5 Reasons Every Regimen Needs Peptides
You might think of peptides as a luxury skincare ingredient, but these essential cell-signaling agents are at the core of cellular health. As the bonds that link amino acids together into chains to form protein, peptides are the building blocks of skin structure. The majority of chemical reactions, biological responses, and regulatory processes in the body are modulated in some part by these amino acid sequences.
What exactly do they do for your skin? Here are five ways peptides are fundamental to every regimen.
1. Peptides boost collagen and elastin.
Peptides are messenger molecules that tell the skin to produce more collagen and elastin, the essential elements of a healthy skin structure. As such, their primary function is combatting fine lines, wrinkles, and thinning skin. They are also the protectors of telomeres, the caps at the ends of chromosomes that keep cells from aging. As a catalyst for collagen renewal, peptides are comparable to the action of retinoic acid without the irritation.
2. Peptides increase hydration and elasticity in the skin.
Hyaluronic acid is the key molecule involved in skin hydration. It has the unique ability to bind and retain moisture, which keeps skin looking supple and plump. As we age, the skin produces less HA, which leads to dullness, dryness, and fine lines. Peptides spur HA synthesis to maintain resiliency and elasticity.
3. Peptides reduce redness.
Peptides have a calming, anti-inflammatory effect that makes them an excellent choice for treating rosacea, redness, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation caused by acne breakouts.
4. Peptides Reduce Pigmentation
Peptides also play a critical role in controlling excess pigmentation by inhibiting enzymes that can trigger an overproduction of melanin.
5. Peptides are an excellent alternative to fillers.
Biomimetic peptides relax wrinkles by inhibiting the receptors that contract facial muscles, making them the "no-tox" Botox. For those using injectable fillers, peptide products can extend their effectiveness.
Are all peptides the same?
Peptides exert activities by binding to cell receptors. But to do that, they have to get past the epidermal layer. Most peptides are too large to get beneath the skin's surface, where they can activate dermal metabolism.
Short-chain oligopeptides, the type used in Vivant formulations, are small enough to get past the skin barrier and reach down to the cellular level, where they can put all those peptide benefits to work.
The peptides' molecular size is relative to the length of the chain, i.e., the number of amino acids linked by the peptide bonds. Oligopeptides (oligo: "a few") are small chains consisting of two to twenty amino acids.
Polypeptides
- Long-chain amino acids (20+)
- Large molecular size
- Can't get past the skin barrier
Oligopeptides
- Short-chain amino acids (2 to 20)
- Small molecular size
- Reach deep into the cellular level to bring results
In addition to the type of peptides, formulation matters greatly. Occlusives, additives, and certain preservatives can influence the stability and bioavailability of peptides.
Vivant Products Powered by Oligopeptides:
Skincare's ageless power couple: oligopeptides with antioxidant, cell-regenerator vitamin A propionate for firmer, plumper, smoother texture, and more even tone.
An intensive, concentrated oligopeptide formula with ceramide-boosting niacinamide and hydrating lactic acid to reinforce and rebuild the skin's structural integrity and elasticity.
A blend of vitamin A propionate, oligopeptides, and caffeine in a high-performance formula for lifting, firming, and brightening.
Oligopeptides and oxygenating ingredients for instant volume and enhanced natural color. Regular use will bring cumulative, long-term effects.
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