Peptides are naturally occurring chemical messengers in the body. Like proteins, peptides are composed of amino acids. When a chain of amino acids is over 50 acids long, it is usually called a protein. When there are less than 50 amino acids in the chain, it is a peptide. Essentially, a peptide is a portion, or a building block, of a protein.
What is a Peptide used for in skin care? The peptides used in skin care direct skin cells to behave in a certain way. Some peptides may tell the skin to relax and the result is wrinkle reduction. Others may stimulate collagen production, which will firm up the skin. The peptides used in skin care are synthetic. All fixed sequence peptides commercially available are patented. Manufacturers will typically combine synthetic peptides with a fatty acid to help it access the deeper layers of skin. For example, the fatty acid palmitoyl helps to improve solubility in the skin, allowing better penetration and function of the peptide.
Synthetic peptides are very expensive and some manufacturers of skin care products may use very little in their formulas. Consult your skin care professional to ensure your products contain therapeutic levels so the product may show optimal results.
Examples of Peptides:
Acetyl Hexapeptide: Also known as Argireline. This product is marketed as “an alternative to Botox,” due to relaxing certain types of facial wrinkles by inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters.
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide: Also known as Matrixyl. It is the main ingredient in anti-aging products. It was originally developed for use on stretch marks. It works by stimulating the deeper matrix layers of the skin to increase the production and synthesis of collagen and hyaluronic acid.
Professional Product Spotlight:
ExLinea® Peptide Smoothing Serum
This technically advanced treatment formulation synergistically hydrates, smoothes and firms aging skin. It contains ingredients that relax the facial tension that leads to wrinkling; increase intracellular moisture; fight free radical damage and provide the skin with an immediate tightening and lifting effect.
Key Ingredients:
Key Ingredients:
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline)
Sodium Hyaluronate
Squalene
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax
Sodium Hyaluronate
Squalene
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax
Pick up your ExLinea Peptide Smoothing Serum today, only at Fresh Faced Skin Care.