The human body makes peptides, strings of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. And there’s a lot of buzz about what these tiny molecules can do for your skin, muscles and even your weight. But what are they, exactly, and do they live up to the hype?
In the world of skincare, peptides are one of the newest ingredients to hit the beauty scene. They help reactivate and strengthen your skin’s natural processes and create balance to achieve the radiant glow we all strive for. But if you’re just starting out with these potent beauty secrets, it can be hard to know which ones to use and how to integrate them into your routine.
Aside from being a powerhouse in the world of skin care, peptides have been shown to improve various health and fitness outcomes including immune system health, muscle growth and strength, libido enhancement, sleep regulation and weight loss. They also have the ability to help reduce aging-related symptoms like joint inflammation and degeneration.
Peptides can be found naturally in our bodies, and in foods like eggs and milk. But they’re also available as dietary supplements and in the form of topical creams, lotions and nasal sprays. Because peptides are so small, they’re able to easily absorb into the bloodstream and target specific areas where the body needs support.
The peptides we’re talking about here aren’t the “flaky chicken breast” ones you might be familiar with, but rather a more sophisticated and powerful form known as dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 and other tetrapeptides. They are a class of proteins that act as natural growth factors to stimulate collagen and elastin fiber production, while simultaneously softening laughter lines and wrinkles.
As a result, they are ideal for all skin types, but especially those with dry or sensitive skin because they’re very gentle and non-irritating. They can also be mixed with other skincare products, though it’s best to layer them in the order mentioned above for maximum effect.
What are the most important things to keep in mind when choosing a peptide-based product? CL: When it comes to choosing a peptide-based product, it’s essential that you choose something that is easily absorbed by the skin. The type of product that works best for you will depend on your skin type, but a serum tends to work better than a cream because it allows the peptides to penetrate into deeper layers of the skin.
It’s also helpful to look for a product that doesn’t contain any artificial fragrances, colors or parabens. While these aren’t necessarily harmful, they can interfere with the efficacy of the product. Lastly, it’s always a good idea to test out a new product on a patch of your skin first. If you experience any irritation, it’s important to stop using the product immediately. And if your skin isn’t responding as expected, it may be time to talk to your dermatologist. They can recommend a different formula or suggest an alternative to get the results you’re looking for.
