What are Peptides and How Do They Work?
Many skin care products contain peptides to reduce wrinkles. But what are they? Can peptides really make your skin look younger?
Collagen is a protein made up long segments of amino acids assembled together, like links in a chain. When collagen breaks down, short segments of amino acids are form; these are known as peptides. Peptides are more than components of collagen - these very small proteins are active molecules.
Human skin is comprised mostly of collagen, which supports skin and provides the foundation that gives it thickness. Younger people have ample amounts of collagen, which results in smooth, taut skin. In contrast, older people have less collagen and their skin tends to become thinner and shows more wrinkles.
Peptides Signal Your Skin to Manufacture More Collagen
Collagen is destroyed by age and a variety of environmental factors including sunlight, but is not completely replaced. As a result, smooth, young skin gradually becomes thin and wrinkled over time.
One successful approach for minimizing wrinkles and giving your skin a more youthful appearance is to replace the collagen you have lost during the years. Certain peptides are released when collagen breaks down. Research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) show that these peptides signal your skin that it has lost collagen and needs to produce new collagen.
Peptides applied directly to your skin will make it think it has recently lost collagen and has to manufacture more. The most frequently utilized “signal” peptide for skincare in this capacity is Matrixyl (palmitoyl pentapeptide). This peptide is very effective in minimizing the prevalence of fine lines.
Though research is still preliminary, promising evidence exists showing that peptides play an important role in repairing wounds and improving certain skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. Peptides are also involved in immune activity, hormone regulation and inter-cellular communication.
Popular Peptides used in Modern Cosmetics
Argireline (Acetyl hexapeptide-3) has been marketed as a safer, less expensive, and milder alternative to Botox (Botulinum Toxin). Argireline works by causing facial muscles to relax, thereby reducing the appearance of wrinkles. It is often complemented with Leuphasyl, which lessens the contractions of muscle. This is especially beneficial for minimizing wrinkles around the eyes and forehead. Octapeptide is an elongation of the Argireline molecule. By lengthening and extending muscles under tension, it can reduce the depth of lines in your skin.
Palmitoyl pentapeptide-3 (trade name Matrixyl) is found in a variety of skin care formulations and consists of two amino acids linked together attached to a fatty acid, which enhances its absorption into your skin. The structure of Matrixyl is related to the precursor of Type I collagen. Scientists at the NIH discovered that it stimulates the synthesis of several important elements of your skin matrix, including elastin and collagen. Studies have shown that Matrixyl may decrease depth of wrinkles by 27%, decrease skin roughness by 13%, and reduce the volume of wrinkles by 36% after four months when used on the face and neck two times per day.
In summary, Peptides have been scientifically proven to reduce wrinkles in your skin and reverse the signs of aging.
Peptide 6 contains Argireline, Matrixyl 3000 and a total of six distinct peptides.
No adverse side effects have been reported in the use of peptides.
Collagen is a protein made up long segments of amino acids assembled together, like links in a chain. When collagen breaks down, short segments of amino acids are form; these are known as peptides. Peptides are more than components of collagen - these very small proteins are active molecules.
Human skin is comprised mostly of collagen, which supports skin and provides the foundation that gives it thickness. Younger people have ample amounts of collagen, which results in smooth, taut skin. In contrast, older people have less collagen and their skin tends to become thinner and shows more wrinkles.
Peptides Signal Your Skin to Manufacture More Collagen
Collagen is destroyed by age and a variety of environmental factors including sunlight, but is not completely replaced. As a result, smooth, young skin gradually becomes thin and wrinkled over time.
One successful approach for minimizing wrinkles and giving your skin a more youthful appearance is to replace the collagen you have lost during the years. Certain peptides are released when collagen breaks down. Research from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) show that these peptides signal your skin that it has lost collagen and needs to produce new collagen.
Peptides applied directly to your skin will make it think it has recently lost collagen and has to manufacture more. The most frequently utilized “signal” peptide for skincare in this capacity is Matrixyl (palmitoyl pentapeptide). This peptide is very effective in minimizing the prevalence of fine lines.
Though research is still preliminary, promising evidence exists showing that peptides play an important role in repairing wounds and improving certain skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis. Peptides are also involved in immune activity, hormone regulation and inter-cellular communication.
Popular Peptides used in Modern Cosmetics
Argireline (Acetyl hexapeptide-3) has been marketed as a safer, less expensive, and milder alternative to Botox (Botulinum Toxin). Argireline works by causing facial muscles to relax, thereby reducing the appearance of wrinkles. It is often complemented with Leuphasyl, which lessens the contractions of muscle. This is especially beneficial for minimizing wrinkles around the eyes and forehead. Octapeptide is an elongation of the Argireline molecule. By lengthening and extending muscles under tension, it can reduce the depth of lines in your skin.
Palmitoyl pentapeptide-3 (trade name Matrixyl) is found in a variety of skin care formulations and consists of two amino acids linked together attached to a fatty acid, which enhances its absorption into your skin. The structure of Matrixyl is related to the precursor of Type I collagen. Scientists at the NIH discovered that it stimulates the synthesis of several important elements of your skin matrix, including elastin and collagen. Studies have shown that Matrixyl may decrease depth of wrinkles by 27%, decrease skin roughness by 13%, and reduce the volume of wrinkles by 36% after four months when used on the face and neck two times per day.
In summary, Peptides have been scientifically proven to reduce wrinkles in your skin and reverse the signs of aging.
Peptide 6 contains Argireline, Matrixyl 3000 and a total of six distinct peptides.
No adverse side effects have been reported in the use of peptides.
