The cosmetics industry is now utilizing the power of peptides, which have gained popularity due to their versatile benefits.
Various effective active ingredients are trending in beauty products as consumers look for results for their own skin care. Unsplash
The cosmetics industry is agile in looking for new, innovative raw materials to give products extra power. One ingredient that’s on the surface right now is peptides, which are busily buzzing on the side of a cosmetic jar if at all.
We asked an expert why different peptides are trending right now?
– These individual star raw materials are highlighted for one reason or another every now and then. Sometimes everyone talks about retinol and sometimes about niacinamide. Peptides are cleverly displayed now, and that’s a good thing, because they are a very good group of active substances. Perhaps there is more research evidence about peptides and their benefits right now. Or else it’s just understood how to talk about a good and versatile thing, comments the SKY cosmetologist and make-up artist Ville Äikäs.
Good and visible results are obtained with peptides, even with quick use. Pictured is Anne Hathaway. All Over Press
– Of course, the wishes of consumers for effective, but gentle active substances are echoed by peptides. In addition, the so-called skinism is popular, and the versatile active ingredients hit the spot, he continues.
– And maybe just now different aesthetic treatments have come to the fore, when healthcare professionals have moved on to them. Peptides and other active ingredients are sought either as a substitute for injections or as a supporter of aesthetic treatments and results, reflects Äikäs.
Peptides can be well combined with many other active ingredients when treating the skin. Pictured is Irina Shayk. All Over Press
However, there are different peptides. So what exactly are they all for?
– There are basically many different peptides, but what they have in common is a small molecular size, which makes them a great active ingredient in cosmetics due to their good absorption.
Roughly, peptides can be divided into four main groups based on their mechanism of action: signaling, neuro, transport and enzyme inhibitory peptides. Each of these has a slightly different role.
Signal peptides stimulate the production of collagen, elastin and other supporting structures, i.e. they tighten the skin and reduce lines and smooth the skin’s structure. Instead, neuropeptides relax micromuscle tension, i.e. they work “Botox-like” by relieving air lines. With transport peptides, other active substances used in the products are absorbed more effectively, and the skin is renewed and soothed. Enzyme inhibitor peptides, on the other hand, prevent the activity of collagen-degrading enzymes, thus preventing premature aging.
There are different types of peptides. Roughly, peptides can be divided into 4 main groups based on their mechanism of action. Unsplash
The benefits of peptides have different effects in different types of cosmetic products. But where are they most useful?
– They are useful in all products. But perhaps the most in serums, which usually have a fairly light composition and a lot of active ingredients. In eye creams, because the eye area is very sensitive and prone to fine lines. In night creams, because the skin renews itself more efficiently at night, and that’s when you should load it with all the best active ingredients, as well as in ampoules and other power treatments, Äikäs advises.
The benefits of peptides have different effects in different types of cosmetic products. Pictured is Vicky Krieps. All Over Press
Peptides are basically suitable for everyone.
– For people over thirty, they prevent the first signs of aging and maintain good collagen production. For people over forty, they correct the signs of aging and strengthen and smooth the skin, explains Äikäs.
– For people with sensitive skin, the peptides soothe, reduce inflammation in the skin and strengthen the skin. Instead, for acne sufferers, the quality of the skin is improved, healing is supported and inflammation is suppressed. In addition, they are suitable for those who want simple but effective active ingredients, he opens the different benefits of peptides.
Peptides are basically suitable for almost everyone. Pictured is Mabel. All Over Press
The most important thing when using peptides is regularity.
– Good and visible results can be obtained with peptides even with quick use, but the best effects are achieved with at least a month of continuous, active use in the mornings and/or evenings, i.e. 1-2 times a day.
According to Äikka, peptides can be well combined with many other active ingredients and she urges to think about skin care as a whole and not through one star active ingredient.
– Many great skin care products contain many different active ingredients and they are designed to work together in synergy, supporting each other and enhancing the effect.
However, one thing is good to remember.
– Strong acids in home use can weaken the effect of peptides, Äikäs emphasizes.
What the heck is everyday style?
Now we are talking about one particular so-called star peptide. Hexapeptide-8, i.e. from argireline, which is promised to produce a so-called Botox-like effect. How does an expert comment on the buzzing raw material?
– Argireline has been in use for a long time, but maybe it is being increased right now, because we want alternatives to those invasive injection treatments. In addition, technology has developed and it can be made to work better and remain stable longer when mixed with creams or serums, Äikäs explains.
As with all skin care products, you get the best benefit from peptides with long-term and regular use. Pictured is Caroline Daur. All Over Press
– Yes, it works, but the effect is naturally lighter than injected Botox. Maybe as a good support product or if you want soft results little by little. So the same thing with this, visible results require longer-term use than occasional use, he points out.
Finally, Äikäs reminds us about regularity and longer-lasting use.
– The key word is synergy. Together with other active ingredients, when used regularly and long-term, peptides give the best results. Even peptides don’t work miracles overnight, even though they are a wonderful group of active ingredients, he sums up.