The new craze in
the beauty products market is peptides. Almost every self-respecting beauty
product, especially the anti-aging creams feature one form of peptides or the
other. But where do peptides fit in the anti-aging picture? The answer is not
far-fetched. Collagen is the protein responsible for making our skin taut,
supple and thick, and represents 75 percent of the skin. But collagen
production doesn’t stay up forever. As we age, the body produces less of
collagen, and this leaves the skin dry and wrinkled. The problem becomes
complicated because applying collagen on the body through skin creams is not
effective as collagen has large molecules, which cannot penetrate the skin.
Peptides, however, have an uncanny ability to trigger the synthesis of collagen
in the body. This is why many anti-aging creams include peptides in their
formula.
Peptides contain
long and short chains of amino acid and share the same chemical structure with
proteins. When you break down collagen,
the product is peptides. Because peptides are active molecules with the ability
to stimulate collagen production in the skin, beauty product manufacturers
include them in anti-aging creams to improve collagen production in the
skin. Most peptides used in beauty
products are synthetic because, in that state, it is easier to store and
transport. If you are still wondering why peptides are in your anti-aging
cream, here are some of the reasons why peptides work wonders on the skin.
Peptides Stimulate the Production of Collagen in the Skin
Peptides help to
replace lost collagen. Collagen is the protein substance that gives the skin
the firm and smooth appearance when we are young. As we age, however, the skin
stops producing collagen, and this makes the skin wrinkled and thin. However,
peptides can reverse the process. The reason why peptides can do this is that
when collagen is broken down in the body, it forms specific peptides that
trigger the skin to begin collagen synthesis. Moreover, unlike collagen, that
has larger molecules; peptides are small enough to penetrate the skin surface.
So when you apply a cream containing peptides on the skin, it penetrates the
skin and its presence signals the skin to start producing new collagen, as
peptides are present in the skin whenever its collagen level is low. One of the
most widely used peptides in many multi-peptide anti-aging creams of
Annimateo is the palmitoyl pentapeptide with the brand name
Matrixyl. This peptide is said to be an effective solution to fine lines on the
skin. For a younger looking skin, look for anti-aging creams with this
peptide. While most of them are high-end
creams, there are also many affordable brands.
Peptides may help to Prevent Muscle Contraction
Laboratory
results show that a group of peptides known as neuropeptides can block the
release of neurotransmitters that are responsible for the contraction of
muscles, which lead to wrinkles. The most popular of these peptides is
Argireline. It is thought that neuropeptides can help relax wrinkles and give
the skin, especially the face a smoother appearance. Note however, that
research into the efficacy of neuropeptides as anti-aging remedies is still in
the preliminary stages. Nevertheless, they are used in many wrinkles relaxing
creams.
Copper Peptides Promote Collagen synthesis
When copper is
combined with peptides, what you have is copper peptides. Peptides can gain
entry into the skin due to their small size, and so they help to supply copper
into the skin. Copper is thought to aid the skin healing process, and copper
peptides are believed to be effective in improving collagen production, and enhance
the regeneration and natural healing process of the skin. Copper peptides have
featured extensively in expensive multi-peptide anti-aging creams.
Peptides have
been hyped as one of the best solutions to achieving a youthful appearance by
makers of anti-aging creams. However, to get the best results, peptides should
be used in combination with other ingredients that have anti-aging properties.
