JACKET will soon be introducing our PLATINUM PEPTIDE Face Forming Cream, and with a focus on helping consumers make informed decisions about their skin care and health, we asked our founder, Dr. Thomas Balshi, a dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon, to explain what peptides are and the benefits they provide.
Here are his thoughts and insights…
Many skincare products use peptides to treat wrinkles, but what are peptides and do they actually make users look younger?
Peptides remain a buzz word in the world of anti-aging skincare due to their performance and their ability to be used by all skin types without causing irritation or sensitivity. They continue to evolve and have developed a cult following along the way based on their results. Some refer to peptides as “Botox in a Bottle.”
Skin is comprised mostly of collagen. It is the structural protein that gives skin its support and thickness. In fact, collagen makes up for 30% of the whole body’s protein content.
Young people have a lot of collagen and elastic smooth skin. However, as we age, we have much less collagen, resulting in thinner, more wrinkled skin.
What is collagen?
Collagen is a protein comprised of three long chains of amino acids strung together, like links of a chain. When it is broken down, short segments of three to five amino acids form called peptides.
Peptides play an essential role. Aside from water, peptides are the most abundant molecule in the body. Proteins and peptides do more than strengthen the body; they are essential to every organism and are required for nearly every process within cells.
There are many ways in which peptides work to improve wrinkles and preserve youth. Here are three such ways, straight from the doctor behind JACKET:
The most popular peptide for cosmetic use is Palmitoyl Pentapeptide (Matrixyl). Matrixyl brought excitement to the cosmetic world several years ago when the NIH (National Institutes of Health) backed research on this peptide which, in laboratory studies, demonstrated an impressive ability to stimulate new collagen production in skin.
Yes, scientific proof, including research presented at the World Congress of Dermatology in Paris, attested that Matrixyl not only produced substantial improvements in wrinkle appearance, but did so more quickly than Retinol and without causing irritation.
Some peptides act to block transmission of signals from nerves to facial muscles, like the mechanism behind the action of Botox. According to research, studies of specific peptides called Argireline and Pentapeptide 18 both showed in the laboratory that they can produce a mild Botox-like effect and have the ability to reduce the signs of aging, including minimizing the appearance of expression lines and visibly reducing wrinkle depth. They inhibit the release of neurotransmitters that help prevent facial muscles from forming wrinkles and, thereby, create smoother and softer skin.
By reducing inflammation, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 and Palmitoyl Oligiopeptide have been shown to reduce the cumulative amount of damage that occurs following exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, pollution, internal stress and other pro-inflammatory factors, therefore protecting natural collagen.
Peptides are used for natural healing and regeneration of skin, and to help remove damaged collagen. By protecting the integrity of elastin and collagen bundles, and minimizing the impact of free radical damage, these powerful peptides work to improve skin firmness and elasticity, and help prevent skin cancers.
The cosmetic market has become inundated with new peptide creams, but buyers should beware. The high cost of peptide creams does not guarantee the right combination of peptides or concentrations high enough to meet consumer expectations.
A board-certified dermatologist is a more trustworthy source for peptide products than the cosmetic counter in a department store. PLATINUM PEPTIDE by JACKET delivers scientific ingredients and formulations destined to produce real results. Our skin is our body’s first line of defense and a crucial part of our overall appearance, health and wellness.
Give your skin the care it demands and deserves.