Ingredient buzz words are so common in the beauty industry these days, but rarely do they coincide with any actual information about WHAT these new ingredients actually do, or why. One of the more recent discoveries has been the use of Peptides. Peptides are among the most powerful and interesting skin care ingredients being used in successful anti-wrinkle products. But what are peptides? What do peptides do that other skin care ingredients don’t do?
What are peptides?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids. Amino acids are the basic building blocks of proteins and many other different types of organic molecules. Peptides are frequently created by the digestion of proteins in the body, and many types of peptides are readily and rapidly absorbed by the bloodstream. For this reason, peptides are particularly effective as skin care ingredients.
What do peptides do?
Different peptides have different effects. We will briefly discuss the function of four powerful peptides used in skin care products: acetyl hexapeptide-3, palmitoyl pentapeptide-3, palmitoyl oligopeptide and copper peptides.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-3
This member of the peptides works to relax certain types of facial wrinkles. Acetyl hexapeptide-3, topically applied, treats the same type of wrinkles as botox injections. In addition, peptides can be used anywhere on the face, whereas injections are limited to a very small area of the face.
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3
The second of the powerful peptides, palmitoyl pentapeptide-3 works by stimulating the deeper layers of the skin. This peptide increases overall collagen production and hyaluronic acid synthesis in the skin. Hyaluronic Acid and collagen production are 2 main keys to youthful looking skin. Palmitoyl pentapeptide-3 also helps the skin to heal wounds faster.
Palmitoyl oligopeptide
Similar to palmitoyl pentapeptide-3, this member of the peptides stimulates the synthesis of collagen and hyaluronic acid in the deep layers of the skin. In addition, palmitoyl oligopeptide has a mild UV protection effect, thus helping to protect the skin from damage. (NOTE: it is still recommended that you use a sun block with an actual SPF every day.)
Copper peptides
Copper peptides are a small family of peptides that include a copper molecule in their structure. Copper peptides have been studied due to their ability to encourage the skin to heal wounds. Most dermatologists do not encourage the use of copper peptides as an anti-wrinkle ingredient. Copper peptides seem to work far better in encouraging wound healing. Copper peptides were a popular component of a previous generation of skin care products, but have now been eclipsed by the trio of peptides discussed above.
Many anti-wrinkle and anti-aging skin care products make use of the powerful peptides. At the Facial Bungalow, located in West Hollywood, serving the greater Los Angeles, CA area, includingWestwood, Culver City, Beverly Hills and Sherman Oaks, we pride ourselves on offering our clients the very best skincare products available. Now we’re delighted to provide our clients with luxurious skincare products that are rich in peptides – one of the best skincare secrets you want to know about.
If you would like to know more about this amazing skincare ingredient and what products we recommend that have peptides, you can leave us a note here or in the top right corner, or call us at 323-570-2664. We are more than happy to answer any questions you may have!