Peptides in cosmetics – advantages, effects, harmfulness

Peptides are bioactive amino acids appreciated especially by women who invest in cosmetics that regenerate and firm the skin. The effect of peptides is compared to the effects of botox, but dermatologists disagree about the benefits of these amino acids. What should you know about peptides before the first use?

What are peptides?

Peptides are organic chemicals that are formed by linking two or more amino acid molecules with a peptide bond. Recently, peptides can also be sourced synthetically. It is in this synthetic form that peptides are used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry.

1. The production of peptides on the surface of the cell membrane is supported by the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, which is part of ProbioDr. in capsules – a dietary supplement available on Medonet Market.

Until now, plant proteins such as soybeans, corn, rice and milk proteins have been used in the production of skin firming cosmetics. Often in cosmetics, you could also find proteins that mimic them physiologically, i.e. collagen, elastin or keratin. Products with these ingredients were not as effective as cosmetics with peptides because they did not reach the deep surfaces of the skin.

Peptides are a component of cosmetics that are especially recommended for the care of mature skin. They also have a positive effect on the condition of hair and nails.

Peptides in cosmetics – application

The side effects of peptides are not widely known, which is why they are widely used in cosmetics. Preparations with peptides contain compounds that contribute to the contractility of collagen fibers, and also fill the layers that age after the age of 25.

Peptides used in cosmetics can be divided into 3 types. The first of them are signal peptides that activate the production of skin supporting fibers. The second type are transport peptides, whose task is to transport active ingredients to the deepest layers of the skin.

Neuropeptides, on the other hand, are responsible for relaxing the muscles that are responsible for the formation of the so-called mimic wrinkles (they stop the permeability of sodium ions, which in turn stops the flow of nerve impulses to the muscles). It is for this reason that the action of the latter is compared to botox, but without the associated toxic effects.

At Medonet Market you can now buy the anti-aging eye gel with firefly and FLOSLEK peptides, which has a beneficial effect on the skin around the eyes, reducing puffiness, eye bags and the visibility of wrinkles.

Check: Wrinkles under the eyes – how to prevent them? Effective methods for wrinkles around the eyes

Who is peptides recommended to?

Peptides are compounds that are not distinguished by particularly strong effects. Therefore, it is believed that everyone can use them. Skin care creams are recommended especially for people who noticed the first signs of aging on their skin, i.e. furrows, wrinkles or lack of firmness. It is worth noting, however, that preparations with peptides are a useful cosmetic for people who struggle with dry and brittle hair or nails.

The disadvantage of peptides is that they are unstable and easily oxidized, therefore increased amounts of preservatives are added to cosmetics with this compound. In addition, peptides are not resistant to bacteria, which is why shampoos or creams are often enriched with not very popular parabens. Besides, peptides can have a bad effect on the body’s immune system.

Advantages of using peptides

The use of peptides in cosmetics has several undoubted advantages. First of all, peptides are characterized by their small size, thanks to which they easily pass through subsequent barriers in the skin.

Secondly, cosmetics with peptides are distinguished not only by cosmetological properties, but also pharmacological preparations. It is worth mentioning that peptide cosmetics are perfectly chemically and microbiologically clean.

If you want to support the effects of peptide cosmetics, you can also reach for a collagen cocktail that helps fight free radicals. It is available on Medonet Market.

Peptides – effects of use

Peptides have gained popularity especially due to the effects of their use. Cosmetics with peptides firm and smooth the skin (this is due to the fact that peptides form elastin fibers), stimulate the natural physiological processes of the skin, rejuvenate the face by visibly removing wrinkles. In addition, peptides improve the condition of damaged hair and split nails.

In addition, peptides can help soothe inflammation, repair damaged skin, and even out skin tone. It’s worth adding that some peptides are antimicrobial, which means they can kill acne-causing bacteria.

Interestingly, peptides contain antioxidants that can help soothe and calm the skin by fighting damage from free radicals including UV rays, pollution, and other harmful factors.

Read: What the sun doesn’t like – what cosmetics and medicines should you be careful about?

Functions of peptides in the body

Peptides play many roles in the human body.

1. Vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone) – This is a peptide hormone secreted in the hypothalamus, the small part of the brain at its base. Vasopressin has several functions. It is responsible for regulating the amount of water present in the fluid space around the cells (extracellular fluid). It does this by forcing the kidneys to absorb water. In high amounts, vasopressin also has a vasoconstrictor effect, which in turn leads to an increase in blood pressure.
2. Oxytocin – This peptide hormone is produced by the pituitary gland and consists of nine amino acids. It causes the uterus to contract during labor. Oxytocin also plays a key role in the milk ejection (“float”) reflex during breastfeeding.
3. Defensins – These peptides are known to enhance the wound healing process.
4. Angiotensins – these peptide hormones are part of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAA or RAAS – the endocrine-enzyme system consisting of: renin, angiotensin and aldosterone). They help regulate blood pressure.

Peptides in medicine – application

Among other things, peptides have antioxidant, antibacterial and antithrombotic effects. As of 2017, more than 60 peptide drugs have been approved in the United States and other markets around the world. Among the peptides used in medicine, there are, for example:

1. Peptides such as vasopressin are used to treat diabetes insipidus. They are also used to treat antidiuretic hormone deficiency.
2. Carnosine is a dipeptide and a natural antioxidant found in the heart, kidneys, intestines, skin, brain, and muscles. Research shows that it may be useful in treating diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, cerebral ischemia, autism, Down syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, schistosomiasis, and epilepsy. It can also be helpful in preventing cataracts from forming.
3. Defensins are peptides with a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity. Currently, synthetic defensins are being investigated as possible drugs for HIV-1.
4. Hepcidin is a peptide hormone responsible for controlling iron absorption in the body. Measuring its level in the body helps in recognizing anemia.
5. Chromofungin, this peptide, has the potential to help treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Many antimicrobial peptides are used to treat diseases such as hepatitis C, pneumonia, HIV, and certain bacterial infections. These peptides are administered topically, orally, or by intravenous injection.

Are peptides harmful?

So far, it has not been confirmed that they cause serious side effects and thus have a very negative effect on health. The effect of the peptide contained in cosmetics is considered very desirable, and thus the preparations themselves are eagerly bought by customers. However, admittedly, there is a risk that topical creams and ointments containing peptides may cause cutaneous manifestations such as skin hypersensitivity, rash and itching.

To protect yourself from side effects, you should always buy preparations from reputable companies and stop using them if you experience any adverse reactions. It’s also a good idea to speak to your doctor before taking peptide supplements or using topical products that contain peptides. Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication, or suffering from a medical condition should avoid using peptides until they speak to their doctor.

Check: Allergic rash – everything you need to know about it

Oral peptide preparations may not enter the bloodstream as the body can break them down into individual amino acids. In one study in which women took oral preparations of collagen peptides for 8 weeks, researchers did not notice any side effects.

What foods are rich in peptides?

There are many foods that, when consumed, increase the natural production of peptides.

1. Milk – of all dairy products available, milk contains the highest amount of peptides. If we want easy access to a food product that is full of peptides, milk is the best choice. 
2. Eggs – is also a rich source of peptides, as well as many other nutrients. They are the second richest source of peptides after milk and are also quite tasty. 
3. Soybeans – Peptides obtained by the body from soybeans have many health properties, including antioxidant and anti-fatigue properties. It has also been shown that this type of peptide increases the amount of collagen in our body. 
4. Fish and meat – especially sea fish. This type of fish has a very large and rich source of peptides as well as other proteins that we need to stay healthy. It is worth adding that they are also a rich source of collagen. 
5. Grains – if we want a more abundant meal and we still want to get peptides into the body, we can eat foods such as rice, corn or wheat.

also check: Diet in the fight against aging – what ingredients should be included in the menu?

Peptides – price

The most popular cosmetics containing peptides in their composition are face creams. In the case of eye creams, the price ranges from PLN 20 to even PLN 300 (for 15 ml). In turn, in the case of anti-wrinkle creams, the price ranges from PLN 40 to PLN 300.