Peptides as a Skincare Active

The use of peptides in skincare products is often seen as a necessity or ‘holy-grail’ but how does one know that they really work and what should one be looking for when purchasing or prescribing a product with peptides?

Firstly, peptides, like collagen, are small protein amino acids that form long chain proteins that perform specific tasks within the skin. In layman’s terms, they form building blocks to the scaffolding structure of the skin and without peptides, the physical structure of the skin does not remain in contact.

Patients who would benefit most from peptides will have skin that displays the following; loss of firmness, the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, sagging and textural changes.

However, it is important to note that peptides cannot be used on their own to achieve remarkable results.

When the correct peptide is applied to the skin, signals are sent, through the corneocytes, signalling the dermis to produce new collagen, resulting in a more supple, youthful looking skin.

It has been noted that because of their role in collagen synthesis, peptides should be used in the treatment of stretchmarks and scars, old or new. If this is the intent, it is important to use peptides within a homecare product in combination with aesthetic treatments like the Dermaceutic Cosmo Peel or micro needling.

Peptides have more than one function, when formulated correctly, they can have a specific functional task within the skin such as; anti-wrinkle, lifting effect, hydrating, improving skin colour, stimulating fibroblasts, skin soothing effect.

How do we know that the peptides one uses are going to be effective? The concentration and the size of the molecule is most important. For the skin to benefit from peptides, they need to be small enough to penetrate and should be at a minimum concentration of 3% and used often over 12 weeks. The skins’ natural maximum saturation rate for peptides is 5%, anything more than that, the skin cannot utilise.

Peptides are best applied in the form of a serum for a minimum of 12 weeks and should be continued for best results.

Dermaceutic combines specific peptides with Hyaluronic Acid in Regen Ceutic to not only soothe the skin post procedure, but to also assist in the collagen synthesis which is stimulated by chemical peels or other aesthetic treatments and results show a brighter skin complexion.

DermaLift 5.0 is a potent Skincare Serum that combines peptides with bakuchiol and ceramides such that the signs of skin aging are effectively targeted.

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