How Peptides Help Your Skin

It’s not just your energy levels that start to decline as you age - your skin’s production of two of the most abundant proteins in the body, collagen and elastin, takes a hit, too. 

While collagen keeps your skin looking firm and plump, elastin gives your skin elasticity. But as you produce less of these proteins, your skin naturally becomes thinner and less able to bounce back.  

What if you could stimulate your body to produce more of these proteins? This is where peptides come in. 

Aside from a healthy diet and adequate sleep, adding peptides to your skincare routine may help bring back your fountain of youth. 

So what are peptides? And what do they do for your skin?

Peptides create the proteins necessary for our body to function including the makeup of your skin - collagen, elastin, and keratin. Peptides are composed of two or more amino acids and with other components combined, create large polypeptides known as proteins.

In skincare products, synthetic peptides can stimulate your skin to produce more of the proteins needed for younger looking skin. 

Proteins such as collagen have large molecules -  so when applied directly onto your skin, they’re harder for your skin to absorb. Since peptides are the building blocks of proteins, they’re smaller and therefore easier for your skin to absorb. 

When used consistently as part of your skincare routine, peptides help your skin by supporting:  

• Less wrinkles and fine lines. Peptides signal your body to create more collagen leading to a reduction in wrinkles and fine lines. This results in clearer and smoother skin complexion. 
• Increased skin firmness. Peptides increase elastin production leading to skin that can more easily bounce back. More elastin results in firmer, tighter skin. 
• Reduced skin inflammation. Peptides have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce skin redness and irritation. Peptides also provide calming effects to relieve discomfort due to inflammation. 

• Healthier skin barrier. Some peptides have anti-microbial properties to fight off the spread of bacteria like viruses and infections and antioxidants that heal skin damaged by environmental factors. 

With so many different peptides available, it can be tough to know which ones are right for you. Peptides come in lots of formulations and can have different outcomes. Which are the best peptides for your skin ultimately depends on your individual goals and needs. 

The most common peptides found in skincare, signal or matricin peptides trigger your skin to produce collagen and elastin. This boost reduces fine lines and wrinkles for firmer skin. Signal peptides you may see include palmitoyl tripeptides, palmitoyl hexapeptides, hexapeptides, carnosine, N-acetylcarnosine, and palmitoyl tetrapeptides. 

We use Matrixyl 3000 in our Night Shift Hydration Gel and All In Eye Cream. It’s been shown to be especially effective in reducing the appearance of deep wrinkles and fine lines. This peptide complex is made up of two signal peptides: palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 and palmitoyl oligopeptide. 

These peptides “carry” or deliver trace elements to skin cells performing a variety of functions including wound healing. This in turn stimulates the skin to produce collagen or elastin. Carrier peptides you may see include magnesium and copper. 

Copper peptides are the most common and may also have antioxidant properties to heal damaged skin and brighten age spots. 

These peptides prevent muscle contractions, reducing wrinkles and fine lines for smoother skin. Neurotransmitter-inhibitor peptides mimic the effect of botox. Common peptides of this type include acetylhexapeptide-3, pentapeptides, and tripeptide-3.

Tripeptide-3 peptides, modeled after a venom found in temple vipers, works by temporarily paralyzing or relaxing facial muscles thus reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 

Adding peptides to your skincare routine is an excellent way to promote firmer skin and fight the aging process. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Stick to leave-on products. Rather than using products like cleansers that wash off, stick to peptide products that stay on your skin for longer periods of time such as serums, masks, and moisturizers. Consider swapping your current moisturizer for a peptide-infused one like our Night Shift Hydration Gel which doubles as a hydrating moisturizer and serum. Then follow up with our rejuvenating All In Eye Cream.

• Start with a low concentration. If you’re new to using peptides or have sensitive skin, start with products that contain a lower concentration. Then, work your way up to a higher concentration as you see positive results. 

• Apply consistently. If your goal is to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, consistency is important. For the best results, apply peptides twice daily in the morning and evening after cleansing and toning.

Peptides for skincare not only help reduce overall signs of aging, they also provide anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial benefits to keep your skin looking healthy. 

So if you’re ready to try something new in your quest for perfect skin, give peptides a chance. With consistent use, you’re sure to see inspiring results.