Every day, there’s a new trendy skincare ingredient that claims to improve your skin. Some ingredients are just hyped, but others are worth the hype — and peptides are one you won’t want to overlook.
What are Peptides?
Peptides, also known as polypeptides, are found naturally in the skin. They’re used in many skincare products because of their multiple skin benefits.
Peptides are amino acids that combine to form specific proteins required by the skin. Because collagen is composed of three polypeptide chains, adding peptides can stimulate your skin’s collagen production. Increased collagen can result in firmer, younger-looking skin.
Your body naturally produces collagen, but over time, collagen production decreases, causing the skin to appear wrinkled and less even and bright. That’s where peptides come in.
How do peptides work on your skin?
Peptides penetrate the skin’s outer layer, allowing them to sink deeper into the skin rather than sitting on top of it. They act as messengers for the other cells, sending signals instructing them to produce collagen and elastin.
What are the skin benefits of peptides?
The collagen molecule is too large to be absorbed through the skin. Many people prefer to consume collagen-rich bone broth or take collagen supplements. Peptides can absorb into the skin and be used by the body. Incorporating peptides into your skincare routine has numerous skin benefits.
Improves skin barrier. The skin’s barrier is the first line of defense against toxins and bacteria. Excessive exfoliation can harm the barrier. Peptides help in the formation of a stronger barrier.
Reduces wrinkles & fine lines. Collagen can plump skin and lips, and wrinkles and fine lines are less visible when skin is firmer and plumper.
Improves elasticity. In addition to collagen, peptides are found in elastin fibers, a protein type. These fibers give the skin a firmer and tauter appearance.
Reduces inflammation. Peptides help reduce inflammation, repair damaged skin, and tone the skin.
Do Peptides help with anti-aging?
Peptides are common ingredients in anti-aging and anti-wrinkle treatments. There are creams, facials, and peels available. Most formulations require at least a month of use to see results, and your wrinkles and other signs of aging may reappear if you stop using a treatment regularly. Because these creams, facials, and peels contain large molecules, you should exfoliate regularly to allow as many as possible to pass through your skin’s first layer.
Are there any adverse side effects to using peptides?
Because your body naturally produces peptides, they are generally well tolerated. Most people can use peptides without any problem, but minor skin irritation can occur on rare occasions.
Last word,
Peptides are amino acids that serve as the foundation for certain proteins required by the skin, such as collagen and elastin.
Using a peptide-containing serum or moisturizer can result in firmer, younger-looking skin, as well as fewer breakouts. Peptides are generally regarded as safe. While they are an excellent skincare ingredient, more research on their efficacy is required.
As always, Unsweetened Beauty recommends you consult a dermatologist before using peptides. They will guide you through the best & most effective treatment procedures.