If you’re wondering about the increasing hype around peptides in skincare, you’ve come to the right place. Because, while we usually stray away from trends, this is one movement we back wholeheartedly — and have since our inception.
For us, ingredient choice isn’t a popularity contest (it’s about proven results), and that’s why we’ve been formulating with peptides long before they were buzz-worthy. But now that they’re in the limelight, it’s high time to dive into their benefits so we’re all on the same page. Get ready to pep up your regimen with peptides.
What Are Peptides?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids, AKA the “building blocks of life,” that make up proteins throughout the body, from your skin and hair to your blood and organs. In the skin, specifically, naturally occurring peptides play a crucial role in keeping your skin healthy and bouncy. Here’s why it’s beneficial to use them topically in skincare.
They stimulate collagen & elastin production.
These two proteins are vital for overall skin health as they are responsible for its structure and elasticity. Because the natural production of both of these proteins decreases as we age, skin begins to wrinkle and sag over time. Peptides in topical skincare are imperative in order to boost natural collagen and elastin production to help slow visible signs of aging for a firmer, more youthful appearance.
They smooth lines, wrinkles, & texture.
Said ability to promote the production of collagen and elastin makes peptides a top ingredient for smoothing lines and refining texture. This is because collagen gives skin its strength, structure, and firmness, which contributes to a smoother, more even appearance. Meanwhile, elastin gives skin its stretch and elasticity, helping to prevent wrinkles and sagging over time.
They support & strengthen the skin's moisture barrier.
Furthermore, the increased production of collagen — skin’s “scaffolding” — helps strengthen its barrier so it can properly combat external threats (i.e. infections, pollution, allergens, et cetera), retain moisture, and regulate water loss.
They improve skin hydration.
In other words, a healthy skin barrier is a hydrated skin barrier. So, naturally, part of the skin-strengthening work of peptides is preventing transepidermal water loss and acting as moisture magnets for the other hero hydrators in your skincare (think hyaluronic acid and squalane).
They help reduce inflammation.
The anti-inflammatory properties of many peptides help to reduce skin redness and irritation and help lessen the side effects of skin conditions like rosacea, eczema, acne, and more for a significantly calmed and soothed complexion.
Reflekting on Peptides
You can maximize the benefits of these powerful protein-builders by supplementing your body’s natural supply through the serums and creams in your skincare regimen. Beyond the obviously transformative benefits, they play nicely with other skincare ingredients as well, making them an essential ingredient in Reflekt 2 Collagen Boost Vitamin C Brightening Serum and Reflekt 3 Power Peptide Sculpting Face Cream.
