February 14, 2020
Understanding Peptides
By Caitlin Traynor
Peptides are amino acids that send signals to the dermis layer. Peptides will signal the skin to do different things, from producing collagen to reducing flushing. They are the building blocks that make up the protein and they function by sending signals to cells to boost collagen production, a key component of youthful, plump and smooth skin.
Understanding Peptides for youthful & plump skin
By Caitlin Traynor
WHAT ARE PEPTIDES?
Peptides play an essential role in the human body as they are protein compounds, made up of amino acids, and are found in our every cell and tissue. As a vital component, our body would not function properly without them.
In health and fitness, peptides are used for building muscle, reducing inflammation, fat burning, and known to increase energy. They can also be found in protein-rich food, such as milk, eggs, soybeans and grains.
In skincare, peptides are often found in anti-ageing products and for a good reason too. As a protein, peptides are responsible for the texture and tone of our skin. While our skin naturally produces peptides, those found in skincare products are lab-grown and lab-grown peptides mimic the skin.
HOW DO PEPTIDES WORK?
Peptides help preserve the skin’s youthful glow by stimulating collagen production. Due to environmental factors and ageing, collagen production in our skin slows down over the years, making it thinner and more wrinkled. As our collagen deteriorates, peptides are produced which tell our body to, in turn, produce more collagen.
Thus similarly, when peptides are applied topically, it sends a trigger to our skin which tricks it into believing the body has lost collagen and that it needs to produce more. So by manipulating this process, the application of peptides increases the production of collagen resulting in a more youthful appearance and a maintained healthy skin barrier.
TYPES OF PEPTIDES
There are hundreds of peptides with various levels of effectiveness and functions in skincare. To make matters more confusing, most products contain more than one type of peptide - so what should you look out for?
On product labels, peptides can be found under words that end in ‘peptide’ or begin with ‘palmitoyl’ and ‘matrixyl’ is also one of the most common peptides used and its best known for its collagen-stimulating properties. Recently, copper peptides have been generating some buzz in the skincare world as they function as an antioxidant and are also believed to remove damaged collagen and elastin from the skin.
WHEN APPLYING?
Peptides can be found in moisturizers, eye creams, serums, and masks and are most effective when applied with the ‘cocktail approach’. When blended with a balance of antioxidants and skin-soothing and replenishing ingredients, peptide-enhanced products can be a powerful ally against the signs of ageing. Our NAC Y2 Pollution Defence Booster is infused with Moringa Peptides that shields and detoxes the complexion from particle pollution, applied to the skin on a daily basis, this booster will fortify the skin against harmful environmental aggressors and blue light. In addition the Celestial Black Diamond Lifting and Firming Treatment Mask is formulated with Goji Glycopeptides that tightens, firms and lifts to diminish the appearance of wrinkles and lines.
However, peptides can be vulnerable to light and air so it’s important to store the ingredients correctly it’s important to store peptides correctly to maintain the product’s strength and effectiveness.
Although the topical use of peptides can deliver great results, it is not a one-cure all for anti-ageing. As with everything, a well-rounded skincare routine and a healthy lifestyle balance are also necessary for maintaining radiant, hydrated and youthful skin.
Peptides are amino acids that send signals to the dermis layer. Peptides will signal the skin to do different things, from producing collagen to reducing flushing. They are the building blocks that make up the protein and they function by sending signals to cells to boost collagen production, a key component of youthful, plump and smooth skin.
WHAT ARE PEPTIDES?
Peptides play an essential role in the human body as they are protein compounds, made up of amino acids, and are found in our every cell and tissue. As a vital component, our body would not function properly without them.
In health and fitness, peptides are used for building muscle, reducing inflammation, fat burning, and known to increase energy. They can also be found in protein-rich food, such as milk, eggs, soybeans and grains.
In skincare, peptides are often found in anti-ageing products and for a good reason too. As a protein, peptides are responsible for the texture and tone of our skin. While our skin naturally produces peptides, those found in skincare products are lab-grown and lab-grown peptides mimic the skin.
HOW DO PEPTIDES WORK?
Peptides help preserve the skin’s youthful glow by stimulating collagen production. Due to environmental factors and ageing, collagen production in our skin slows down over the years, making it thinner and more wrinkled. As our collagen deteriorates, peptides are produced which tell our body to, in turn, produce more collagen.
Thus similarly, when peptides are applied topically, it sends a trigger to our skin which tricks it into believing the body has lost collagen and that it needs to produce more. So by manipulating this process, the application of peptides increases the production of collagen resulting in a more youthful appearance and a maintained healthy skin barrier.
TYPES OF PEPTIDES
There are hundreds of peptides with various levels of effectiveness and functions in skincare. To make matters more confusing, most products contain more than one type of peptide - so what should you look out for?
On product labels, peptides can be found under words that end in ‘peptide’ or begin with ‘palmitoyl’ and ‘matrixyl’ is also one of the most common peptides used and its best known for its collagen-stimulating properties. Recently, copper peptides have been generating some buzz in the skincare world as they function as an antioxidant and are also believed to remove damaged collagen and elastin from the skin.
WHEN APPLYING?
Peptides can be found in moisturizers, eye creams, serums, and masks and are most effective when applied with the ‘cocktail approach’. When blended with a balance of antioxidants and skin-soothing and replenishing ingredients, peptide-enhanced products can be a powerful ally against the signs of ageing. Our NAC Y2 Pollution Defence Booster is infused with Moringa Peptides that shields and detoxes the complexion from particle pollution, applied to the skin on a daily basis, this booster will fortify the skin against harmful environmental aggressors and blue light. In addition the Celestial Black Diamond Lifting and Firming Treatment Mask is formulated with Goji Glycopeptides that tightens, firms and lifts to diminish the appearance of wrinkles and lines.
However, peptides can be vulnerable to light and air so it’s important to store the ingredients correctly it’s important to store peptides correctly to maintain the product’s strength and effectiveness.
Although the topical use of peptides can deliver great results, it is not a one-cure all for anti-ageing. As with everything, a well-rounded skincare routine and a healthy lifestyle balance are also necessary for maintaining radiant, hydrated and youthful skin.