Over the years, as scientists make discoveries that are then found to be beneficial to skin, a lot of “buzz words”. Distinguishing which terms are truly of benefit to you and what they mean can feel like a mine field of information. This is why we research all the time – to help our clients make sense of all the information out there and differentiate which is truly beneficial and what is a hoax.
Through our research and experience, we have brought the benefits of peptides to our clients in several products, including our most recent Tri-Peptide Collagen Serum. Sounds complicated, right?
Science lesson! Let’s start at the beginning.
Twenty percent of the body is made up of protein. The building blocks of proteins are amino acids. These essential amino acids are responsible for many important operations – they give cells their structure, transport and store nutrients, and influence the function of organs, glands, and arteries.
For our understanding of amino acids and their role in the health of our skin, they have another role – they are essential for wound healing and tissue repair in the muscles, bones, skin and hair. In every part of the body, they are working in crucial roles.
Sooooo…what does that have to do with “peptides”?
Very simply put, a peptide is a compound of two or more amino acids linked in a chain. These peptides are building blocks of proteins in the skin. Peptides in a long chain of amino acids form proteins. But the shorter chains of peptides are able to penetrate the outer layer of skin and send signals to our cells, letting them know how to function.
An example of how peptides work is found in a protein we are all familiar with – collagen. As the collagen protein breaks down with age and environmental stressors, wrinkles begin to develop. The proper formation of peptides applied to the skin signal to the body the need for collagen production, leading to smoother skin.
Amino acids, peptides and proteins are a complex function of our body, but as science continues to develop, we continue to stay on top of what our clients need to know and apply to their skin.
One word of caution – as we mentioned above, not every peptide is created equal when it comes to topical application. And while some peptides are able to provide immediate results, others take continued use to see the full benefits. Consult with an esthetician about what type is best for your unique skin concerns.
