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Peptides are the most promising of modern cosmetic components. Why they are good – we explain in this article.
What are peptides
Peptides, along with retinoids and antioxidants, are considered the most promising ingredients in skin care cosmetics. In short, these are molecules that consist of two or more amino acid residues interconnected by peptide bonds.
Peptides were first isolated from protein hydrolysates at the beginning of the XNUMXth century, but now more than a thousand types of these substances are known, their properties have been determined, and methods of synthesis have been developed.
Keep in mind: as effective as peptides are, they are so capricious. And if you do not notice the effect of using a cream with peptides (and one of the advantages of these compounds is the high speed of work), check with what means you combine it. The fact is that peptides do not tolerate the neighborhood of retinoids and acids – they lose their abilities.
Useful properties for the skin
Peptide molecules are small, so they can penetrate the stratum corneum (provided that the cream contains fatty acids) and develop vigorous activity in the skin.
The following properties of peptides that are beneficial for facial skin are now known to help:
activate collagen synthesis;
restore the skin and accelerate the healing of damage;
reduce inflammation and increase skin immunity;
slow down the processes of glycation, that is, “sugaring” of collagen fibers, leading to their fragility;
improve microcirculation in vessels and capillaries;
soothe sensitive skin;
correct pigmentation;
work as antioxidants.
Perhaps the most interesting are muscle relaxant peptides (you must have heard about argireline). Often they are also called Botox-like peptides due to their ability to reduce the activity of mimic muscles, which means preventing the appearance of mimic wrinkles and smoothing them out.
Peptides in cosmetics
Peptides are used to combat the signs of aging and prevent them. They increase the production of collagen and elastin, helping to restore skin elasticity and smoothness, and correct wrinkles.
Also, peptides are able to neutralize inflammatory reactions, as they can act as antioxidants and stimulate the work of neurotransmitters. This makes this ingredient one of the key ingredients in the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as rosacea.
Restrictions on the use
According to current data, peptides in beauty formulas do not pose any potential danger to the user. They are well tolerated even by those with sensitive skin.
Funds overview
Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Eye-Brightening Concentrate, Kiehl’s: 10,5% vitamin C formula helps reduce the appearance and depth of crow’s feet, lightens dark circles, and adds radiance.
Cream for normal and oily skin Redermic C, La Roche-Posay: with each application, a powerful formula evens out complexion and strengthens collagen fibers, which allows you to correct wrinkles and increase turgor. Mannose in the composition gives the skin density, low molecular weight hyaluronic acid instantly moisturizes and smoothes, neurosensin soothes.
Day lifting treatment “Age Expert 45+”, L’Oréal Paris: formula with retinopeptides accelerates regeneration processes in all layers of the epidermis. As a result, the oval of the face is tightened, the number of wrinkles is reduced, tone and radiance appear.
Cream for sensitive skin and skin prone to rosacea, Redness Neutralizer, SkinCeuticals: Non-comedogenic formulation free of parabens, silicones and alcohol to soothe and relieve stress. The NeuroMed complex reduces the risk of inflammation, relieves redness and burning sensation, strengthens the protective barrier of the skin.