Peptides seem to be taking the world by storm, but they’ve actually been around forever. They’ve been in a variety of skincare products for years, only now they’re getting better and they’re available in more places.
Peptides offer some truly amazing results when it comes to revitalizing your skin. People swear by products that contain peptides and make them part of their daily skincare regimen. A lot of people use peptides as a way to counteract the aging process without turning to more invasive procedures like cosmetic surgery.
In this article, we dive deeper in what exactly peptides are and what you can expect when you use them on your skin.
The Peptide Basics – What Are They?
Peptides are similar to proteins in that they are the building blocks our bodies use to give cells structure, facilitate chemical reactions in the body, develop antibodies, and move things around your body. Peptides are different from proteins, though, in that they are made up of shorter amino acid chains. Typically, a peptide will have anywhere between 2 and 50 amino acids in their amino acid chains. It’s what makes them a peptide. Anything over 50 amino acids, and you’re firmly in protein territory.
Generally speaking, peptides are used for a lot of treatments because they are easily absorbed into the body. They don’t have as many harmful side effects that many chemical treatments do. Finally, the small size and simplicity of peptides make them easy to produce synthetically, which means that researchers, scientists, and companies can include them in a wide array of products.
Peptides & Skincare
These building blocks are what makes things like keratin, collagen, and elastin, all crucial to skin health. Hundreds of skincare products include collagen and these other ingredients because they are so effective in maintaining good structure, elasticity, and textures of your skin.
People looking for softer and smoother skin use peptides. When you put peptides on topically, say in a cream or a lotion etc., the results are impressive. Peptides stimulate cells to do certain things like increase collagen that helps you look younger and maintains your skin better.
Peptide skin products are very good hydrating agents, and it makes it harder for wrinkles to develop because they’re keeping the skin young.
Peptides as Part of A Skincare Regimen
If you start using peptides and peptides alone, it’s likely you’ll see some improvement in the tone, texture, and resilience of your skin. However, peptide skincare products are best used as part of an overall skincare routine that includes other products and things like daily washing. To get the best results, you’ll need to be doing things like exfoliating regularly, using toners, and applying sunscreen when you’re outside and exposed to the sun.
Thankfully, the modern skincare industry has come a long way. Now, you can find a lot of lotions that combine the sun blocking you need as well as things like increased antioxidants that are fantastic for your skin. There are also skincare products that combine multiple peptides designed to act as antioxidants, reduce inflammation, and use other ways to protect your skin.
Your Skin Cells Need Daily Attention
Peptide skincare products get down to the issue of helping your skin at the cellular level. With peptides, you get healthier skin cells and faster regeneration. However, they deliver the best results when they are used in conjunction with other high-quality skincare products.
Buying Peptides
On top of buying peptides, there are things you should be doing to protect your skin. Here are some things you should start doing now:
Drink Water – Your skin needs to stay hydrated to keep you looking young and fresh. Drink tons of water throughout the day to give your cells the water they need.
Avoid the Sun – Yes, you should be using sunscreen, but you also want to limit the amount of time you’re exposed to direct sunlight. Tanning for long hours may make you look good when you’re young, but you may end up paying a price as you age.
Get Plenty of Sleep – When you sleep, your body and its cells regenerate. Robbing your body of sleep is a fast track to unhealthy skin.
