Peptide Skin Benefits

December 23, 2020

This is the most essential ingredients to boost your elastin and collagen production

Let’s go back to Biology 101. Remember learning that mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell, and amino acids are the building blocks of proteins? Well, collagen and elastin are two types of proteins that are essential to the health of our skin. But when we think of speeding up collagen and elastin production (which can help minimize signs of aging like wrinkles, sagging, and lack of radiance), our attention almost immediately turns to ingredients like retinol and chemical exfoliators or in-office peels that cost a fortune. We seldom ever think, What if we can *build* collagen and elastin in our skin?

May we introduce to you the often forgotten skin-care ingredient that can actually create more collagen and elastin in your skin: peptides.

Peptides are amino acids that are naturally occurring in our skin. Dr. Ellen Marmur, board-certified dermatologist and founder of MMSkincare, tells Coveteur, “Think of peptides like letters of the alphabet. Letters create words. Peptides make proteins, like collagen and elastin,” meaning these short chains of amino acids are the basis for two essential molecules in your skin. When we’re lacking either collagen or elastin, our skin can become dryer, less firm, and is more susceptible to wrinkling or texture issues.

What else do peptides do in our skin? Says Dr. Marmur, “Peptides signal your skin to boost the production of the collagen and elastin, [which] do much more for great skin than just nixing the wrinkles. They also strengthen the skin barrier and ease inflammation,” making them great for everyone’s skin type, whether that is oily, combination, dry, or sensitive. They can also help to build a stronger skin barrier, which protects you from environmental stressors like UV rays, pollution, and microbial organisms.

Whether you’re young or old, it’s wise to incorporate peptide products into your skin-care routine. Dr. Marmur explains, “Peptides are great for mature skin because as you get older, your skin produces less collagen and elastin,” so peptides can ignite collagen and elastin production in skin that might be otherwise slowing down.

So what are the best ways to incorporate peptides into our routines? Dr. Marmur recommends looking for serums and moisturizers that contain peptides, as “[these products] will absorb into the skin, unlike a cleanser that you rinse off.”

Peptides are naturally occurring in skin, so there aren’t many people out there who can’t use products containing them. But, as with any new product, be sure to do a 24-hour patch test either on your neck or back of your hand to check if you are allergic to the product itself. Additionally, there are some products to avoid when using peptides. Dr. Marmur reveals, “AHAs will make peptides weaker,” so make sure to avoid ingredients like lactic, glycolic, or mandelic acid in your daily routine in order to give peptides room to do their thing.

Original Article Link: https://coveteur.com/2020/12/23/peptide-skin-benefits/