This Ingredient Boosts Collagen
We’re talking about peptides, of course!
We know what you’re thinking. Here comes another trendy skincare ingredient that claims to erase wrinkles, reverse aging or make you look like you’re twenty again. Understandably so, many products are nothing more than hype and we never hear about them again.
Peptides are different. They have actually been on the market for many years and we’re just now starting to understand the science behind them. And what we’ve discovered is very promising. These amazing little proteins can help your skin look healthier, more vibrant and youthful.
What Exactly are Peptides?
Scientifically speaking, peptides are strings of amino acids. These are the building blocks that make up the proteins in our body. These same proteins compose the collagen in our skin, hair and nails. Without these vital protein chains our skin would lose elasticity and age extremely prematurely. In fact, in addition to being essential to the skin’s fundamental structure and normal functioning, peptides help to regulate every cell in the human body.
Essentially, peptides are important messengers that help our cells communicate while undergoing many metabolic functions. These little miracle proteins have multiple uses in the body, such as regulating hormones, enzymes and many more.
What’s the Connection Between Peptides and Skincare?
Why use peptides in skincare if every cell in our body has them? That’s because as we age, our own natural collagen begins to decline by approximately 1 per cent each year. That’s why by the time we’re in our 40’s and 50’s, we start to see progressive wear and tear, such as wrinkles and skin sagging. Therefore by using skincare products that contain peptides that act as messengers to boost collagen, it allows our skin to heal and our cells to regenerate faster.
There are many different kinds of peptides. Pertinent to skincare are four major categories:
Neurotransmitter Peptides – most commonly known is Argireline, it works to relax facial muscles, helping to soften wrinkles and lines.
Signal Peptides – Palmitoyl pentapeptides is commonly used in skincare products to stimulate collagen, elastin and other proteins in the skin.
Carrier Peptides – deliver trace minerals such as copper and magnesium to the skin, helping to improve collagen production and minimizing pigmentation.
Enzyme-Inhibitor Peptides – slow down the rate at which the body loses collagen, allowing the skin to retain more of its natural collagen.
What to Look for In Peptide-Containing Skincare
A major benefit of peptides is their small molecule size and ability to penetrate the skin barrier. Therefore the stability of a formulation is very important. You want to make sure that the ingredients that you’re delivering to the deeper layers of skin are potent and will have the intended effect.
Look for serums or creams that contain multiple peptides. For example Vivier’s QuintiSerum™ contain a combination of five peptides that have been shown to:
- Preserve and boost collagen production
- Improve skin elasticity and firmness
- Visibly smooth fine lines and wrinkles
- Increase skin hydration
- Strengthen skin barrier
Another feature to look for is a synergistic effect of other complementary ingredients such as Niacin and Vitamin-C. Adding anti-oxidants and vitamins can help boost a peptide formula, so that your peptide serum can target multiple signs of aging at once, such as reducing fine lines and wrinkles, fading pigmentation, brightening the skin while boosting firmness and elasticity.
Give us a call at 613-342-0220 to find out more skincare products that contain peptides and if they’re right for you, and any special offers here at BrockvilleMediSpa. We invite you to book a personalized consultation with Dr. Steyn or Nurse Vicki. Look better without looking different!
