What are peptides and how do they help your skin?

A new ingredient has arrived on our skincare wishlist and it is peptides. We explain what they are and how they work.

The world of skincare surprises us more every day. We could say that there is not a month in which a new ingredient or product is not announced or becomes fashionable and this time I am going to talk about the peptides that deserve all the fame they are gaining.

What are peptides?

Peptides, also called polypeptides, are found naturally in the skin, but, like other ingredients, their production decreases over time or under certain circumstances.

Peptides are amino acids that make up certain proteins needed by the skin. More specifically, collagen is made of three polypeptide chains, so adding peptides can stimulate the skin to produce collagen which equals firmer skin and delayed wrinkles.

Let’s remember that our body produces collagen naturally, but over time, collagen production slows down, which can make skin look more wrinkled, less uniform, and shiny. This part includes peptides that will stimulate our skin, more specifically that of our face, to produce collagen.

You may wonder why there is no skincare product that directly gives us collagen and the reason is that collagen molecules are too large for the epidermis to absorb, for this very reason many doctors recommend collagen drunk or in food.

How do they work?

The chemical makeup of the peptides allows them to penetrate the skin barrier more easily and deeper and in doing so “signal” the cells to produce more collagen.

Therefore, its benefits when using them constantly are:

– Reduce the appearance of wrinkles

– Gives elasticity to the skin

– Improve the skin barrier

–Decreases inflammation – It can

Help reduce the appearance of acne thanks to its antibacterial function

Where to find them?

Like almost everything in the world of skincare, you should consider asking your dermatologist if your skin (especially if it is sensitive or you have a dermatological condition) is suitable for including peptides in your routine. However, there are products that offer a number of peptides that are easy to integrate into your routine.

For example, Drunk Elephant has just launched the ProtiniTM Powerpeptide Rejuvenating Serum which, with its ultra-concentrated combination of 11 peptides, achieves supple skin while simultaneously treating dull and uneven complexions. Improves the appearance of fine lines, sun damage, and pore coarsening, and restores radiance, while effective water-strengthening ingredients (such as snow mushroom extract, sodium hyaluronate, and sodium PCA) replenish hydration levels. Antioxidant- and vitamin-rich fragrance-free plant oils (tocotrienols, squalane, green tea seed oil, and marula oil) soothe while adding a touch of lightweight moisture to skin.

You can complement the treatment and enhance the work of the peptides with the Protein Polypeptide Cream moisturizer that restores younger-looking skin with a revitalized appearance, almost from the first application. Lines, wrinkles, and signs of sun damage appear reduced, and skin feels plumped and moisturized.