Peptides + Vitamin A: The Power Duo for Ageless Skin
Some things are just meant to go together. Mac and cheese. Fries and ketchup. Mulder and Scully. Each is good on its own. Together, they become exceptional.
In the world of skincare, peptides and vitamin A are that perfect pairing, especially if you’re targeting signs of aging. Here’s why and how you should pair these two potent cell signaling agents up for the ultimate radiance and renewal.
What are peptides?
Peptides are short amino acid chains that form the building blocks of protein. They act as cell signaling agents, directing the body to create more of the long-chain amino acids that make up collagen and elastin and boosting dermal metabolism. Additionally, peptides stimulate the production of hyaluronic acid, the essential hydration molecule and partner of elasticity.
Peptides have a calming, anti-inflammatory effect that makes them an excellent choice for treating rosacea, redness, or post-inflammatory erythema caused by acne breakouts. Some, like the oligopeptides in Vivant’s products, also inhibit the melanin-stimulating enzyme tyrosinase to prevent excess pigment and promote even tone.
The gentle action of peptides combined with their anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties supports a healthy, resilient skin barrier.
What are the skincare benefits of peptides?
- Reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Reduced redness
- Firmer skin structure
- Enhanced elasticity and hydration
- Increased collagen production
- Strengthening of the skin barrier
What is vitamin A?
Vitamin A is a cell-regulating ingredient that stimulates collagen production and accelerates cell turnover. Unlike acids that exfoliate dead cells from the skin’s surface, vitamin A works in the lower levels of the dermis to ramp up cellular function, pushing new cells to the surface faster, causing dead cells to shed more rapidly.
The increased cell turnover helps smooth skin texture and fade dark spots. Additionally, vitamin A is a potent antioxidant that protects cells from the damage of environmental stressors.
Vitamin A is the most studied skincare ingredient. It’s been the mainstay of ageless regimens for more than fifty years. The pure form of vitamin A, and the most potent, is retinoic acid (Retin-A). The non-prescription vitamin A derivatives have been designed to be less irritating. Vivant’s vitamin A propionate is closest in molecular structure to Retin-A, so it maintains much of the strength of its prescription cousin while minimizing the irritation.
What are the skincare benefits of vitamin A?
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Boosts collagen production
- Smooths texture
- Brightens tone and increases radiance
- Regulates oil
- Peels impactions and reduces breakouts
- Fades dark spots and hyperpigmentation
Why peptides and vitamin A are great together
These two potent cell-signaling agents have complementary effects that make them a power duo for combatting signs of aging. The accelerated cell turnover from vitamin A improves the penetration of peptides. The anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties of peptides can reduce any redness or drying effects that may come along with vitamin A.
Both vitamin A and peptides work to enhance skin structure, but in different ways, so when used together, they cover all bases for defense and repair.
In addition to their combined benefit for reducing signs of aging, they are an excellent pair for combatting acne. The vitamin A peels impactions and resurfaces skin while peptides calm inflammation and aid in repairing collagen to avoid scarring.
You can use peptides and vitamin A together by layering them (lightest formula first) or with products that contain both ingredients in one formula.
Products formulated with peptides and vitamin A:
Our starter vitamin A serum boosts collagen and accelerates cell turnover to reveal a brighter, more lifted appearance.
An intensive peptide concentrate to activate hyaluronic acid and collagen production, relax wrinkles, promote even tone and calm redness.
This gentle, luxuriant serum combines the transformative strength of Vitamin A with the added boost of peptides to reveal a more luminous, youthful appearance.
Peptides and vitamin A in one high-performance formula to reduce fine lines, plump sagging skin, and brighten dark circles.
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