Peptides are bioactive amino acids. They give botox-like effects yet they are less invasive. At the same time, dermatologists keep warning us against them. What’s the effect of peptides added to cosmetics? What are their purpose? Which peptides are worth using? Are peptides harmful?
What are peptides exactly?
Peptides are organic compounds that are formed through the synthesis of proteins. Since recently their synthetic forms have been used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry. Peptides top all other “ingredients of youth” infused into creams because they are able to reach deeper skin layers than any other substance. They owe it to their unique structure.
What are the skin benefits of peptide-rich products?
We already know that peptides are very smart and can get to the deepest layers of skin, further than other ingredients. How exactly do they work? They prove to be multi-purpose and replenish any substances that the skin lacks or stimulate the skin to produce the necessary amount of essential ingredients!
Their specific effect depends on a sequence of amino acids in the chemical chain. Generally speaking, they can play various functions in skin-care products. Peptides are ideal for aging skin as well as nails and hair.
Peptides – who are they designed for?
The effect of peptides isn’t invasive while the adverse reactions are rare and mild. Therefore, everybody can make use of them. Peptides stimulate the body to produce collagen and that’s why they make a top-choice among people who notice first signs of skin aging such as expression lines, furrows and loss of plumpness. Additionally, peptides strengthen weak, dry hair and nails that split and break.
Different peptides solve different problems
There are 3 types of peptides having a unique effect.
- Signal peptides stimulate fibroblasts to produce collagen and elastin. Furrows and wrinkles are reduced while skin heals faster. The skin looks way better.
- Transporting peptides deeply penetrate the skin providing valuable active ingredients. They intensify the effect of products on the skin.
- Neuropeptides relax the muscles blamed for expression lines. They are powerful antiaging cosmetic ingredients.
Which peptides to choose then?
If you want to reinforce the skin’s protective coat, reach for products rich in polypeptides – perfect for the wintertime, sensitive skin and when you spot the first signs of face aging. Lipopeptides trigger the production of elastin and collagen so they make a perfect pick if you turned 50. They aid the skin that loses plumpness so you’ll find them in plenty of antiaging creams.
Peptides in skin-care products – do they do any harm?
So far it hasn’t been showed that peptides have a negative effect on the human health. However, they aren’t flawless.
- the manufacturing isn’t economical, the price is high
- they lose their properties fast so products are filled with preservatives
- they aren’t resistant to bacteria so peptide-rich products are infused with (not always healthy) parabens
Peptides vs botox
The effect of neuropeptides is often compared to botox. It’s said that regular application of peptide-based products gives a botox-effect without the adverse reaction typical of botulinum toxin. This opinion flows from the fact that neuropeptides are able to relax the muscles which are responsible for the appearance of expression lines. Neuropeptides skillfully block the flow of nerve impulses into the muscle.
