A CLOSER LOOK: PEPTIDES
It’s the buzzworthy ingredient you might be noticing lately. More and more skincare products are featuring a powerful ingredient called peptides. But what exactly are they and why should you try them? Let’s take a closer look.
“Our skin is comprised mostly from proteins like collagen and elastin. Each protein is built from amino acids arranged into a long chain. A peptide is a fragment of protein made from just a few amino acids linked together,” explains Elina Fedotova, celebrity esthetician and founder of Elina Organics Spas & Skincare. “They have the ability to penetrate through the skin barrier, deep into our live skin cells, and signal them to regenerate collagen and other proteins.”
In essence, our skin’s cells communicate with each other by peptides and proteins. Natural peptides have the ability to restore damaged skin cells.
What benefits do they give your skin? “They definitely add anti-aging, deeply hydrating, and skin-restoring properties to any skincare formulation,” explains Fedotova.
For Elina Organics’ formulations, many of her products contain this powerhouse, including her Natural Peptide Mask, which helps to hydrate, nourish, and visibly firm your skin. A leave-on mask like this one is different from a moisturizer because it contains a higher concentration of active ingredients. In this case, its natural peptides help to repair your skin on a cellular level.
“When looking at the overall formulation of a skincare product, you want to make sure it has as many proven scientific, beneficial ingredients as possible—peptides included,” shares LA-based celebrity esthetician Joshua Ross of SKINLAB. “As we age, we lose collagen (particularly after the age of 30), and by replacing it with topical peptides, it can help slow the aging process.”
Other great options include Free + True Skincare’s Mama Pacha. This nutrient-rich cream delivers intense moisture with arctic peptides. These glycoproteins are found in marine environments, deeply moisturize, increase collagen production, and soften fine lines.
Fresh Chemistry’s Wrinkle Release Peptide Serum Supercharged Set features four different products, containing heavy-hitting peptides and an Amazonian nut oil. When delivered fresh to the skin, the set packs a powerful punch to help reduce fine lines, boost collagen production, and increase antioxidant protection.
Vitabrid C12 is another great beauty brand doing wonders with peptides. Although peptides are great for collagen synthesis and regeneration, their instability and challenges with skin absorption can be drawbacks. This brand has addressed both of these limitations with a new biomaterial, which allows for greater skin permeability and deep delivery into the skin. Peptibrid®️ is their patented ingredient that helps the purity and permeation rate of peptides, stimulating cells to boost collagen synthesis.
Quick absorbing and deeply hydrating, the Dual Drop Serum by Vitabrid C12 is pairing its proprietary form of vitamin C with Peptibrid®️ for brighter skin, reduced fine lines, and antioxidant protection. As the name suggests, this is done all in one drop!
With so many topical formulas available, it has never been easier to integrate beauty peptides into your skincare routine—trust us, your skin will thank you later.
“To start, what exactly are peptides?”
SHOP THE FEATURE
1. Elina Organics Natural Peptide Mask $78.00 from www.elinaorganicsskincare.com 2. Free + True Skincare Mama Pacha $58.00 from www.freeandtrueskincare.com 3. Fresh Chemistry Wrinkle Release Peptide Serum Supercharged Set $75.00 from www.freshchemistry.com 4. Vitabrid C12 Dual Drop Serum $62.00 from www.vitabrid.com
Beauty Editor Jessica McCafferty
