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Cosmetologists call these substances “secret agents of beauty.” And some people are even sure that cosmetics with peptides can be compared with plastic surgery in terms of effects. Is it true?
Peptides in anti-aging cosmetics
There are a lot of varieties of peptides (about 1500 have been discovered to date), and they all perform different functions. Some increase vascular tone, others stimulate collagen production, and others affect hormone receptors.
Molecules consisting of amino acid residues are involved in almost all processes that occur in the body. But with age, reactions slow down, including the production of your own peptides.
Peptides open up new opportunities for cosmetics developers
The real breakthrough came when scientists learned how to synthesize peptides and add them, in particular, to creams and serums. These substances seem to rejuvenate the skin from the inside – it becomes firm and elastic again, wrinkles are visibly smoothed out.
Vichy medical expert Ekaterina Turubara believes that peptides are one of the most powerful cosmetic ingredients. And anti-aging products with peptides are among the most effective.
Useful Properties
What do peptide creams do?
Stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, without violating the natural nature of the process.
Improve microcirculation in cells. The result is a healthy complexion.
They inhibit the synthesis of melanin and thus prevent hyperpigmentation.
Successfully fight acne.
And most importantly, they are non-toxic and rarely cause allergies, and therefore are suitable for almost everyone.
Types of peptides in anti-aging products
The most famous peptide in cosmetology – botulinum toxin. The same Botox that “freezes” facial muscles and thereby smoothes wrinkles. True, you can’t add it to the cream, it is effective only in the form of injections.
And here is its analogue Argireline just added to cosmetics. Of course, it is not as powerful as botulinum toxin, but it is very similar in action: it smoothes wrinkles, makes the skin smooth and elastic.
The most famous peptide is botulinum toxin. But it is effective only in the form of injections.
Widely used matrikines: they stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, as well as extracellular matrix components.
It has a similar effect proxylanwhich is obtained from beech bark.
An analogue of human protein is often added to anti-aging products – copper-containing tripeptideresponsible for the rapid recovery and healing of the skin. Its level decreases with age, which is what modern cosmetology is trying to compensate for.
Features of anti-aging face cream with peptides
- Creams with peptides do not have a light, melting base – usually the texture is quite rich.
- Even if there are few peptides in the cream (and they are almost in the last place in the list of components), this does not mean that the remedy will not work, since the peptides are very active.
For example, proxylan as part of a compensating complex day care cream for dry skin during menopause Neovadiol, Vichy Activates the production of collagen, making the skin firmer and tighter.
The same peptide is used in eye and lip contour cream Neovadiol. In conjunction with the Proteic GF growth stimulator, it has a powerful rejuvenating effect.
- As a rule, not one, but several peptides are added to the composition of “youth creams”. Some stimulate the production of collagen, others whiten the skin. Some are responsible for recovery, and others – for the cream to reduce the reactivity of the skin.
For example, the Vichy LiftActiv 10 youth look serum includes a complex containing palmitol oligopeptide and palmitol tetrapeptide-7. Together, they soothe the skin and lighten dark circles under the eyes.
How to use
Anti-aging peptide cream is beginning to be used after 35–40 yearswhen the complexion fades and wrinkles appear. The tool is suitable for almost everyone, but for it to work, you need to follow a few rules.
- Before applying the cream, thoroughly cleanse your face. Scrubs and peels can be used more often than usual – not once, but twice a week, since the layer of dead cells prevents peptides from penetrating into the deeper layers of the epidermis.
- Peptides should be used regularly. Get ready for the fact that the effect will not be noticeable immediately. Visible results can be seen after 2-4 weeks of daily use.