Peptides are much more than the latest skincare craze, they can be the real deal! Peptides are critical in regulating your biological processes and ensuring optimal cell function, which is why peptides can make such an incredible impact on your skin cells when applied topically. Keep reading to learn the answers to the most commonly asked questions, such as “What is a peptide?” and “How can I incorporate peptides into my skincare regimen?”.
Peptides and proteins are both made of amino acids. Think of amino acids like the “building blocks” of the peptides and proteins in your body. The differnece between peptides and proteins is their size and complexity. Peptides are generally short chains of two or more amino acids, while proteins are larger molecules made up of multiple peptide subunits. [1]There are many types of peptides, a few of which are llisted below: [1]
When linked together into longer chains, called polypeptides, peptides dictate a protein’s structure. Besides providing proteins with their basic form, peptides also help skin cells communicate by working as tiny messengers that trigger cellular functions. When the right peptides are applied topically, they can enhance the synthesis of collagen and elastin — compounds that give your skin its bounce and firmness. [1]The true power of a peptide argualbly stems from its size. Because it’s much smaller than a protein, peptides can penetrate into areas that larger proteins can’t reach. Where other skin care ingredients fail due to their limitations in size, tiny — but mighty — peptides can succeed.
Considering the significant benefits of peptides and their ability to induce profound changes in your skin, incorporating sceintifically-backed peptides into regimen should be strongly considered. When navigating how to use peptides in skincare, it’s important to note that they can be incorporated into your routine through two different routes: orally or topically.
Nutrition plays a fundamental role in the health of all your bodily systems, including your integumentary system – your skin. Peptides, being the building blocks of all living things, are first and foremost present in foods, especially the following protein-heavy foods. [2]
You can also augment the peptides you obtain from your diet through oral peptide/protein supplements. A 2021 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, found that oral peptide supplements. [3]
An oral peptide supplement delivers peptides via the digestive and circulatory system, but the gastrointestinal acids often degrade the peptide bonds into individual amino acids before circulation, then deliver those amino acids to all tissues in the body, not just skin.Fortunately, peptides are also effective when applied topically. This allows you to deliver peptides straight to the areas you need them the most.
Because of their size, scientifically-proven peptides make excellent ingredients in topical skin care products. Their minute size enables them to penetrate the skin into areas where other ingredients would simply sit atop the skin barrier, whether in face wash, mask, cream, or serum form. Peptides can sink into the skin, encouraging the production of collagen and elastin in deeper layers. Numerous studies indicate that topical peptides can improve skin texture, strengthen skin barrier, prevent and target photodamage, and diminish scars. It’s important to note, however, that not all peptides are made equal and some are larger than others with diminished penetration abilities. Therefore, peptides contained in skin care products should be tested for their ability to penetrate the skin’s deepest layers, along withtheir impact on teh cellular and tissue levels. [4,5,6]
The recommended frequency of use for a topical peptide as part of your skin care routine ultimately depends on your preferences, the manufacturer’s directions, and your skin type. For gentle products like OneSkin's OS-01 Topical Supplements, a twice-a-day application works best, typically in the morning and at night. [4,5,6]
You’ll be happy to hear that peptide products typically pair well with most other skin care products. Unlike other ingredients, peptides generally don’t strip the skin or neutralize other ingredients. Peptides tend to work excellently alongside other ingredients, like hyaluronic acids and vitamin C. Additionally, you may consider pairing harsh skin products, such as retinol, with the use of a peptide moisturizer scientifically-proven to build the skin’s barrier back up. If you are interested in learning how to use peptides in skin care, you can most likely add a peptide-containing product to your current routine to further optimize your skin health. There’s no need to worry about debating between incorporating peptides vs retinol into your routine - you can use them in tandem. But always note, that not all peptides are created equal and you should ensure that the peptides you apply topically have been well researched for their safe
