Peptides are the small protein results formed when two or more, up to 50 in total, amino acid chains join together. There are a large number of different peptides that perform a variety of functions. Some help to build lean muscle mass, some help with weight management, some help with your body’s production of hormones, and others help the skin resist or replace the signs of aging.
The anti-aging benefits of peptides is relatively new in the cosmetic field, only being formulated in skin care creams, lotions, and serums for the past few decades. The value of using peptide proteins in body and face products has shown remarkable results. To date, there have been a lot of positive scientific studies, research, and clinical trials, done in conjunction with dermatologists. New, promising peptide discoveries continue to emerge all of the time.
The most amazing outcome of all these tests is how peptides work to encourage our bodies to produce and replace the loss of skin collagen. As we already know, our skin is our largest organ. And, our skin needs lots of collagen to remain firm, supple, elastic, and youthful. As we age, the production of collagen slows down, and that lets all of our flaws come to the forefront. You know, things like fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes, and dark circles under our eyes. And that is where peptide products come to the rescue.
Your personal results will depend on the maturity level of your skin. This means that for younger individuals, improved skin tones can be realized within a few weeks, whereas more mature skin tones that have a slower collagen replenishment rate may take a few months for noticeable results. Just know that more radiant skin will be achieved.
Another outcome of all of the research and tests is a lot of hard to pronounce peptide terms. No, I am not going to bore you with all of the details, but I am going to break down the information into easy to understand language that will be more useful when you are looking for a particular peptide ingredient in your anti-aging skin care products. Here are the prominent skin care peptides with their intended benefits:
COPPER PEPTIDE
This unique anti-aging formula of small amounts of peptides bonded with copper has skin healing and regeneration properties. Yes, copper is a toxic metal, but when it is used as a component in a peptide complex, it can be safely used on your skin. Some labels list this ingredient as Copper Gluconate.
HEXAPEPTIDE
These are 6 chain amino acids that reduce facial fine lines. One popular chain is listed as Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 on product labels. They function is the same manner as a neuropeptide, but they only target fine lines rather than more pronounced wrinkles.
NEUROPEPTIDE
The most popular two formulas of neuropeptide are Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 and Argireline. By relaxing your facial muscles, a neuropeptide reduces fine lines and wrinkles. They perform in a similar manner as BOTOX, but without the needles or the high price tag.
PALMITOYL TETRAPEPTIDE-7
This is a 4 chain amino acid is fused with palmitic acid, a fatty acid, and was formerly known as Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-3. Together, this formula reduces skin inflammation while also encouraging the production of new collagen skin cells.
PAMITOYL OLIGOPEPTIDE
This formula works in two different, but wonderful, ways. First, it works to protect your skin from the damages of environmental pollutions and UV rays. Second, it signals the body to produce beneficial hyaluronic acid and collagen deep within the skin’s layers. This means that you will have long lasting skin rejuvenation as the deeper layers work their way to the outer skin layer.
PENTAPEPTIDE
This wonderful formula is used in a number of anti-aging products, and it is listed as Matrixyl, a trademark, on labels. Because our skin’s reproduction levels slow down as we age, this particular formula has great value in signaling the body to produce more collagen in the skin layers that restore skin firmness.
When you are serious about maintaining a firm, glowing, flawless, and youthful skin tone, you need to use your skin care products daily. Once you have achieved your revitalized complexion, you need to keep using your products or the effects will fade away. Think of your anti-aging routine like a form of exercise. People who exercise do not stop exercising once they have achieved their fitness goals. They continue with the workouts in order to maintain their goals. That is the same way we can maintain our anti-aging goals.
The specific peptides listed above are exclusively formulated for anti-aging skin care. Whether used alone, or in combination with other peptides, they are today’s powerhouses in our effects to regain and maintain the most beautiful, smooth, and youthful complexion possible.