What is a peptide?
A peptide is literally a chain of amino acids that are chemically linked together; a chain of 50 or more peptides would then be considered a protein, of which there are many types.
What does this mean for our skin?
Collagen is the protein that gives the skin its elasticity. Collagen, like all forms of protein, is made of peptides, which are made of amino acids. Once collagen breaks down into peptide links, the body is supposed to make more peptides to complete the link and form the collagen protein again. As we encounter skin damage, whether it be from aging, ultra-violet sun damage, or even skin disorders; the body may loose its ability to make the peptides needed quick enough in order to combat damage.
Topically applied peptides are small enough to break through the skin’s protective barrier. In a sense, when you apply peptides directly to your skin, you “trick” the body into making additional peptides at a quicker rate in order to fill what is needed to make a complete protein chain.
How do you make peptides work for your skin in order to see the best results?
- The best way to do this is to make yourself healthy. A healthy body will always keep you looking and feeling younger, so make nutrition, and exercise apart of your daily beauty regiment.
- The earlier you start using peptides, the better this practice will work for you. It’s important that you start healthy skin habits at a young age (around 30s-late 20s) in order to retain the beautiful skin you were born with.
- It’s important that the products you use not only include peptides, but also include ingredients that promote skin health. Not all peptides are created equal, and it’s important that your skincare promote healthy skin cells in order to see maximum results.
To learn about the peptides used in Skin PhD skincare, click here.