Peptides: Anti-Aging Solutions for Wrinkles and Fine Lines
Peptides, short chains of amino acids that form the essential proteins in your skin, can be one of your go-to to fight against aging signs. While there are a lot of ingredients like retinol and beauty devices coming to help you fight aging signs, these tiny compounds naturally present in our skin actually play a crucial role in various cellular processes. You probably have found skincare products with peptides as their ingredients a lot. Well, peptides are widely used in skincare to rejuvenate skin complexion, targeting wrinkles and fine lines Let’s get to know more about it.
What are peptides?
The proteins needed in your skin, including collagen, are also built up by the short chains of amino acids called peptides (polypeptides). Peptides are crucial for keeping the firmness and elasticity of your skin. To recall, collagen itself is basically a protein that is made up of amino acids.
However, as we age, collagen production in our skin declines. A smaller amount of collagen will make your skin lose its elasticity, causing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and saggy skin By applying peptides onto your skin, you will also stimulate collagen production inside.
Peptides that work by boosting collagen production in your skin are considered a gentle anti-aging ingredient, unlike retinol which works by scraping off dull skin on the topmost layer of your skin.
Benefits of peptides
Reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Certain peptides can stimulate fibroblasts, the skin cells responsible for collagen production in your skin. This stimulation will lead to increased production of collagen, resulting in the reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Increase skin elasticity
Similar to wrinkle reduction, peptides can enhance skin elasticity by promoting not only collagen but also elastin production. Elastin allows your skin to stretch and recoil. Promoting the production of elastin will enhance your skin’s ability to maintain its shape and bounce back after being stretched.
Improve skin barrier
Your skin barrier is the one responsible for protecting your skin against environmental aggressors like pollutants, allergens, and pathogens. Peptides can help strengthen your skin barrier, making your skin able to retain moisture and firmness.
Reduce inflammation
As you know, peptides can strengthen your skin barrier. When you have a strong skin barrier, your skin will also protect your skin from inflammation. It will also lead to a calmer and healthier skin.
What to mix with peptides
Peptides + hyaluronic acid
Yes! You can use hyaluronic acid with peptides. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant and retains moisture in your skin. By topping it with peptides, you will create a well-hydrated skin that will create a plumper-looking skin.
Peptides + retinol
Yes! Retinol and peptides are considered safe to use together. While both are powerful ingredients to reduce wrinkles and fine lines, they work in different ways. Retinol works by promoting skin cell turnover, where peptides fight aging signs by solely by promoting collagen production in your skin.
Peptides + niacinamide
Definitely! Both niacinamide and peptides are generally compatible to be used by every skin type. By combining the brightening power of niacinamide with peptides’ ability to fight aging signs, you will get the most youthful and plumpy look!
