Looking to fight the signs of aging? Find out how collagen peptides help to slow the aging process. Since it’s really easy to become overwhelmed when searching for a new product, Ingredient Spotlight is here to break down the basics. Here we’ll teach you how an ingredient works and leave you with product recommendations to help you with your search.
Anti-aging products can be confusing, given that the field is touting new and different ingredients every day that claim to smooth skin and get rid of wrinkles. Today we’re talking about collagen peptides and how they can slow down the aging process. If you’ve heard of Matrixyl, than you know what peptides are. They’re scientifically backed ingredients that have been proven to help delay the signs of aging. So, let’s break down what exactly peptides are and if they’re worth the hype.
What are peptides?
Peptides are essentially building blocks of proteins that are made up of amino acids. They’re important because one of the main proteins the body is made up of is collagen, and as we age, collagen starts to break down, resulting in thinner skin and loss of elasticity. All of this combined makes wrinkles more visible.
But aging isn’t the only thing that causes this loss of collagen. Environmental factors—such as prolonged exposure to sunlight—also works to deplete the body’s collagen resources (which is why it’s important to load up on sunscreen).
The reason why collagen peptides are so popular is because with continued use they work to send signals to your cells to generate more collagen. This increase in collagen will help to make the skin appear more youthful and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
The types of peptides:
There are hundreds of types of peptides used for different purposes, but one of the most popular is Matrixyl. It’s been significantly researched and proven to help increase collagen production.
There are also peptides known as copper peptides which work to reduce inflammation and speed up the skin’s healing process. Neuropeptides are those that have been marketed as a non-invasive alternatives to “Botox” (this peptide is a top ingredient in the popular Hanacure mask, which we reviewed here). Neuropeptides work to relax the face by smoothing out wrinkles and fine lines.
But keep this in mind: No peptide can completely mimic the effects of a cosmetic procedure.
How do you use collagen peptides?
Typically, you’ll find peptides featured in topical products like serums and creams, which when formulated correctly (small enough to penetrate the skin), will help to effectively increase collagen production. These results don’t happen overnight though, so you’ll want to consistently use to them to get the full affect. Remember that you have to wait at least 4-6 weeks to see results from any skin care product.
Not sure where to start? Check out the Hanskin Bio Origin the Ampoule Serum, which is a highly concentrated serum packed with saccharomyces ferment filtrate, peptides, and adenosine. These all work together, along with 100% organic plant oils, to deeply nourish the skin, smooth out fine lines, and improve the skin’s elasticity.
If you’re more into creams, Missha’s Time Revolution Immortal Youth Cream is formulated with fermented rice extract, squalane, and of course, peptides, to target wrinkles and brighten your skin’s complexion.
For those more interested in the soothing benefits of copper peptides, look no further than the Klairs Supple Preparation Toner (a favorite of mine), which along with aloe, licorice root, and centella asiatica extract, helps to reduce inflammation and irritation.
Bottom line:
Despite the popularity and effectiveness of this collagen peptides, it’s important to realize that no one ingredient is a miracle solution to aging. Other factors like diet, genetics, and environmental stressors all play a role in the rate at which your skin will age.
The most effective way to combat aging is to use a combination of ingredients like antioxidants, peptides, and SPF to protect and nourish your skin. Be sure to seek out collagen peptides if you want an ingredient that will truly help to target those fine lines and wrinkles.
+What are your favorite products that feature collagen peptides? Let us know in the comments below!
