Peptides are a buzzworthy ingredient in skincare that even beginner enthusiasts will have heard of. But have you ever wondered what they actually are, and what they do for your skin? If so, I have great news, because that's exactly what we'll discuss here.
What are Peptides?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids, naturally occurring compounds found throughout the body. When many of these chains combine together, they create proteins. They serve many jobs throughout the body like regulating hormones, repairing damaged cells, and metabolizing sugars.
[You can read more about peptides and health here.]
How can Peptides help your skin?
As we age, our skin's supply of two key proteins, collagen and elastin, run short. Wrinkled or saggy, skin is a result of lower, weaker numbers of these structure maintaining proteins.
This is where peptides come in: they are often compared to building blocks because they're exactly what the body needs to create more protein. If you can add peptides back into your skin, theoretically you can give your body what it needs to build new collagen and elastin, and restore healthy, youthful appearing skin.
Plus, due to their natural role in the body of regulating hormones and other bodily functions, adding peptide-rich products to your skincare routine can help reduce inflammation.
Do Peptides really work?
If you're a long time reader of our blog (especially the post about microencapsulation), you might already see a potential issue with peptides in skincare: delivery.
Collagen and Elastin are formed deep in the dermis of your skin, meaning products need to be formulated in a way that can deliver peptides to the places they can be most impactful.
Because peptide molecules are generally too large to be absorbed through the epidermis, there are some people who don't believe peptides can actually help skin. In reality, there are a couple of ways to make it work.
1) Like hyaluronic acid, which is too big in its pure form to be absorbed by the skin, peptides can be broken into smaller forms, which can be absorbed.
2) Peptides can also be encapsulated or micro-encapsulated to improve absorption. For example, Ourself's microencapsulation technology allows ingredients like hyaluronic acid to be delivered directly to the dermis, where they can be most effective.
[Read more about peptide absorption here.]
Best skincare products with peptides
Ourself Advanced Regenerative Serum (formerly known as HA+ Replenishing Serum-- new packaging coming soon)
With Ourself's patented sub-topical delivery system, this advanced serum delivers peptides and hyaluronic acid to the dermis where they can plump skin and stimulate collagen and elastin.
It's been clinically tested and proven to improve your skin's firmness while reducing the appearance of wrinkles, and crepey or saggy skin.
Allies of Skin Multi Peptides & GF Advanced Lifting Serum
A new favorite with Harben House customers & staff, this serum combines peptides with growth factors to maximize your firming and lifting results.
Backed by clinical trials and years of work in development, this is a peptide rich serum you can trust to deliver real results.
Obagi Professional-C Peptide Complex
Similar to the Allies of Skin serum, Obagi's offering combines peptides and growth factors, but this complex adds vitamins C & E to make this a comprehensive anti-aging serum.
It's clinically proven to produce help firm skin and reduce the appearance of signs of aging as quickly as in one week.
Neocutis Lumiere Firm Eye Cream
Consistently one of the best-selling eye creams in the industry, there's a decent chance you've already tried Neocutis' Lumiere Firm (or Firm Riche).
This powerhouse eye treatment helps brighten dark circles, and uses a tried and true combination of peptides and growth factors to firm and tighten skin around the eyes.
