Every time you hear of some influencer’s skincare routine, it feels there is some new ingredient that you should be adding to yours too. One such skincare product that is in the spotlight these days are peptides. But what are they? Are they another one of those fads that are just expensive but not really effective or do they actually work? Let’s find out!
First, a word of caution
Whenever you come across a new product, it is always pertinent that you do your due diligence first. There are many products that might not have enough evidence to point out to their efficacy. Some may not be safe altogether.
It can also happen that your Skin Specialist in Islamabad might deem unsuitable for your skin type. Hence, alongside patch testing, it is also vital that you research before purchasing.
Onto what are peptides?
Peptides, in extremely lay-person terms, join to form proteins. Some contribute towards the production of skin protein collagen, which alongside giving skin plumpness, also ensures its texture remains supple and smooth.
With age, the production of collagen dwindles, therefore, supplementing it becomes vitals. Sources like peptides help in boosting the body’s production of collagen which aids in ensuring that that texture of your skin appears smooth, it looks hydrated, and there is lesser appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Benefits of peptides
Boosting collagen production is not all there is to peptides. It is also armed with other benefits for the skin. Some of these include:
Boost hydration
Just as your body needs water to function optimally, your skin also needs to have adequate moisture to look good and function well. Dehydrated skin looks dull, carries dry patches, and can cause skin to break out in places.
The use of peptides that help in drawing water to the skin can make it look dewy. It also then quells the deeply dry and parched look that the dry skin otherwise tends to carry.
Improved skin barrier
Having a strong skin barrier is important to prevent loss of moisture from the skin. A robust skin barrier is also effective for defending the skin against pollutants, environmental damage, toxins, bacteria, and similar agents that can harm the health and appearance of the skin.
Formulations with peptides in them can aid in improving the skin barrier, and thus protect skin against all these problems.
Reduced signs of aging
Fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin is common to start as early as thirties, yes, even when technically, you are not old. As peptides helps in boosting the skin proteins, therefore, they also aid in improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Alongside promoting skin that is relatively more youthful, peptides also help in making it plumper and firmer.
Damage repair
Your body needs proteins for repair and renewal. Peptides, as a form of protein building blocks, come in handy when dealing with damage of different forms to the skin, including inflammation. They are also helpful against bacteria, so are good for damage control in some instances as well.
Evening skin tone
Another benefit of regular use of peptides is that they help in making the skin even.
So, how should you be applying peptides?
Peptides are found in different types of products, like serums, moisturizers, etc. The more effective way to reap its benefits is by maximizing the contact time between the peptides and the skin; therefore, any ingredient like a mask or cleanser that goes on for a few minutes only might not be a good choice.
Similarly, for the sake of saving time and money, it helps to look at products that carry more than one product, so you get value for money. For example, there are vitamin C serums that also contain peptides, or good collagen boosting peptides. Look for products that carry other ingredients that also address your skin concern, so together they pack a punch against whatever is concerning you.
Also, do not apply peptides and expect miracle. Of course, they improve the appearance, but the result will not be drastic. If you want quick and radical changes to your skin, it is better that you consult the Best Dermatologist in Lahore for procedures that might be more suitable for you.
