What are Peptides and What do They do for Skin?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that are the building blocks of proteins. Naturally occurring human peptides are responsible for cellular communication. Think of them as tiny messengers, carrying important messages that support vital processes within the body, such as defense, immunity, stress, growth and, very importantly, homeostasis, a self-regulating process that helps the body stay balanced and adapt to changes around it.

Within the skin, small peptides known as “matrikines” are derived from the breakdown of collagen and elastin, two classes of proteins found in different tissues all over the body. These are present in the deeper layers of the skin.

Think of collagen and elastin as building blocks of a scaffold that keeps our skin structurally sound, each with very specific functions: while collagen imparts resilience, strength, and firmness to the skin, elastin gives skin the ability to bounce back.

Together, they provide our skin with structural support. As we age, the quantity and quality of collagen and elastin in our bodies decline, allowing for other forces, such as gravity and muscle movement, to take over which can appear as wrinkles, sagging, and loss of firmness.

When collagen and elastin proteins break down into smaller peptides, signals are sent across the skin that announce this loss of structural integrity, allowing the body to respond. Topical peptides mimic naturally occurring peptides by acting on the visible effects of this loss of collagen and elastin - which include fine lines and wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and an uneven skin texture. However, research shows that specific peptide complexes can visibly improve skin wrinkles, demonstrating their benefits for aging skin.

Related Reading: How to Repair Aging-Related Skin Damage