Peptides are commonly used inanti-aging creamsand other skincare products and for good reason.
These short chains of amino acids support collagen and elastin production, explainsWebMD.
Some peptides act as antioxidants, while others promote muscle and bone healing (via WebMD andBMC Medicine).
These compounds consist of two or more amino acids, notesVerywell Health.
They occur naturally in the human body and play a variety of roles.
Defensins, for example, fight microbes and support wound healing.
The peptide hormone vasopressin regulates extracellular fluid volume and blood pressure, among other functions.
Oxytocin, the so-called “love hormone,” is associated with relationship-building and social bonding.
Here’s what you should know aboutthese bioactive compoundsand how they benefit your skin.
As a result, they protect the skin from UV radiation, which is a primary cause of photoaging.
Collagen and elastin production decreases with age, explains Dr. Mary Sommerlad (viaVogue).
The peptides in skincare products can help your body produce more of these proteins, leading to younger-looking skin.
Copper tripeptide-1 and manganese tripeptide-1, for example, are carrier peptides.
Palmitoyl hexapeptide-12 and lipospondin, on the other hand, are signal peptides.
Some creams also contain neurotransmitter peptides, but there isn’t enough evidence to support their efficacy.
According to a 2018 review published in theIndian Journal of Medical Research, antimicrobial peptides contribute to barrier function.
These compounds keep your immune system strong while killing pathogens.
Other types of peptides may help reduce inflammation (viaFood Science and Nutrition).
Researchers found that peptide fractions derived from oysters may protect against oxidative damage and reduce inflammatory processes.
Despite these potential benefits, peptides won’t magically give you perfect skin.
First of all, peptide serums and creams vary in quality, depending on their composition.
She also says that peptides have not been as extensively studied asother anti-aging ingredients.
