Ingredient In Focus: What Are Peptides?

Peptides are not an unknown entity in the skincare world. And those who use it religiously vouch for its benefits and consider it non-negotiable. But with so many ingredients and products out there, do you need one more? Most importantly, what are those benefits people keep raving about and who can benefit the most? Taking matter in our hands, here we dissect this popular ingredient and everything around it. Keep scrolling to find out! 

What are peptides in skincare? 

To put it simply without any scientific jargon, peptides are naturally occurring, short chain amino acids and the building blocks of protein. *evil laughter* Okay, we did a little joke. To put it simply (seriously this time) peptides are like building bricks of the skin. They push your cells to produce more collagen, elastin and keratin that essentially maintain the skin’s texture, elasticity, firmness and tone. 

Your body already has peptides, but when you apply it topically it triggers your skin to produce more of those building bricks that we discussed above. 

Since complete, non-fragmented proteins, like collagen, are not directly absorbed through the skin’s top layer, peptides being short, smaller pieces of protein can go deep in the skin. 

What are the benefits of peptides for skin?

Peptides are broadly divided into four categories – signal, carrier, enzyme inhibitor and neurotransmitter. Each has its own benefits and works in different ways for your skin. Out of which, signal peptides help with collagen and elastin production; carrier peptides help with wound healing; enzyme inhibitor peptides slow down the breakdown of collagen; and neurotransmitter peptides smoothen the signs of ageing. 

While carrier and signal are backed up by sufficient evidence to prove the claims, there isn’t a lot of research on the latter two. So, it’s not like they don’t work, only the evidence is not quite there yet. 

Below are a few notable differences that peptides bring about in the skin!

1. Reduced signs of ageing: The most direct outcome of having more collagen and elastin in the body is lesser signs of ageing. Peptides can prolong skin’s youthful appearance and make it plumper
2. Adds hydration: Reduction in collagen = reduction in hydration levels. So, when your collagen level shoots up, naturally, your skin’s hydration level will also follow suit
3. Strengthens skin barrier: The more protein your skin has, the better your barrier is. A strong barrier helps to keep up your skin’s overall health and maintains its youthful glow
4. Firms up your skin: The amped up protein in your skin act like topical fillers and botox that erase fine lines, wrinkles, sunken skin and tones up your skin
5. Promotes even complexion: Ageing and dehydrated skin tends to look blotchy and uneven. With upped collagen, your skin will look much clearer, even-toned and smooth. 

Quench Recommends: Yuzu Fine Revitalizing Under Eye Gel  

This under-eye gel is supercharged with natural ingredients, vitamins and antioxidants to target puffiness, eye bags, dark circles and fine lines.

Who should incorporate this ingredient? 

Ideally, everyone! Especially those who are in their late 20s. Because when it comes it anti-ageing, prevention is better than cure. But, you can even start now. It’s never too late to do the right thing, right? Since anti-ageing, smoother, firmer skin is everyone’s dream for the late 40s and 50s, begin to use peptides today to preserve your youthful skin!