Image Source: Freepik
Maintaining youthful, radiant skin becomes more challenging as we age because our skin gradually loses collagen and elastin, the primary fibers forming the extracellular matrix (ECM). That network of macromolecules is essential for optimal skin health, playing an integral role in repair and homeostasis (cell renewal).
What can you do when your skin shows signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, an uneven tone, dryness, and hyperpigmentation? Can you slow them down?
The beauty industry teems with anti-aging creams, lotions, serums, and other products. Many of us have used them for years. The question is, do they work?
Research suggests that those containing one powerhouse ingredient can dramatically improve skin elasticity and radiance. That secret weapon against free radicals is peptides.
What are peptides?
Image Source: Pixabay
Peptides are molecules comprising amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. They’re chains of 2–50 amino acids with peptide bonds as the links. Multiple peptides forming long, unbranched chains create proteins, which are macromolecules crucial for your body’s health.
Besides creating proteins, peptides streamline cellular communication, sending signals to skin cells to stimulate collagen and elastin production. However, they’re more effective than proteins because they’re smaller. They can reach areas proteins can’t fit into, entering the bloodstream quickly.
Where can you find these tiny yet mighty ingredients? Well, your body produces them naturally. However, you can reinforce your skin by including peptides in your skincare routine and diet.
You can obtain peptides naturally through protein-rich foods like:
- Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cottage cheese
- Soy and fermented soybean products like tofu
- Eggs
- Meat
- Fish and shellfish
- Beans and lentils
- Nuts and seeds
- Oats
- Yellow and red vegetables
- Garlic
- Citrus fruits
Besides food-derived peptides and natural oral and topical peptide supplements, you can try their synthetic counterparts, ensuring they’re FDA-approved.
Interestingly, a peptide called BPC-157 is derived from a protein found in the stomach. It is known for its potential to promote healing in the body. Some people believe it can help with injuries, gut issues, and more, but research is ongoing to fully understand its effects. Currently, this peptide is not available for human use. However, researchers can- buy BPC-157online for research purposes only.
Coming back to the available foods and peptide products to promote skin renewal and enhance cellular vitality, enjoying glowing, youthful-looking skin, here’s what benefits you can expect.
Benefits of peptides in skincare
Image Source: Freepik
Peptides’ multifaceted benefits make them a staple in everyone’s skincare routine. Here’s why these unsung heroes of beauty deserve a spot in your skincare regimen.
Skin hydration
Peptides help your skin retain moisture, preventing it from becoming dry and irritated. Boosting collagen production is another way they improve hydration.
A study on oral peptide supplements found that collagen density and skin hydration increase after four and eight weeks of intake (respectively), and both effects last even after 12 weeks.
Reduced signs of aging
Since peptides signal cells to produce more collagen and elastin, they can make your skin firmer and restore its elasticity. That can reduce the signs of aging like sagging, fine lines, and wrinkles. They can also slow their appearance, making peptides your mightiest allies in combating premature aging.
Even complexion
Whether dealing with hyperpigmentation or blemishes (e.g., from acne or other skin problems), peptides can minimize the appearance of dark spots and even out your complexion.
You can primarily thank collagen for that effect. However, some peptides also stimulate the production of enzymes that play a part in melanin synthesis. Melanin is a pigment that provides color to your skin, hair, and eyes and protects your cells from UV damage.
Reduced inflammation
Some peptides improve your body’s anti-inflammatory response, making them ideal for sensitive skin. However, even if you don’t have redness-prone skin, they can soothe it in case of irritation due to sun exposure or reaction to hand sanitizers and beauty products.
Cellular regeneration and repair
Another benefit of peptides is cellular turnover. They can help your skin cells regenerate and repair, keeping your skin healthy and smooth. That makes them fantastic for wound healing.
Add peptides’ antimicrobial properties to cellular turnover, and you get a promising solution for treating acne and other skin conditions.
How to include peptides in your skincare routine
Image Source: Freepik
Besides incorporating peptides into your diet, you can add them to your skincare routine. Topical peptide supplements can produce the best effects if you use them both in the morning and evening. Apply your chosen product after cleansing but before moisturizing your skin.
You can also pair your peptides with other ingredients to supercharge their effects. Research shows that combining nutritional supplements containing collagen peptides with minerals, vitamins, and hyaluronic acid can significantly improve skin hydration and elasticity and reduce wrinkle depth.
For instance, vitamins A, C, and E help reduce inflammation, produce more collagen, and promote skin renewal. Additionally, niacinamide (vitamin B-3) can soothe irritation, while hyaluronic acid is perfect for improving elasticity and hydration.
Should you consider your skin type?
Peptide supplements are safe for all skin types. After all, your body makes these amino-acid chains naturally.
What about skin maturity?
Many anti-aging products cater to mature skin. That’s not the case with peptides. As naturally occurring substances, they’re safe for anyone’s skin, regardless of maturity.
Conclusion
Peptides are genuinely your skin’s best friends. These tiny messengers facilitating cellular communication can do wonders for your skin, rejuvenating it to boost its radiance and youthful appearance.
You already obtain them through various foods, but you can also enrich your body with more peptides through oral and topical supplements. Either way, your skin, hair, and hails will be grateful.
Sources:
https://nourishskinrange.com/blogs/beauty-news/the-power-of-peptides-your-skins-best-friend
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326701
https://www.health.com/beauty/skincare/what-are-peptides
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
