Peptides are one of the latest entrants into the world of cosmetic ingredients icons. But, do peptides work to correct skin imperfections like wrinkles and acne scars or do they Australian peptides just inflate the price of cosmeceuticals? To address this question, its important to understand the causes of skin damage and the effects of peptides on the skin.
Today, to talk skin damage is to talk collagen and peptides. Collagen holds a central role in the overall look and health of the skin. Collagen and moisture loss typically accompany skin damage, like wrinkles and acne scars. Moreover, as the skin ages, the skin’s cells make less collagen and the collagen that is available is broken down faster.
The rate at which collagen is made is regulated by a network of hormones and numerous biological factors, including peptides.
Peptides have generated interest in the arena of removing acne scarring and wrinkles because of the way specific peptides influence the skin. One such peptide is called “transforming growth factor-β” (TGF-β). In laboratory study, skin cells treated with TGF-β produced two to three times more collagen than cells not treated with TGF-β.
How Do Peptide Affect the Skin
Taking a more practical look at peptides’ effect on the skin, in 2003 researchers tested a skin care product containing a combination of growth factor peptides on the skin of 14 study participants. The findings were released in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Surgery.
At the study’s conclusion, skin biopsies revealed new collagen formation and an increase in thickening of the epidermis by 27%. Eight of 14 patients saw wrinkles improvements and 12 of 14 experienced improvements in their skin texture.
Researchers have even examined the peptide containing cosmetics that you are most likely to find at your local drug store.
Popular Versions of Peptide Creams at Local Drug Stores
With a quick browse through the cosmetic aisle, flip over the box of an anti-aging or skin correcting product and you may find “pentapeptide-3” (marketed under the trade name Matrixyl) in the ingredients list. Companies sale pentapeptide-3 as an anti-wrinkle product based on its ability to promote collagen growth.
In addition to pentapeptide-3, you can also find products with “Argireline”, or acetyl hexapeptide-3, as it will appear on the ingredients panel. Argireline is a synthetic peptide manufacturers acclaim as a topical alternative to botulinum toxin injections.
As a wrinkle reducer, acetyl hexapeptide-3, is based on the concept of wrinkles receptor blocking. Acetyl hexapeptide-3 mimics the actions of acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a chemical that transmits messages between the nerves. As such, acetylcholine has the ability to influence muscle relaxation. In theory, acetyl hexapeptide-3 blocks the sodium pathway to muscles.
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