Peptides 101

There is always some new skincare MUST HAVE ingredient and new ones are coming out almost daily it seems. We hear things like, "If you're not using (blank), you're missing out." Marketers want you to believe you're missing out so you buy their product with 'said' ingredient. Then, hard working people like you are left feeling ripped off when that ingredient doesn't deliver as promised. It's sad really, because we all want the same thing. You want to buy skincare products with ingredients that really improve your skin and marketers are only too happy to sell you those proven products. But not all ingredients are worth the hype - so we're all left disappointed.

But there's some good news… Peptides really work! Read on to learn more.

What are Peptides?

So to truly understand peptides, you need to know more about collagen.

A little science should do the trick! Collagen is an important part of your skin. It's a protein made up long chains of amino acids strung together. The long chains can be broken down into shorter segments of 3 - 5 amino acids called peptides. These amino acids/peptides are needed to maintain a healthy level of collagen - and reduce signs of aging and collagen plays an important role in how your skin ages. It is the foundation that gives your skin a firm, young appearance. When collagen levels are high, skin looks young and fresh. As we age the levels decline and wrinkles begin to form. While wrinkle-filling injections like Juvederm and other hyaluronic acid fillers can temporarily fill in the gaps, researchers believe that applying peptides might help your skin make more collagen on its own.

Types of Peptides and what to look for in products

There are many types of peptides, but for skin care, there are specific peptides that are used widely.

When you are looking at products, make sure to look for some of these:

First, the most popular are collagen stimulating peptides, such as Matrixyl.
Next, we have copper peptides, which are also shown to reduce inflammation.
Finally, some of the most innovative peptides are neuropeptides (which claim to relax facial muscles, therefore reducing the appearance of wrinkles, similar to BOTOX). The most popular is called Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 or Argireline.

How to use Peptides

For the most part, peptides take time to work (except for the immediate effects of some of the neuropeptides). Peptides are best applied in serums or creams for a long period of time. You can start to see results in 4-12 weeks. Keep in mind that upkeep is so important with peptides. Once you stop using them, you will notice the difference.

I firmly believe that you are never too young or too old to protect and care for your skin.