Everything you need to know about peptides in cosmetics

First, let's agree on the basics.

Fact #1. Peptides are naturally present in our skin.

Fact #2. Year by year their number is decreasing.

Based on this, experts suggested that if the content of peptides is replenished from the outside, the skin will recover, rejuvenate, and the general aging process will slow down. With this assumption, the peptide direction in cosmetology began.

What are peptides?

Peptides are small compounds of amino acids, like an intermediate link between proteins and amino acids.

Why are peptides needed in cosmetics?

Almost 12 kg (about 20%) of the total mass of the human body are proteins. As we know, muscles and skin have a protein composition. For muscle growth and maintaining skin tone, you need to eat protein-rich foods. But proteins, due to the large size of the molecule, cannot be absorbed by the body in the form in which they enter it with food. Therefore, they are broken down into amino acids and peptides and in this form are perfectly absorbed.

When applied to the skin, the same principle applies. Proteins are large and heavy, so they cannot penetrate deep into the skin. Working on the surface, proteins are able to moisturize and heal, but, alas, not rejuvenate it. Amino acids, on the contrary, are small and light, they penetrate the skin faster and immediately begin their work on the synthesis of collagen, elastin and keratin, which, of course, will take them a lot of time.



Peptides are much smaller and lighter than proteins, while they are larger and more complex than amino acids, so they penetrate into the very depths of the skin, and the effect of their use will be faster, more pronounced and longer lasting.

What are the types of peptides?

Peptides are roughly divided by the number of amino acids. If amino acids 2 - we have a dipeptide in front of us, if 3 - a tripeptide, if from 3 to 10 - an oligopeptide, from 10 to 100 - a polypeptide. The larger peptide is already called a protein.

The function of a peptide depends on the type of amino acid it contains.

Fish contains fish peptides, milk peptides and whey peptides are obtained from milk. There are also rice, soy and silk peptides.



But let us dwell in more detail on peptides that are successfully used in cosmetics.

Signal peptides help to stimulate the natural production of collagen and elastin in the body, which, for example, restores the natural elasticity of the skin, it becomes denser and tightened.

One of the signal peptides is "hydrolyzed collagen". It is a type of collagen peptide that penetrates into keratin (the outer layer of the skin). Collagen itself is a large substance, it has poor penetration and lingers on the surface. However, the collagen peptide is smaller, it penetrates the stratum corneum and regenerates the skin.



For deep age-related skin problems, pay attention to cosmetics with peptides called growth factors (GF). Among them, the most popular in the beauty industry:

- EGF (human oligopeptide-1) - supports the skin cycle,

- FGF - affects collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid,

- KGF - revitalizes the skin and promotes healthy hair growth.

What are synthetic peptides?

Synthetic peptides are very popular and successfully used in cosmetology. Among them are:

MATRIXYL 3000complex (palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl peptide-7) - promotes the activation of collagen synthesis and thus lifts the bottom of the wrinkle.

Caproyltetrapeptide-3 (a biomimetic peptide of four amino acids) - acts similarly to a growth factor, improves skin structure.

Myristoyl pentapeptide-8 - responsible for collagen synthesis and keratin production, used in eyelash growth products.

Trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2 (a peptide of three amino acids) - inhibits the production of progerin, a protein that accelerates cell aging. Able to return the cells to the activity of a 20-year-old organism. It also increases the elasticity and firmness of the skin and prevents it from sagging.

Pentapeptide-37 is an antimicrobial peptide.

Argireline (Acetyl-Hexapeptide-8) - smoothes mimic wrinkles.

How to choose cosmetics with the right peptides?

There are different kinds of peptides, and it is important to understand and take into account their characteristics in order to use them effectively. We try to describe the composition of all products in our store as detailed as possible so that you can make the right choice. Our store offers peptide cosmetics from Axxzia (for example, The B Maison line), some products from Direia, for example, Stem Intense Lotion Ex Some, cosmetics from Homeo Beau, Merique, Maje Stephanie, Raise Perfect One Cream and others.

Peptide cosmetics provide general cell regeneration, normalize the condition of vascular walls, improve blood supply and cell nutrition, and have high antioxidant activity.

For anti-aging care, choose a cosmetic product that has good penetrating power, contains a rich set of additional beauty ingredients and complex action peptides. Be beautiful and healthy!