Discover the Wonder of Peptides and What They Can Do for Your Skin
As an esthetician and skincare expert, I'm always on the lookout for new ingredients that can benefit my clients' skin. Recently, peptides have become one of my go-to ingredients. Peptides are small proteins that play a big role in the health of our skin. They can do everything from fighting wrinkles to boosting collagen production. If you're interested in learning more about peptides and what they can do for your skin, keep reading!
What are peptides?
Peptides are small proteins that are found naturally in our bodies. They are amino acids that are linked together to form chains. These chains can be as short as two amino acids or as long as hundreds.
They play a vital role in the health of our skin by regulating cell growth and repair. They are responsible for everything from cell communication to collagen production. Peptides are also responsible for producing collagen and elastin, two proteins that keep our skin looking firm and youthful.
Your body makes collagen and elastin peptides on its own, but as we age, our bodies produce less and less of these important proteins. This is why wrinkles start to form and our skin starts to sag. Peptides can help to reverse this process by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin.
Benefits of peptides
Peptides offer a wide range of benefits for our skin.
They can help to:
Diminish the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Peptides help to diminish the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines by promoting the production of collagen and elastin.
Brighten the skin
Peptides help to brighten the skin by increasing cell turnover.
Improve skin texture
Peptides help to improve skin texture by increasing collagen production.
Reduce inflammation
Peptides help to reduce inflammation by inhibiting the release of inflammatory enzymes. They can help ease inflammation, repair damaged skin, and reduce redness.
Protect the skin from free radical damage
Peptides help to protect the skin from free radical damage by scavenging free radicals and neutralizing them. This helps to prevent the formation of wrinkles and fine lines.
How peptides work on your skin
If we already have peptides within our bodies, why do we need them in our skincare products?
When we are born, our skin contains a high amount of collagen. This is what gives babies that dewy, perfect skin. Unfortunately, as we age, our collagen production begins to slow down. By the time we reach our mid-20s, our bodies are only producing about half the collagen they did when we were born.
Other factors like sun damage, pollution, and smoking can further speed up the breakdown of collagen. This results in fine lines, wrinkles, and a loss of elasticity.
When applied topically, peptides can help to stimulate collagen production, resulting in firmer, plumper, and more youthful-looking skin. Peptides are essentially the building blocks of proteins like collagen. By applying them topically, we can help to encourage our bodies to produce more collagen, ultimately leading to healthier and more youthful skin.
In addition to stimulating collagen production, peptides can also help to repair existing damage. One study found that a peptide-rich cream was able to significantly reduce the appearance of wrinkles in just four weeks.
If you're looking for a way to help improve the appearance of your skin, peptides are definitely worth considering. Be sure to talk to your esthetician about whether or not they would be a good addition to your skincare routine.
At Kim Gallo Esthetics, we offer a microneedling facial with copper peptides. This facial uses a device to create microscopic punctures in the skin. This helps to stimulate collagen production and promote the regeneration of new skin cells. The copper peptides help to speed up this process, resulting in firmer, more youthful-looking skin.
Related: Skincare For Women Over 50: Easy Tips & Skin Treatments That Work
Different types of peptides
There are many different types of peptides that offer different benefits for our skin. Here are a few of the most popular peptides used in skincare:
Signaling peptides
Signaling peptides are the most common type of peptides used in skincare. They help to send messages between cells. They can help to stimulate collagen production, cell turnover, and the repair of damaged skin.
Carrier peptides
Carrier peptides help to deliver other ingredients, like vitamins and minerals, into the skin.
Neurotransmitter-inhibiting peptides
Neurotransmission is the process by which messages are sent between nerve cells. Neurotransmitter-inhibiting peptides help to block the transmission of certain signals that can lead to wrinkles and fine lines.
Enzyme-inhibiting peptides
Enzyme-inhibiting peptides help to inhibit the activity of enzymes that break down collagen. By doing this, they can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Skincare products with peptides I recommend
Many different skincare products contain peptides. I prefer peptides in serum form, as they can be easily absorbed by the skin. Here are a few of my favorite peptide serums:
Peptide Cleanser with PC10
Promote lifting and firming
Known as the “Red Carpet Cleanser,” the Peptide Cleanser with PC10 is an elegant blend of rich emollients, powerful peptides, and botanicals that promote health within our skin cells.
Peptide serum
Cellular defense protection
Activate the skin's self-defense system with this heptapeptide barrier repair formulation. This cellular defense protection cream reduces DNA oxidation, neutralizes free radicals and increases antioxidant capacity within cells to fight against environmental and chronological aging.
Atraxi Peptide
Nourish and promote regeneration
The ultimate age-defying moisturizer supports skin health with a concentrated royal peptide blend designed to slow down the aging process, normalize cell turnover, and brighten the skin's overall appearance.
Age Delay Cream
Moisturizer
An advanced, biologically active pentapeptide that stimulates the skin. Inspired by nature, backed by science, this innovative peptide mimics the royal jelly from majestic honey bees.
Daily use stimulates cell detoxification, delays cellular aging, and boosts skin cell energy for skin that's left smooth, radiant and glowing.
Bio-Renewal Serum
Refine skin texture
This ultra-light facial gel reduces the signs of aging by influencing cellular renewal. This lightweight serum contains an exclusive tri-peptide complex, which naturally revitalizes the critical exfoliation process that occurs in youthful skin. Refine skins texture and increase hydration for smooth, vibrant radiant skin.
Takeaway
If you're looking for a way to help improve the appearance of your skin, peptides are definitely worth considering. Be sure to talk to your esthetician about whether or not they would be a good addition to your skincare routine.
Peptides are generally considered safe for most people. However, as with any new skincare ingredient, it's always a good idea to do a patch test before using them on your face.
If you have any questions about peptides or whether they would be a good addition to your skincare routine, feel free to book an appointment with me.
At Kim Gallo Esthetics, we offer a variety of services to help you achieve your skincare goals. I will be more than happy to chat with you about your specific concerns and formulate a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs. Contact us today to reserve an appointment!