Peptides and their Anti-aging Benefits FAQ

 

January 11 2022

Everything you wanted to know about this potent nourishment to tackle aging skin.

Q-1) What are peptides?

A-1) Peptides, also called polypeptides, are naturally occurring in the skin.

Peptides are amino acids that make up certain proteins needed by the skin. More specifically, collagen is made of three polypeptide chains, so adding peptides can stimulate your skin to make more collagen. More collagen can lead to firmer, younger-looking skin.

Q-2) What is the most effective polypeptide for your skin?

A-2) Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4.

This polypeptide was developed by the corporations Sederma SA and Proctor & Gamble and originally named Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3, but later renamed to Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 to reflect a correction in the data on its molecular structure, according to research. It is also included in many commercial formulas under the trademark of Matrixyl.

Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 is a pentapeptide, synethsized chain protein created by linking five amino acid peptides. This chain creates a response in the dermis of the skin that stimulates collagen and elastin fibroblasts, developing fibronectin (FN) and glycosaminoglycans (GAG), according to research. Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 is a small molecule that penetrates the skin easily and is structurally similar to the precursor of collagen type I. It is thought that pentapeptides can communicate with a cell and program it to do specific things, including repair work.

Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 is considered to be as effective against wrinkles as retinol, but less irritating. "One study found that Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 was as effective as retinol in repairing sun-damaged skin but was devoid of side-effects. Most other studies showed at least some improvement in various objective and subjective measures of wrinkles."

Independent in vitro studies (unlike most studies available on Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, which have been done by P&G, originators of Matrixyl) demonstrated an increase in synthesis of Collagen I by 212%, Collagen IV by 100 to 327% and Hyaluronic Acid by 267%. Collagen I is predominant among the 19 forms of collagen found in the human body; therefore increasing production of Collagen I has a very dramatic effect on rebuilding the skin. Six month in vivo studies showed mean wrinkle depth was reduced by 17%, surface area containing deep wrinkles was reduced by 68%, surface area containing moderate wrinkles was reduced by 51% and skin roughness by 16%.

Q-3) What are the benefits of polypeptides?

A-3) Improved skin barrier

The skin barrier is the body’s line of defense against bacteria, ultraviolet rays, pollution, and other toxins. The skin barrier can be damaged from over-exfoliation, exposure to cigarette smoke and other pollution, or even poor sleep. Peptides help build up a stronger barrier.

Reduced wrinkles

Collagen can plump skin and lips, and when skin is firmer and plumper, wrinkles and fine lines will be less visible.

More elastic skin

In addition to collagen, peptides also make up elastin fibers, also a type of protein. These fibers make skin look firmer and tauter.

Eases inflammation

Peptides can help ease inflammation, repair damaged skin, and even out skin tone.

Can help clear breakouts

Some peptides are anti-microbial, meaning they can kill bacteria that cause acne.

Q-4) What you should look for when choosing your peptide products?

A-4) You’ll want to choose a product like a serum or a moisturizer that has prolonged contact with your skin. A cleanser, for example, won’t be as effective because it’s rinsed off.

 Peptides work well in tandem with other ingredients, including vitamin C, niacinamide (but don’t use niacinamide and vitamin C together!), antioxidants, and hyaluronic acids. Using a peptide with an alpha hydroxy (AHA) will actually make the peptides work less efficiently.

What to know about maskne skin conditions

Generally, “maskne” is an umbrella term for several skin conditions that can stem from wearing a face mask or covering.

It can include:

• Acne. Acne happens when your pores become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and dirt. It can cause pimples, whiteheads, or blackheads. It is more likely if you have a history of acne, it but can affect anyone. It seems to be most common in people using surgical masks and some types of respirator.
• Rosacea. If you have rosacea, wearing a mask may cause flareups. This can lead to pimples and redness.
• Irritant contact dermatitis. Occurs when you’re allergic or sensitive to the material of your mask. It can result in a red rash, along with irritation and blisters. It is the most common type of mask reaction and often affects the cheeks and the bridge over the nose. Symptoms range from dry, scaly patches to skin ulceration.
• Atopic eczema. Also called atopic dermatitis, skin symptoms can appear or worsen in people whose skin is sensitive due to eczema, because of the irritant effect of wearing a mask.
• Periofacial dermatitis. This is a condition where small pimples develop around the eyes and mouth. It can happen while wearing a mask after using cosmetics or corticosteroid creams or for no apparent reason.
• Folliculitis. Folliculitis, or an infection of your hair follicles, causes bumps that look like an acne breakout. You might also experience itchiness or pain.

• Urticaria. Welts, or hives, can result from the downward pressure of some types of masks or from contact with allergens, such as latex, in those who are susceptible. Pressure urticaria can appear at once or within 24 hours. Allergic urticaria usually appears at once and disappears within 24 hours after removing the trigger.
• Seborrhoeic eczema. In this type of dermatitis, greasy yellow scales develop, mainly on the scalp, forehead, eyebrows, and in folds around the nose and lips.

Because maskne can involve various skin conditions, the exact cause of your symptoms may vary.

In most cases, maskne is the result of clogged pores. You already have oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells on your skin. But when you wear a mask, these substances can build up more and block your pores.

A mask also traps humidity due to your breathing and sweating, which may increase the risk of acne.

Another possible cause is friction. The material of a face covering can rub against your skin, leading to chafing and irritation.

Or you may be sensitive or allergic to the material of your face covering. Some masks are pretreated with chemicals or feel rough on the skin. Similarly, washing a mask in a scented detergent may lead to irritation.