Examples of Peptides in Skincare
Chemotaxis is when cells respond to a stimulus; often, peptides are that stimulus. This process is precisely what peptides in skincare tap into to promote cellular rejuvenation and anti-aging benefits.
Skincare peptides are specific in what they target by mimicking natural peptides in the body. They fall into five categories:
- Peptide neurotransmitters
- Signal peptides (natural growth factors)
- Carrier peptides
- Enzyme-inhibitor peptides
- Antimicrobial peptides
To learn more about these categories, please read What Are Peptides in Skincare? The Secret Ingredient to Healthy, Youthful Skin.
You may also be familiar with or have heard about peptide supplements. Supplements with peptides are taken internally and help promote external skin health. The most well-known and studied example is collagen peptides for skin health, such as NassifMD® Collagen Gummies.
What Do Peptides Do for Skin?
Targeted peptides for skin support skin structure and function by promoting internal signals involved in the skin’s natural healing process. Peptides are involved in skin repair and rejuvenation and can help combat collagen loss and other components of skin aging. Let’s explore some of the benefits of peptides.
Skin Brightening
With age and sun damage often comes areas of hyperpigmentation or age spots. Peptides can be an effective strategy for skin brightening and reversing signs of aging.
Carrier peptides carry nutrients, like the mineral copper, into the skin, which can play a role in melanin (skin pigment) production. Enzyme-inhibitor peptides can block the accumulation of pigment in the skin. Vitamin C is another ingredient to look for in skin-brightening formulas.
Boost Collagen and Elastin
Collagen and elastin production decline with age, contributing to a loss of skin structure, firmness, and elasticity. The loss of these critical peptides also means more fine lines and wrinkles.
However, natural peptides can disrupt this decline. Signal peptides are commonly used to signal collagen production and other structural elements in the skin, and enzyme-inhibitor peptides can help slow collagen loss. The result is more firmness, structure, and resilience – essentially, the reversal of aging!
Reduce Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Boosting collagen production with peptides helps smooth and firm the skin, reducing the appearance of lines, wrinkles, and crepey skin. Skincare peptides, including antimicrobial peptides, can also enhance skin barrier function. More collagen and a better skin barrier lead to skin firmness and better hydration. Hydration effects may increase when topical peptides are combined with oral supplements.
How to Use Peptides in Your Skincare Routine
Peptides are incredible beauty ingredients, yet they work best combined with other powerful skincare ingredients, such as:
- Retinol
- Vitamin C
- Niacinamide
- Ceramides
- Hyaluronic acid
- Hydroxy acids
- And more
NassifMD® facial plastic surgeon skincare was born from a deep understanding of the skin and interactions between skin nutrients that enhance one another. You’ll find the entire line of NassifMD® peptide products contain peptides and other active compounds for synergistic effects.
Serums
Peptide serums are an excellent way to include peptides in skincare. Apply serums to the face and neck after cleansing and before sunscreen and makeup, allowing them to penetrate the skin deeply for maximum benefits.
Highly effective firming and renewal options include:
- NassifMD® Age Defying Eye Renewal Serum – Contains Argireline and Eyeseryl Solution peptides, polysaccharides, and aloe to firm, brighten, and smooth the delicate eye area.
- NassifMD® Age Defying Neck and Décolleté Serum – Combines NassifMD® Upfinity Peptide Complex, niacinamide, betaine, and gold powder to tighten, smooth, and brighten the skin.
- Coming soon! NassifMD® Pro Peptide Collagen Serum – Combines NassifMD® proprietary lipo-peptide complex with beta-glucans, hyaluronic acid, and betaine to stimulate and restore collagen and elastin production for smooth, hydrated, firm, lifted skin. This formula was previously only available at NassifMD® Medical Spas but will be available directly to consumers in May.
Moisturizers
Along with serums, moisturizers are another vehicle for peptide delivery. For the best peptide moisturizer, look for a synergy of ingredients for the.
Expertly formulated moisturizing options include:
- NassifMD® Crepe Inhibitor Triple Action Body Butter – This peptide moisturizer is suitable for the entire body. It combines Renovage peptides, shea butter, Glycoin (from blue-green algae), plant humectants, and gold powder to moisturize, firm, and smooth the skin.
- NassifMD® Soft Focus Hydrating Day Cream – This peptide moisturizer is perfect for daytime use, containing Crystalide peptides, red clover, jojoba, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and filling spheres to instantly perfect and plump the skin.
- NassifMD® Wrinkle Blur Targeted Treatment – This targeted moisturizer blurs wrinkles by delivering Haloxy peptides, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and diamond powder.
- NassifMD® Undereye Anti-Aging Smoother – This under-eye cream includes Eyeseryl, a tetrapeptide that addresses dark circles, while moisturizing and improving skin elasticity.
- NassifMD® Deco-Lift Neck & Décolleté Firming & Lifting Complex – Combines Renovage peptides with vitamin C, glycolic acid, and plant humectants to tighten, contour, and brighten the neck and décolleté.
Factors for Choosing the Right Peptide Products
Not all peptide formulas are created equal, and because peptides are so popular now, education is essential so you can be a savvy consumer.
Product Formulation
Choose serums, moisturizers, and other products that maintain contact with the skin (versus products you wash off.) Additionally, choose products with multiple active ingredients, formulated by an expert in skin health, and with demonstrated clinical results. This expertise and attention to detail is exactly what you’ll find with NassifMD® peptide formulas.
Product Concentration
It’s easy to add a tiny amount of a popular ingredient to a low-quality product, but you’ll likely need more concentrated products to see results. NassifMD® formulas contain concentrations established by research and clinical practice that are effective without being irritating.
Product Stability
Many nutrients and skincare ingredients can degrade over time. Antioxidant levels decline, and oils go rancid. An important part of the formulation process is enhancing product stability in ways that also enhance skin health. Peptides are naturally more stable than some other skincare ingredients, and you’ll find the quality of NassifMD® Skincare is maintained over time. Still, throwing out old products and using new ones by the expiration date is good practice.
Skincare Tips for Using Peptide Products
Are you still wondering: are peptides safe? Yes. Not only are peptides safe, but they are natural molecules and highly effective for various skin concerns.
What Not to Use with Peptides
Peptides are safe to use with other skincare products and formulas. However, we always recommend discussing your skincare routine with your dermatologist, plastic surgeon, or medical spa practitioner for personalized advice.
Should You Use Peptides in the Morning or Night?
Use peptide formulas twice daily, morning and night. Twice per day is a good rule unless the product label or your skin health practitioner advises differently.
Apply serums and moisturizers to clean skin and follow with SPF protection during the day. If you use both a serum and a moisturizer, apply the serum first and then moisturize to lock in the serum.
Peptides in skincare are gaining traction and you’ll see more products on shelves in years to come, but not all peptides are created equal. Now that you understand what peptides are and how they support skin health, you know to choose high quality-peptide formulas with synergistic ingredients. You can trust the quality, potency, and effectiveness every time with NassifMD® Skincare.
References:
- Gorouhi, F., & Maibach, H. I. (2009). Role of topical peptides in preventing or treating aged skin.International journal of cosmetic science, 31(5), 327–345.
- Nguyen, H. L. T., Trujillo-Paez, J. V., Umehara, Y., Yue, H., Peng, G., Kiatsurayanon, C., Chieosilapatham, P., Song, P., Okumura, K., Ogawa, H., Ikeda, S., & Niyonsaba, F. (2020). Role of Antimicrobial Peptides in Skin Barrier Repair in Individuals with Atopic Dermatitis.International journal of molecular sciences, 21(20), 7607.
- Maia Campos, P. M. B. G., Melo, M. O., & Siqueira César, F. C. (2019). Topical application and oral supplementation of peptides in the improvement of skin viscoelasticity and density.Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 18(6), 1693–1699.
