements. A doctor can help you determine if you are at an increased risk of adverse side effects from peptides and what specific peptides to use.
The effectiveness of peptide supplements varies from person to person based on family health history, personal well-being, and physical fitness. Topical and injectable peptide products are more straightforward approaches than oral supplements. Sometimes oral peptide supplements do not break down correctly, and this can make them less effective.
It is common to experience skin irritation, rash, or itching after using topical peptide skincare products. You may be more likely to experience these side effects with sensitive skin.
When applied topically or injected into the body under medical supervision, certain peptides can help boost natural anti-aging processes. Although peptide supplements and skincare products are available over-the-counter, it is a good idea to consult with your doctor before using peptide products because your doctor can give you reliable advice on whether peptides are suitable for your needs. They can guide you on which peptides to use for the best results.
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I've seen firsthand the impact of this charity's work. They turned my darkest days into hope and healing. I'll forever be grateful to them.
I've seen firsthand the impact of this charity's work. They turned my darkest days into hope and healing. I'll forever be grateful to them.
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