Peptides are one of the most popular ingredients in anti-aging skincare, thanks to their well-proven track record of putting a pause on collagen breakdown, tightening the skin, and reducing inflammation. 

But what makes them so unique?

How Peptides Work

Our body produces peptides in the form of amino acid chains, which form the critical protein building blocks of our skin: collagen and elastin. When we injure ourselves, these peptides signal our body to produce more collagen to start the healing process.

When you introduce topical peptides into your skincare routine, they can “trick” your cells into thinking you have a wound that needs healing, kicking off an increase in collagen production and transforming aging skin. 

The best peptide skincare products sit on the skin in the form of moisturizers, serums, and creams rather than cleansers. Otherwise, you’re washing the active ingredient down the drain before it has a chance to penetrate the skin barrier.

Peptide Benefits

After the age of 20, our natural ability to transform these amino acid chains into skin matrix proteins reduces by around 1% each year, resulting in skin laxity, fine lines, and wrinkles. Peptides can “pause” this process, resulting in a bevy of benefits that include:

  • Plumping and tightening skin by increasing collagen production. 
  • Reducing skin laxity by creating elastin fibers. 
  • Clearing breakouts thanks to peptides’ antimicrobial properties. 
  • Building up the skin barrier, helping protect against UV radiation, bacteria, and moisture loss. 
  • Easing inflammation.
  • Improving wound healing and reducing scar formation. 

This skincare superstar also works well with other anti-aging ingredients, such as vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants.

Types of Peptides

You’ll find four types of peptides in skincare products: signal, enzyme-inhibitor, carrier, and neurotransmitter. Each affects our cells differently, but they work best together in potent, multi-peptide formulas. 

Signal Peptides

Signal peptides directly interact with your skin cells, prompting them to make the essential skin matrix proteins collagen and elastin. They’ve also been shown to reduce age spots, firm the skin, reduce inflammation, and improve the skin barrier. 

Ingredients to Look For

Tetrapeptide-21, tetrapeptide TKEK, carnosine, N-acetylcarnosine, palmitoyl peptides, hexapeptide-11, hexapeptide-14, palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, palmitoyl oligopeptide-7

Enzyme-Inhibitor Peptides

Many of the most common signs of aging result from enzymatic activity that tell collagen to break down. Enzyme-inhibitor peptides work on a chemical level to slow the production of these enzymes. They can also help prevent hyperpigmentation by inhibiting melanin production. 

Ingredients to Look For

Soybean peptides, rice peptides, silk fibroin peptides, trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2, Trylagen

Carrier Peptides

Named for their ability to “carry” trace elements like copper and magnesium to the skin cells, carrier peptides can improve wound healing, support collagen production, and fight free radical damage, similarly to antioxidants. 

Ingredients to Look For

Copper peptides, manganese tripeptide-1, X-50 Myocept

Neurotransmitter Peptides

Every time we move, our brain sends a chemical signal– called a neurotransmitter– to the nerve cells in the muscles, communicating exactly what to do. Over the years, those muscle movements create crinkles in our skin, resulting in age-related wrinkles like frown lines, crow’s feet, marionette lines, and forehead creases. 

Neurotransmitter peptides interrupt this signal, similar to the effects of Botox treatments. As a result, they can reduce wrinkles by up to 30%. 

Ingredients to Look For

Acetylhexapeptide-3, pentapeptide-3, pentapeptide-18, tripeptide-3, XEP-30, Argireline

Peptides in Supplements

Peptides are also available in supplements to help support healthy, glowing skin, hair and nails. Elon Essential Skin Anew nutritional supplement contains Hydrolyzed Collagen combined with Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, Grape Seed Extract, and Biotin to keep skin firm, hydrated and healthy.

Wrapping Up

Advanced Skin Therapeutics is proud to carry a range of peptide-based skin care, including Revision Skincare’s® Revox 7™, Revision Skincare® Revox Line Relaxer™, Revision Skincare’s® Hydrating Serum, Revision Skincare® D.E.J. Face Cream®,  Revision Skincare® D.E.J. Night Face Cream®,  Revision Skincare® D.E.J. Eye Cream®,  Revision Skincare® Youthful Lip Replenisher®,  Revision Skincare® D.E.J. Daily Boosting Serum®, Neostrata’s® Cellular Restoration, and Elta MD’s® PM Therapy Facial Moisturizer. Each contains a blend of peptides to address the signs of aging for a more youthful complexion and healthier skin barrier. 

Shop our online store or stop in to chat with one of our skincare experts about the right peptide products to address your specific skin concerns.Â