What Are Collagen Peptides?

Every day there seems to be something new and trendy with regard to skin care and some trends are definitely more hype than others. However, there is one that is worth another look and that is the use of peptides in our skincare and skincare routine.

What are peptides? Proteins, broken down, become peptides. Peptides are essentially smaller versions of proteins, typically comprising 2–50 amino acids–necessary building blocks of proteins.

Peptides are easier for the body to absorb than proteins because they are smaller. They can more easily penetrate the skin and intestines, which helps them to enter the bloodstream more quickly.

Many health and cosmetic products contain different peptides for their potential anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and muscle building properties.

Some of the most popular peptides include creatine peptide supplements for building muscle and enhancing athletic performance, and collagen peptides for anti-aging and skin health.

In skincare, peptides can be useful ingredients because the skin’s structure is comprised primarily of the protein's collagen and elastin, and hyaluronic acid. As we age, our skin begins to produce less of these compounds naturally, which can lead to the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin. By adding the right peptide “key” to unlock youthfulness, topical skincare products may help to nourish collagen, revealing a smoother, more youthful appearance

The collagen molecule is too large to absorb through skin, which is why so many people choose to take collagen supplements. Speaking of Collagen supplements, many collagen supplements are hydrolyzed collagen. The body cannot utilize collagen to its benefit. The body must have the tools to make collagen in order to utilize it. When you are purchasing a collagen supplement, it must have the amino acids necessary to make collagen. Amino Acids are the building blocks for making collagen. We recommend Bullet Proof which you can purchase at Whole Foods or on Amazon.

Listed are some of the great benefits of using peptides:

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, other pollution, and poor sleep. Peptides help build up a stronger barrier.

Reduced wrinkles - Collagen can plump skin and lips. 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 antimicrobial which means they can kill bacteria that cause acne.

How peptides work for skin - Peptides can penetrate the outer layer of the skin, so instead of sitting on top of the skin, they sink in more deeply. You can think of them as messengers for the other cells. They send signals telling the cells to produce collagen and elastin.