What are peptides? How they benefit skin health

Everyday a new skincare ingredient comes in a market assuring you best results, but some ingredients are more hype than action, so it's really necessary to choose the right ingredient for your skin type and peptide is one such ingredient which is nowadays present in lots of skincare products.

People often consider peptides as a protein, but there is a slight difference, peptides usually contain a smaller number of amino acids than proteins.

What are peptides?

A peptide is a short chain of amino acids that make up proteins required for our skin. Collagen is made up of three polypeptide chains and adding peptides to skin can stimulate more production of collagen leading to firmer and younger skin. Collagen production occurs naturally in our body, but with time it decreases making our skin dry, wrinkled and loose. 

The most common peptide is collagen peptide which has anti-aging properties and improves skin health. 

Benefits of peptides for skin

Collagen is a large molecule and hence difficult for the skin to absorb, but on the other hand collagen peptides are comparatively smaller and can easily be absorbed from the skin. So, incorporating peptides in routine can really help in improving your skin health. 

Improves Skin barrier

Skin’s barrier is like a wall and is the first line of defense against  bacteria, pollution, UV rays and various toxic materials. Some factors like poor sleep, overexposure to sunlight, smoking, etc., can cause damage to the skin barrier. Peptides play an important role in building and strengthening this barrier.

Prevent wrinkles

Collagen peptide benefits the skin by making it firmer and more elastic, thus reducing the occurrence of wrinkles and makes them less visible.

Improves wound healing

As peptides are necessary for our skin, collagen peptides help by improving wound healing and reducing inflammation. These act as antioxidants which improves the body’s healing tendency. Research is even going on antimicrobial peptides which prevent bacterial growth and reduce inflammation.

Clear acne breakouts

Peptides also play an important role in killing bacteria that may cause acne breakouts in later stages.

Side effects 

Peptide supplements as such do not have any side effects on a healthy person, on the other hand it benefits the skin in various ways. Topical creams and ointments containing peptides might cause skin reactions like redness, itching, rashes and skin sensitivity.

Individuals should make sure that they buy products from a reputable company and discontinue using the product if any reaction occurs.

Also, they must consult a dermatologist before consuming any oral peptide supplement or apply any topical ointment or cream.

One of the drawbacks of peptide supplements is that they are expensive and research is still going on these products. So, these should be used wisely and under proper guidance.

How to choose the right product?

A wide range of peptide containing products are present in the market, so how can we get to the right product that is perfect for our skin.

Choose the right form of product

Make sure you go for moisturizer or cream that has a prolonged impact and contact with the skin, to offer the desired effect. Simply using a cleanser or face wash won't be that effective because it's rinsed off.

Pick the product with appropriate ingredients

It is very necessary to choose a product that contains the right ingredients for your skin. Peptides go well with ingredients like vitamin C , nicotinamide, hyaluronic acid and various antioxidants. Using AHA with peptides can hinder the effect of peptides on the skin.

At last look at the label, as you ideally want to see peptides at the top of the ingredient list in the product you are buying. Also follow the package instructions before using any peptide supplements or topical ointments or lotions. Never exceed the recommended dose of the supplement. In case any adverse reaction occurs, discontinue immediately and contact your dermatologist.

So, peptides are naturally present in protein rich foods and it is not necessary to take supplements or any topical ointments or creams. But they are the building blocks of collagen and elastin which is required for a healthy skin. Many people use them to lower the ageing process and many use them to build muscle mass. There is still research going on the efficacy and safety of these supplements, therefore it is really necessary to consult the doctor before taking any of these products.