It’s time to talk peptides and learn about one of your skin’s new best friends…
If you’ve been wondering why peptides are included in skincare products and what they can do for your skin, we’re here to de-mystify and break down the facts about these multi-tasking, super-heroes.
Peptides are found naturally in the skin. They are short chains of amino acids that are the building blocks of proteins in the skin. Penetrating the top layer of the skin, they send signals to the skin cells, telling them how to function. As well as being essential to the skin’s structure, peptides are found in every human cell and tissue, and perform a wide range of essential functions.
The largest skin proteins are collagen (around 80%), elastin and keratin. They are responsible for its firmness, texture, and overall appearance. Under the age of 30, our skin has an ample amount of these proteins, so that it’s firm and smooth. However, ageing, combined with other factors – such environmental onslaught, stress or UV rays – means that collagen breaks down, leading to the appearance of wrinkles, dehydration, loss of firmness, discolouration and a dull complexion.
When used in skincare products, peptides work to communicate different skincare tasks. Performance-specific, different peptides offer different benefits to help maintain and support the skin’s overall integrity. They can send signals to various parts of the skin to ramp up collagen synthesis or strengthen other proteins, such as elastin or keratin. They can help to hydrate, firm, brighten or plump the skin; smooth and soften fine lines and wrinkles, or reduce pigmentation; improve barrier function or offer an anti-inflammatory effect…. they can even help to prevent the skin from making abnormal melanin. What’s more, multiple peptides can be included in one product, allowing it target to your particular skin goals.
What to look for. No ingredient is an island and your product of choice should include a good dose of other skin-replenishing, anti-ageing or antioxidant components.
We love. Below, we highlight a just some of our favourite products containing these amazing peptide wonders.
Wow, it’s interesting to know that peptides are naturally found in the skin and perform a wide range of essential functions. Moreover, they also help to hydrate the skin and make it look more firm and bright which can benefit those who are struggling with sagging skin. Therefore, I would like to think if someone is working to produce a skincare product, it should definitely include peptides by getting it from a reliable supplier.