Nothing shows a person’s age as much as their skin, so it’s no wonder that anti-aging products and general skin care items have created a multi-billion dollar industry across the world. While you may know many of these products by name, what you might not know is what’s going into them – particularly peptides.
Peptides are chains of amino acids that serve a variety of functions, ranging from the boosting of athletic performance to the improvement of fine lines and wrinkles on the skin. They are often the most powerful ingredients present in your favorite skin care creams, serums and gels. Below, we’ll explain what some of the most common skin care peptides are and how they improve the appearance of skin.
But before we go there, let’s be clear that no combination of peptides and other ingredients can turn back the clock. Peptides, while hugely effective at smoothing and clarifying skin, is not a substitute for cosmetic surgery or injectable fillers. Still, they’re worth looking into if you want to protect your skin’s elasticity and firmness to avoid resorting to surgery or fillers.
What Do Peptides in Skin Care Products Do?
Peptides serve a wide assortment of purposes within this specialty. First, let’s talk about what peptides are in this context. When collagen breaks down in the skin, it produces the amino acid chains that we know as peptides. These peptides essentially send a message to the skin, informing it that it needs to produce more collagen. Peptides that are applied topically mimic the sending of this signal, basically making the skin “think” that collagen is naturally breaking down.
There are many peptides that are used in skin care, often in formulation with two or more different peptides and other ingredients. Matrixyl is the most common peptide found in modern skin care solutions. This peptide is responsible for the visible reduction of fine lines.
Another peptide used in anti-aging products is Argireline, which is often touted as a natural and healthy alternative to Botox injectable fillers. It causes the muscles in the face to relax, thus diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
A lack of collagen can cause many different signs of aging, including:
- Hollow points in the face
- Wrinkles and fine lines
- Crow’s feet
- Thinner lips
- Sagging of the skin
The proper skin care solution, which utilizes anti-aging peptides, can combat all of these effects. While they cannot turn back time on your face, they can help to maintain its elasticity and fullness for longer.
