Peptides: what they are and the benefits for the skin

The peptides, also known as polypeptides, are found naturally in the skin but today they can be found in many products specifically designed for the care of skin problems, and for good reason. They are amino acids that make up some proteins necessary for the skin. 

More specifically, collagen is composed of three polypeptide chains. For this reason, the addition of specific peptides in daily skincare products can stimulate the skin to produce more collagen, and thus have a firmer, younger, and plumper appearance. 

The body naturally produces collagen but over time this production decreases to the point of making the skin appear marked, less even, and dull. Is it worth investing in products rich in peptides? What types of peptides exist and how to choose the formulation most suitable for your skin?

They analyze the science behind peptides, how peptides in cosmetics work and what they actually do for the skin and body, and how it is possible to optimize the use of peptides through the best peptide-based skincare formulas.

What are peptides?

Peptides, as we have already said, are chains of amino acids, that is, the "building blocks" of the proteins in our body. They serve as building elements not only for the formation of new collagen but also for the fibers and elastin, which can add firmness and elasticity to the tissues.

In addition to being essential for the structure and function of the skin, peptides often act as biological messengers. The body therefore needs peptides as they represent the main component of enzymes, hormones, and provide a good dose of energy.

"Moreover, peptides can be easier for the body to absorb compared to proteins because they are smaller and more broken down. They can penetrate more easily into the skin and the intestine, which helps them to distribute more quickly into the bloodstream; this is why skin peptides are essential."

The main sources of peptides are both animal and plant-based, such as eggs, lentils, soy, oats, flaxseeds, and wheat. The effects that peptides have on the body depend on the sequence of amino acids they contain: the most well-known are the bioactive ones, which can have a beneficial effect and a positive impact on a person's health. The most common peptide supplements are those of collagen, indicated for skin health and to intervene in the aging process, and creatine peptides, used for increasing strength and muscle mass.

How do peptides work on the skin?

So, if peptides are already present in the body, why do we need to supplement them? The answer, according to experts, is aging. After the age of 30, in fact, 1% of collagen is lost and the skin's natural communication channels slow down. Peptides do not work like a normal active ingredient; rather, they are signals that indicate to the body that it needs to act in a certain situation, for example, by creating more collagen, or, if one wants to heal from an injury, to focus the repair on a specific joint.

In practice, applying a cream or serum to the skin causes the body to believe that there is some damage to the skin, which generates more collagen for repair. This is why peptides act as stimulators of collagen production and thus help to prevent aging.

Types of Peptides

When it comes to skincare, not all peptides are created equal: there are indeed some specific peptides that are more effective on the skin than others. The carrier peptides, for example, provide the skin with traces of minerals that can increase collagen. In contrast, inhibitory peptides work by slowing down the breakdown of collagen in the skin.

Signal peptides send messages to different parts of the skin to promote collagen, elastin and other proteins; and neurotransmitter peptides, considered by some to be similar to Botox, block the release of chemicals that cause muscle contraction of expression wrinkles, thus smoothing the skin.

The peptides that inhibit neurotransmitters

They serve to relax the facial muscles so that contraction is minimal. In this way, they help to reduce wrinkles, both expression lines and deeper ones. According to the 2009 study in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, neurotransmitter peptides can reduce some types of wrinkles by 30%.

Among the bioactive peptides of this kind, we find:

• Acetyl-hexapeptide-8: also known as Argireline and has a botox-like effect that prevents the release of catecholamines and acts as a muscle relaxant. In practice, after a few days of use, it reduces the contraction of facial muscles.
• Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3: also known as Matrixyl and often used together with Argireline. In this case, muscle contractions are inhibited and dermal cells are stimulated to produce new collagen and hyaluronic acid.
• Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-19.
• Tripeptide-3.

The signaling peptides

Also called palmitoyl pentapeptides, signaling peptides are very common and found in many cosmetic products precisely because they stimulate the production of collagen, elastin, and other structural proteins that are essential for having firmer and plumper skin.

Among the most famous signaling peptides we find:

• Palmitoyl Dipeptide-6
• Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, known as Biopeptide CL
• Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, a lipo-peptide that promotes the synthesis of collagen
• Palmitoyl tripeptide-28
• Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, also known as Matrixyl Synthe 6
• Tripeptide-1 (GHK)
• Oligopeptide-10, an effective anti-inflammatory against dandruff and dermatitis.

Carrier peptides

They are carriers, in fact they take their name from their role in providing trace elements such as copper and magnesium to the skin. Copper is a particularly popular ingredient for its ability to enhance the production of collagen.

Furthermore, copper complexes combat the appearance of photoaging of the skin by lightening age spots. They facilitate the transport of other substances within the body, such as bioactive molecules or by chelating metals. The most well-known peptide of this type is GHK-Cu or also copper peptide which becomes a vector when it forms complexes with copper (Cu).

The enzyme inhibitory peptides

As the name suggests, enzyme-inhibiting peptides act by slowing down the natural process of collagen loss by the body. Peptides derived from rice proteins work to retain more collagen, while some peptides derived from soy may help prevent pigmentation.

Some of these inhibitors are:

• Oligopeptide-20.
• Cycle.
• Dipeptide-2 and Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5: this peptide, also known as Eyeseryl, improves lymphatic drainage or inhibits ACE (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme). In this way, it facilitates the reabsorption of subcutaneous edema and is particularly effective against bags and dark circles.

Often, they are natural origin peptides extracted from soy, rice, or silk.

The main benefits of products containing peptides

The collagen molecule is actually too large to be absorbed through the skin and is therefore often taken as a supplement. Peptides, on the other hand, can be absorbed by the skin and then enter circulation to be used by the body. Incorporating peptides into your skincare routine has many benefits:

1. Improves the skin barrier: the skin barrier is the body's line of defense against bacteria, UV rays, pollution, and other toxins. The skin barrier can be damaged by excessive exfoliation or other factors that weaken it, such as smoking or lack of sleep. This is why peptides help by building a stronger and more resilient barrier. 
2. Reduces the appearance of wrinkles: one of the main purposes of peptides in cosmetics is undoubtedly to diminish the appearance of wrinkles thanks to the collagen boost that makes the skin firmer, brighter, and plumper. 
3. Makes the skin more elastic: not only collagen, peptides also make up the fibers of elastin, which is also a type of protein capable of making the skin firmer and more elastic. 
4. Reduce inflammation and act on skin rashes: some peptides are antimicrobial, meaning they also affect the bacteria that cause acne by repairing damaged skin. 

The benefits of peptides are confirmed through consistent and prolonged use over time. For this reason, it is important to include peptide-based products in skincare and apply them daily to achieve the desired effects. Equally important is choosing the products that are most suitable for your skin, formulated with natural active ingredients. 

The peptide formulas of LeLang 

LeLang has combined a series of natural products and quality raw materials with specific peptides for every skin need. The Must Have products from LeLang, such as the Formula Eyes Duo Peptide + Coffein, is formulated with the dynamic functional peptides for targeted action Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 and Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5. 

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 has an activity similar to that of botulinum toxin, thus it is able to reduce communication between the nerves and the mimic muscles. Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, on the other hand, is a ACE inhibitor (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme) and therefore improves lymphatic drainage.

Together, these peptides manage to act against bags and dark circles and to reduce the wrinkles around the eyes. The skin therefore appears smooth and illuminated. The product works intensively also thanks to the aid of hyaluronic acid and caffeine, the first for hydration and the second to improve and strengthen the microcirculation.

The eye contour is a particularly delicate area of the face, where the skin is thin and the signs of time are more visible. For this reason, it is an area that should be treated differently from the rest of the face.

The formulation of Vitis Eyes Contour is designed specifically to act in this delicate area, combating the signs of aging. By combining the action of two special peptides, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 and Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, it is possible to achieve results in reducing the signs of aging and the typical puffiness of bags. Together with red vine extract and hyaluronic acid, the eye contour serum hydrates this area and makes it vibrant and luminous. 

The peptide formulas of LeLang Advanced Skincare do not end here: in addition to the eye contour, in fact, LeLang has thought of an ideal product for the skin of the face, an anti-aging face cream Perlage capable of stimulating collagen production. How? Through Amplified Argireline, a peptide that can smooth the skin and provide an immediate lifting effect.

Perlage is enriched with Vitamin E for gradual release, penetrating the skin and reducing damage caused by free radicals.