Peptides help Anti-Aging
Want firmer skin and fewer wrinkles? Peptides can help,here’s What to Know About This Anti-Aging Skincare Ingredient.
What are peptides?
Peptides are short-chain amino acids that occur naturally in the skin and are a component of proteins. In cosmetics (or skin care products), peptides can mimic protein sequences in collagen and elastin and stimulate production, said Geeta Yadav, MD, a dermatologist and founder of Dermatology in Toronto. These are proteins that keep the skin youthful. “Many peptides are small enough to penetrate the skin,” said Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, a dermatologist at the Center for Laser and Dermatological Surgery in New York and a clinical lecturer in the Department of Dermatology at Will Cornell Medical School. As a result, they are able to have a more profound effect than skincare formulations that contain larger molecules that simply stay on the surface of the skin.
What do peptides do?
“In skin care, peptides are known for stimulating skin repair and inhibiting signs of aging,” explains Dr. Yadav. And they don’t have the stimulating effects of powerful anti-aging ingredients like vitamin A. Peptides work by telling other cells to perform tasks, such as increasing the production of collagen or elastin. This is crucial because the body’s own collagen and elastin begin to decline after the age of 20. Peptides also support a healthy skin barrier and promote wound healing; Dr. Murphy-Ross adds that some even have a mild botulinum toxin-like effect that relaxes muscles and treats fine lines.
How do you use peptides?
Many anti-aging formulas contain peptides. Skincare experts gloria Lu and Victoria Fu, co-founders of Chemist Confessions Inc., say the best thing about these products is that they work well with active ingredients. You’ll see them paired with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and niacin. Dr. Murphy-Ross says the most important thing is to use products that are in long-term contact with the skin — they give peptides enough time to function and help fight aging. So choose serums and moisturizers instead of facial cleansers.
Neutrogena Rapid Firming Peptide Multi Action Eye Cream
$30; target.com
A wake-up call for tired eyes, this lightweight formula brightens, firms, and depuffs. Health-Print-Jan-2022-The-Power-of-Peptides-Aurelia-Probiotic-Concentrate-
Aurelia The Probiotic Concentrate
$57; skinstore.com
The brand’s probiotic peptide complex—derived from milk extract—helps to kick-start collagen and hyaluronic acid production for smoother, more hydrated skin. Health-Print-Jan-2022-The-Power-of-Peptides-Thrive-Causemetics-Timeless-Ambition-Firming-Moisturizer
Thrive Causemetics Timeless Ambition Power 7-Peptide Firming Moisturizer
$68; thrivecausemetics.com
This easily absorbed gel cream instantly softens skin, plus it offers long-term plumping thanks to peptides and ceramides.
This article originally appeared in the January/February 2022 issue of Health Magazine.
