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Professionals
Benefits of Peptide-Based Skincare Products
Sep 23, 2024
Over the years, the skincare and anti-aging industry has experienced a remarkable surge in popularity, driven by consumers’ desire for products that promise to restore and rejuvenate their youthful vitality. Among the most notable ingredients gaining traction are peptides, which are well-known for their anti-aging effects — improving skin brightness, soothing dry skin, and moisturizing it.
In this article, we will explore the types of peptide treatments and the proven benefits of using peptides in skincare.
Key Takeaways
- Peptides are building blocks for proteins such as collagen and elastin, which are important for maintaining the skin’s elasticity and firmness.
- Several types of peptides are used as skin care actives: signaling peptides, carrier peptides, enzyme-inhibiting peptides, and neurotransmitter-inhibiting peptides.
- Peptide-based skincare therapy can be administered in various ways, including topically, use of injectables, or via combined therapy.
- Peptides in skincare help to improve skin barrier function, smoothen fine lines and wrinkles, enhance hydration, and improve skin tone.
What Are Peptides in Skincare?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that serve as multifunctional skincare actives. Dr. Zoe Diana Draelos, a consulting professor of dermatology at Duke University School of Medicine, described peptides as “one of the earliest humectant moisturizer ingredients that functioned like a sponge to hold water on the skin surface.”
Precision Business Insights (PBI) predicted that the global cosmetic peptide synthesis market, valued at $221.4 million in 2023, is poised to grow at a 5.7% CAGR from 2024 to 2030. The increased demand for peptide-based skincare products results from their recognized effectiveness in stimulating collagen production and improving overall skin health.
Types of Peptides Used in Skincare
There are four major types of peptides used as skin-care actives.
- Signaling Peptides: These peptides are designed to communicate with the skin’s cells, acting as messengers to stimulate collagen and elastin production. They are the most widely used peptides and form the basis of anti-aging properties in many skincare products. Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 and Palmitoyl Oligopeptide are two of the most commonly used signaling peptides.
- Carrier Peptides: They help deliver essential trace elements (copper and manganese) into the skin. A well-known example is copper peptide, known for its wound-healing properties.
- Enzyme-inhibiting peptides: They are used in peptide treatments to directly or indirectly inhibit certain enzyme activity. These enzymes include Tyrosinase and matrix metalloproteases (MMPs 1, 2 and 9).
- Neurotransmitter-inhibiting peptides: They target facial muscles to reduce expression lines. Argireline is the most famous example of neurotransmitter inhibitor peptides. They are found in anti-wrinkle serums, creams, and masks and are often promoted as “Botox creams.”
Benefits of Peptides for Skin
Aside from boosting collagen production, peptides offer a range of additional benefits in skincare. Let’s check them out.
- Improving Skin Barrier Function: Peptides help to strengthen the skin’s protective barrier, which can be compromised by UV exposure and even harsh skincare products.
- Enhancing Hydration: Certain peptides, like aquaporin peptides, promote the skin’s ability to retain water, thus maintaining a plump and youthful-looking skin.
- Smoothing Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Peptides can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by promoting skin elasticity and firmness. Products such as Revofil Fine and Revofil Ultra are fillers infused with peptides to correct wrinkles and fine lines.
- Improving Skin Tone and Texture: By promoting cell turnover and regeneration, peptides can lead to a more even skin tone and smoother texture. This can also help fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation over time.
- Reducing Inflammation: Peptides on the skin possess anti-inflammatory properties, helping to calm irritated skin, reduce redness, and soothe conditions such as acne.
Types of Peptide Treatments
Peptide therapy can be administered in various ways depending on the treatment to be used. Below are three types of peptide treatments:
- Topical Treatments: Topical peptide treatments stimulate collagen production and improve skin elasticity by signaling skin cells to enhance their structural proteins. They include creams and serums infused with peptides, applied directly to the skin to stimulate anti-aging and hydration effects.
- Injectable Peptide Treatments: Treatments like Revofil Aquashine PTX deliver peptides directly into the deeper skin layers via injections, enhancing texture and firmness while restoring skin hydration and elasticity.
- Combination Therapies: Pairing peptide-rich skin care with treatments like microneedling or radiofrequency (RF) is a synergistic approach that allows for better absorption of peptides and maximizes their rejuvenating effects.
Specific Strategies for an Effective Skincare Therapy
An effective skincare therapy requires a strategic approach that combines the right products and techniques for optimal results.
- Personalized Selection of Peptides
It’s important to start by assessing your skin type (oily, dry, or sensitive) and any specific concerns you may have, for example, acne, eczema, or wrinkles. Then, explore suitable peptide treatments; consider looking into signal peptides for collagen production or carrier peptides for improved hydration.
- Pairing with Complementary Ingredients
You might want to consider combining your preferred skincare regimen with antioxidants like vitamin C to boost skin brightness or retinoids to enhance anti-aging benefits.
- Best Practices for Application
Begin with a gentle cleanser to prepare your skin. After cleansing and toning, apply peptide serums to enhance absorption. Next, use a moisturizer to lock in the benefits and provide hydration. Lastly, apply sunscreen daily to shield your skin from environmental damage.
- Consistency and Monitoring
For optimal effects, consistency is just as important as selecting the right product. Incorporate your peptide treatments into your daily routine, ideally morning and night. Keep an eye on how your skin reacts—if you notice any irritation, it is best to adjust how often you use them or check in with a dermatologist.
Conclusion
Taking care of your skin is worthwhile because it will represent you forever. Hence, integrating peptide treatments into your skincare routine is a great investment. It can significantly enhance your skin’s texture, firmness, and overall vitality. By selecting the right products and maintaining a consistent regimen, you can unlock the full benefits of peptides for a healthier, more youthful glow.
FAQs
1. What are peptides in skincare?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that serve as building blocks for proteins like collagen and elastin, which are essential for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. They help signal the skin cells to produce more collagen, promoting a youthful appearance and reducing wrinkles.
2. What benefits do peptides offer for the skin?
Peptides can improve skin texture, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, enhance hydration, and even out skin tone by addressing issues like hyperpigmentation. They also strengthen the skin barrier and soothe inflammation.
3. Can peptides be combined with other ingredients?
Yes, peptides work well with antioxidants (like vitamin C), retinoids, and hyaluronic acid.
References
- Marta Salvador Ferreira, et al., Trending Anti-Aging Peptides. Cosmetics 7(4):91. November 2020. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics7040091
- Zoe Diana Draelos, MD. Understanding the Role of Amino Acids and Proteins in Skin Care. Dermatology Times,(Vol. 44. No. 09). September 14, 2023. https://www.dermatologytimes.com/view/understanding-the-role-of-amino-acids-and-proteins-in-skin-care
- Amel Ibrahim. Here’s What Peptides Can Do For Your Skin & How To Use Them. November 5, 2023. https://cityskinclinic.com/peptides-skin-benefits