There are a lot of peptides to choose from. They all act similarly, but not the same. Each brings its own benefits to your skin. But what are peptides anyway, and what are the real benefits of collagen peptides for skin?
What are Peptides?
When you break them down (literally), all peptides are amino acids (protein building blocks). You may have already seen these as polypeptides, oligopeptides, and tetrapeptides on ingredient lists. However, peptides also appear as trademarked ingredients, such as Syn-Ake or Matrixyl.
Amino acids (and peptides) are the building blocks of protein, and specifically of collagen. Your body has so much collagen in it—in fact, collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, and so much of it is in our skin. Collagen fibers make up the underlying support structure of our skin. Influencing these fibers means we can directly change the appearance of our skin!
Peptides contribute to essential functions in the human body when digested and when applied to the skin. The greatest benefits of collagen peptides are to our skin.
Different Types of Peptides
How do peptides in skincare work? The three most common peptides in skincare are neuropeptides, signal peptides, and enzyme inhibitor peptides. It's a lot! But knowing the difference between the different kinds of peptides means you can make better choices for your skin!
Signal Peptides
Types of Signal Peptides: Matrixyl 3000, Eyeliss, Haloxyl
Signal peptides are also called matricin peptides in scientific studies. The word 'matricin' relates to how these peptides work within the support structure of our skin—remember how we said that this is where most of our collagen is?
By targeting the matrix, these peptides signal specific processes in the skin, mainly collagen renewal. After all, that's the one we want, right? And because they send 'messages,' these peptides are called messenger peptides, or collagen stimulators.
Encouraging collagen renewal is key to fighting the signs of aging. The levels of collagen in our skin naturally decrease over time. Luckily, one of the significant benefits of peptides in skincare is their ability to reboot our skin's collagen production processes! By improving collagen renewal, these peptides can help improve the appearance of fine lines and may support firmer, younger-looking skin.
Enzyme Inhibitor Peptide
Types of Enzyme Inhibitor Peptides: Regu-Age
This is a new category of peptides, and yes, it's a bit of a mouthful to say. Enzymes are like 'biological catalysts.' That means they kick start chemical reactions within the body. By stopping enzymes, it's possible to stop chemical reactions that we don't want to happen. Specifically, ones that contribute to the breakdown of collagen. Inhibiting collagen breakdown is a great step to preventing the loss of collagen over time.
Neuropeptides
Types of Neuropeptides: Syn-ake
Instead of creating signals in the skin, neuropeptides actually inhibit the signals. These peptides are famously marketed as "botox in a jar" because of their ability to relax the muscles underneath your skin.
It sounds kind of intense, but it works on the same premise as botox. If the muscle underneath the skin is 'frozen,' then it can't move the skin above it, causing it to crease. Over time, if the muscle is relaxed, the wrinkle above it softens. This is how neuropeptides may help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles!
Peptides Deliver Visible Improvements
As the building blocks of skin, adding peptides to a skincare routine makes a huge difference, especially when it comes to anti-aging. Because peptides interact with collagen directly, they are great for firming and plumping the skin, as well as reducing the appearance of wrinkles. They do this by instructing skin on what to do and what not to do. Specifically, peptides like Matrixyl and Syn-Ake are great for that.
Other peptides like Eyeliss, Haloxyl and Beautifeye are great to target eye bags, dark circles and crow’s feet. They're perfect for improving the skin around the eye area, which shows the most signs of aging.
You Do Not Have To Worry About Stability
One of the best things about peptides is that they're great in almost any skincare formula—serums, moisturizers, eye creams… You name it, and you'll find one with peptides in it!
Why does this matter in the first place?
Skincare packaging shouldn't be overlooked. For example, Vitamin C products shouldn't use jar packaging as it exposes the product to air too frequently, causing it to oxidize faster. When it comes to peptides, this isn't an issue! It means that the peptides in your moisturizer or eye cream will stay active and potent for the entire time you use the product.
No Side Effects Or Adjustment Periods
When it comes to adding peptides to your skincare routine, they're a total dream. Unlike other anti-aging active ingredients such as Retinol or Alpha Hydroxy Acids, there's no adjustment period. You can go straight into using peptides. Use them alongside Retinol or AHAs for a complete, effective skincare routine.
Peptides should be an integral part to every skincare routine. With all the benefits of collagen peptides, make sure you include them for better skin days ahead!
