You’ve likely heard the buzz around peptides as an anti-aging must-have and hero ingredient to smooth, repair and hydrate skin, but have you ever wondered what a peptide is and what it does for the skin, exactly?
While collagen is a long-standing staple of anti-aging regimens that we’re all quite familiar with, peptides are the lesser known newcomer on the scene. While the word “peptide” may bring you back to your high school biology class, it’s likely you’re wondering,
WHAT ARE PEPTIDES?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as building blocks of proteins such as collagen, elastin and keratin. These proteins are the foundations of your skin and are responsible for its texture, strength and resilience. Without peptides, our skin is less intact which can lead to a loss of firmness, the appearance of wrinkles, a change in texture and less ‘bounce’
When amino acids link together, the chain they form is called an amino peptide. When peptides link together, they become the basis for all protein. The most vital protein within your skin is that magic buzzword: collagen.
Collagen lies beneath the epidermis (outer layer of your skin) in what’s known as the “dermis”, a layer made of nerves, blood vessels, fats, elastin (that’s what makes your skin stretchy). Extensive scientific research has proven that peptides can support your skin on multiple levels, for example firming, soothing and hydrating the skin.
However, After age 20, your body produces an average of 1% less collagen for skin each year, stopping production entirely around age 40. collagen begins to break down, known as “fragmenting”. This occurs due to a number of reasons: the most prominent reason for collagen breakdown: aging. the other reasons are behavioral and environmental reasons your collagen might break down.
and these are things you can control. Exposure to UV radiation, whether that be a result of tanning beds or simply leaving the house without sunscreen—can break down collagen. Smoking can also lead to its deterioration.
Which Benefits I Get From Peptides?
The number one way to reduce the signs of aging—naturally, is to encourage your skin’s production of collagen. That’s where peptides skin care comes into play. Turns out, applying natural peptides for skin topically may increase your body’s production of peptides for skin. While collagen molecules are too large to penetrate the skin,
which is why so many people choose to eat collagen-rich bone broth or take collagen supplements. But peptides can absorb into the skin where they can be used by the body. Incorporating peptides into your skin care routine has many benefits for the skin.
While it’s clear that peptides are special, as an isolated ingredient they are not enough. At NOVA, we take a multi-ingredient ‘cocktail approach’ to skincare. This means the skincare products you invest in should also contain other effective ingredients such as antioxidants and skin-repairing ingredients.
If your goal is smoother, softer, more hydrated, firmer and younger-looking skin, you will need to use other ingredients in addition to peptides. look for Face Serum / Face Moisturizer that contains: Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E and Squalene. If you combine with antioxidants, moisturising and skin-repairing ingredients in a skincare product, you can expect fantastic results against multiple signs of skin ageing
Improved skin barrier
The skin barrier is the body’s line of defense against bacteria, ultraviolet rays, pollution, and other toxins. The skin barrier can be damaged from over-exfoliation, exposure to cigarette smoke and other pollution, or even poor sleep. Peptides help build up a stronger barrier.
However, peptides are only a small piece of the puzzle. You must incorporate healthy anti-aging habits into your skin care regimen and day to day lifestyle to help improve your chances of retaining that youthful glow :
- Always wear sun protection: Exposure to UV radiation can wreak havoc on your skin and cause the breakdown of collagen, so make sure you’re slathering on the SPF each and every day.
- Cleanse and moisturize regularly: To keep your skin in good health and looking its best, follow a cleansing regimen that includes regular application of moisturizer.
- Consider your diet: The things you put into your body have an effect on how your body functions and looks. With that in mind, it’s important to stay hydrated and eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
- Be gentle on your skin: It’s also important to remember that your skin is sensitive, and deserves some TLC. Never pull on your skin, as this can cause further collagen deterioration, and avoid using harsh skin care products that do more harm than good