Peptides are naturally occurring in the skin and the building blocks of collagen and elastin fibers found in our skin.
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as building blocks of collagen and elastin. These proteins are the foundation of our skin, responsible for its texture, strength, and firmness. Think of them as messengers signaling other cells to produce collagen and elastin. These short-chain amino acids create signals to your skin telling it that it needs repair and to produce more collagen. When used as an ingredient in a topical skincare product, peptides trick the skin into activating these repair functions.
Peptides in Skincare
Incorporating Peptides into your skincare regimen has many benefits for the skin. Improved skin barrier, reduced wrinkles, firmer skin, lessen inflammation and help clear breakouts.
When it comes to peptides, not all are created equal; there are more effective peptides than others.
There are five different types of peptides used as skincare actives: signaling peptides, carrier peptides, enzyme-inhibiting peptides, neurotransmitter-inhibiting peptides, and antimicrobial peptides. Let's look at what each one does.
Carrier Peptides
These deliver trace minerals to the skin to boost collagen production. These trace elements promote collagen synthesis, improve elasticity and help skin heal faster.
Signal Peptides
They send messages to different parts of the skin to promote the formation and production of collagen, elastin, and other proteins.
Enzyme inhibitor peptides
These work to slow down the skin's natural breakdown of collagen and elastin
Neurotransmitter peptides
They block the release of chemicals that cause the muscle contraction of expression lines. They are much weaker than Botox but work similarly to weaken the movement of facial muscles so that expression lines are improved and prevented. Think of these as your peptide alternative to Botox.
Antimicrobial Peptides
Our skin is a protective barrier against intruders. Part of our skin's defense mechanism comes from within. Antimicrobial peptides, also called AMPs, are small peptides produced in the skin's deepest layers and assist with fighting bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Once triggered, they travel to the surface to fight off potential pathogens. They play a vital role in balancing the skin's lipid barrier, supporting immune responses and wound healing.
When peptides are formulated with antioxidants and skin-soothing ingredients, they can address multiple aging signs, and you will love the results. If you are looking to up your skincare regimen and introduce the best peptides, check out our selection of products that utilize these peptides.