Peptides: Is It Worth Adding To Your Skincare Routine?

With a plethora of trending ingredients enticing skincare aficionados, not everything trending stands true to its lofty promises. However, some ingredients are well-researched and backed by science, verifying their efficacy in terms of skin transformation. Having said that, let’s introduce another buzz and trending ingredient – also, a new fan favorite and touted to be a revolutionary inclusion in skincare formulations. The talk of the town is all about polypeptides, also popularly known as peptides.

Creams, moisturizers, serums, and even a few haircare products are formulated with polypeptides. So, what’s the hype and why are peptides considered a miracle ingredient for transforming skin? Let’s delve a little deeper to find out.

What Are Polypeptides?

The polypeptides in skincare come with the capacity to transform skin. Peptides are a short chain of amino acids that serve as building blocks of proteins like collagen, elastin, and keratin. Polypeptides are small chains of 20 to 50 amino acids covalently connected via peptide bonds. Over time, the natural peptides start depleting leading to reduced production of collagen and elasticity, primary causes for skin aging.

Peptides in skincare products act as little messengers that trigger skin cells to build collagen and elastin which keeps skin firm and supple. Peptides readily penetrate through the outermost layer of skin – stratum corneum and signal protein formation. As the polypeptides are fragmented pieces of the amino acid chain, it is easily absorbed and boost natural collagen formation.

Major peptide forms used in skincare 

There are majorly four types or forms of peptides dominantly used in skincare formulations. Each of them has its role to play:

• Carrier peptides – These peptides are responsible for delivering trace minerals to the skin and result in boosting collagen production.
• Signal peptides – These form of peptides act as secondary messengers and send a signal to different parts of the skin that promotes the production of collagen.
• Enzyme inhibitor peptides – The peptides are responsible for slowing down skin’s natural proteins like collagen and elastin.
• Neurotransmitter peptides – The peptides block release of chemicals that otherwise causes muscle contraction of the expression line. It’s used in skincare formulations that are used for improving and preventing expression lines.

Benefits Of Peptides In Skincare 

Peptides help in firming skin give a youthful glow and transform skin eliminating early signs of aging. Here is how peptides work in skincare:

Reduces the appearance of fine lines

Fine lines and wrinkles are triggered by depleting collagen and elastin proteins. However, peptides act as signaling molecules that boost collagen and give skin a plumper look. As it rebuilds collagen, it reduces fine lines and preserves the youthfulness of the skin.

Locks in hydration

As collagen production decreases over time, it results in dehydrated skin. Peptides are known to capture moisture and beat the dryness of the skin. It can lock moisture and keep skin hydrated.

Firms and improve skin barrier

Regular use of peptides is known to produce firmer, supple, and healthier skin. As peptides also stimulate the regeneration of skin cells, they help improve the skin barrier. Peptides are known to inhibit nerve signals and hence soften fine lines caused by muscle movement.

Reduces inflammation

Peptides are rich in antioxidants that scavenge free radicals and help calm and soothe skin resulting in reduced inflammation. It even helps in repairing damaged skin and healing your skin from the inside out.

Product Recommendation Enriched With Peptides 

ENN Illuminous Oil Free Day Moisturizer With Quinoa, Rice & Polypeptide

The moisturizer has high potency that deeply nourishes the skin and gives a smooth appearance. The powerful combination of quinoa, rice, and polypeptides brightens and naturally leaves glowing skin. It’s a lightweight and gel-creamy texture that easily absorbs into the skin.

Minimalist 10% Multi Peptides Face Serum

The collagen-boosting serum restores youthfulness and leaves skin firm. The serum is a combination of 2 potent peptides which are multi-peptides and 7% Matrixyl 3000 that smoothens wrinkles and increases elasticity. The serum hydrates the skin, reduces wrinkles, and moisturizes the skin.

SNP PREP Peptaronic Toner

The peptaronic toner maintains a steady balance of oil and moisture leaving skin radiant and clear. It absorbs into the skin easily and protects the skin barrier. It is formulated with 6 peptide complexes and 5 types of hyaluronic acid. Peptides revitalize skin, enhance vitality and firm skin while hyaluronic acid deeply hydrates skin.

Deconstruct Retinol & Peptide Serum With 0.2% Retinol & 1% Peptide

The serum is powered by two anti-aging masters – retinol and peptides, that work effectively for producing skin collagen, fights signs of aging, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. Peptides facilitate collagen production and plump & firm skin. The retinol content slows down the skin’s aging process.  

Earth Rhythm Lip Masque With Peptides

A lip masque that is enriched with peptides to take care of dry and chapped lips. It consists of Ascorbyl Palmitate, derivative of Ascorbic Acid, readily absorbed in the skin and inhibits melanin synthesis. It hydrates, increases lip volume, and gives a fuller look while melting out stubborn dead skin cells from lips.