LOADING . . . PLEASE WAIT

Tweakment Finder TWEAKMENT
FINDER
CLOSE

WHAT'S BOTHERING YOU

CHOOSE AN AREA OF THE FACE OR BODY TO CHECK OUT YOUR SKINCARE AND TWEAKMENT OPTIONS

 Skincare

Peptides and Growth Factors

Written by: Becki Murray

Last Updated: 13 February 2024

Peptides and growth factors are often found cropping up as ingredients in anti-ageing skincare products. That’s due to the idea that they can help boost key skin processes such as collagen production, helping us keep wrinkles, plus uneven tone and texture at bay. Specifically, peptides and growth factors are marketed for their ability to stimulate cell signalling, regeneration, and repair, making them useful for keeping your skin in good condition and minimising the signs of ageing. Some of the most popular you may have heard of include: Matrixyl 3000, otherwise known as palmitoyl pentapeptide, copper peptide and Argireline (acetyl hexapeptide-8).

peptides

What are peptides?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the acids which are the building blocks of proteins. Peptides act as chemical messengers in the skin. Send the right peptides into action, the theory goes, and they will act like tiny keys to turn on particular biochemical processes in the skin. Find the right peptide to boost a process which is slowing down with age, and you could get a great result. 

For example, say the fibroblast cells in your skin are now producing collagen more slowly than they used to. Applying a product containing peptides such as copper peptides and palmitoyl pentapeptide to your skin can stimulate the fibroblasts to produce more collagen, giving your skin a boost.

What are growth factors?

Growth factors are substances which occur naturally in your skin and stimulate processes such as cellular growth and healing. Growth factors can prompt skin repair, reduce inflammation, fade scars, and generally make older skin cells behave like lively younger versions of themselves.

Growth factors are made by your fibroblasts, the skin cells that build collagen. For example, when you wound your skin, your body produces growth factors to encourage the production of collagen and elastin in order to heal the wound. As with other aspects of the skin’s ability to repair itself, our skin gradually produces fewer growth factors as we get older. The idea behind including them in skincare is therefore to ‘top up’ your natural supply.

What role do peptides play in skincare?

Peptides play several important roles in skincare by influencing essential skin functions and structures. Various peptides perform the following roles:

  • Stimulating collagen production (see the next section)
  • Strengthening your skin’s barrier function against the outside world
  • Helping keep your skin hydrated
  • Reducing inflammation and irritation in your skin
  • Improving your skin’s firmness, texture, and skin tone
  • Combatting specific problems, such as dark circles under the eyes or puffiness around the eyes

How do peptides stimulate collagen production?

Peptides stimulate the production of collagen in three main ways:

  • Acting like growth factors. Some peptides act like natural growth factors that regulate collagen synthesis. These peptides bind to receptors on the surface of fibroblasts, indirectly causing the fibroblasts to increase their production of collagen.
  • Stimulating collagen synthesis pathways. Peptides can stimulate your body’s pathways for collagen synthesis, encouraging your fibroblasts to produce more collagen.
  • Inhibiting the breakdown of collagen. Some peptides can reduce the activity of enzymes that break down collagen, thus making your existing collagen last longer.

In addition, peptides can strengthen your skin barrier and help your body to repair your skin.

What are the benefits of Matrixyl 3000 in skincare?

Matrixyl 3000 is a trademarked peptide that consists of two proteins, palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7. Matrixyl 3000 is designed to appear to your body to be broken-down collagen, as if your skin has suffered damage.

Your skin reacts to Matrixyl 3000 by producing more collagen and elastin to repair the apparent damage. This extra collagen reduces fine lines and wrinkles in your skin, improves your skin tone and texture, and helps the skin stay hydrated. The extra elastin boosts the elasticity of your skin, making it more supple and more resilient.

Even better, Matrixyl 3000 can increase the effectiveness of other skincare ingredients when used together with them.

Can copper peptides improve skin health?

Yes. Copper peptides — small protein fragments that have a high affinity for copper ions — can improve the health of your skin in several ways. These ways include:

  • Stimulating the production of collagen and elastin to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
  • Accelerating wound healing and skin repair
  • Neutralising free radicals and reducing oxidative damage
  • Reducing skin inflammation such as acne or rosacea
  • Strengthening your skin’s barrier function and keeping it hydrated
  • Removing damaged collagen and elastin, helping your body form scar tissue

How does Argireline aid in anti-ageing?

Argireline (sometimes listed as acetyl hexapeptide-8) is a neuropeptide, a peptide that affects nerve transmission in the skin). Argireline can inhibit muscle contractions in the skin, so it’s meant to act like a kind of topical wrinkle-relaxer, reducing the depth of wrinkles and improving skin texture.

What are the benefits of amino acids in skincare?

In skincare, amino acids deliver a wide range of benefits, such as the following five:

  • Keeping your skin hydrated. Some amino acids work as natural moisturising factors (abbreviated to NMFs), drawing moisture from the air into your skin to keep it hydrated.
  • Providing the building blocks for making collagen and elastin. Your body needs amino acids for constructing collagen molecules and elastin molecules.
  • Repairing and regenerating your skin. Your body uses amino acids to repair damaged skin and form new skin.
  • Improving your skin texture and elasticity. Creating collagen and elastin from amino acids makes your skin smoother and more elastic.
  • Reducing inflammation and irritation. Some amino acids can soothe inflamed skin.

How can peptides help in skin firming?

Peptides can help skin firming by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, making your skin produce more hyaluronic acid and so retain moisture and stay hydrated, strengthening the skin barrier, and reducing inflammation.

Are peptide serums effective for wrinkle reduction?

Yes, they can be. Peptides can work particularly well in serums alongside other skin-smoothing ingredients, including retinoids, and hydrators that have a plumping effect on your skin.

How can I choose the right peptide product for my skin?

When choosing the right peptide serum for you, start from the concern you want the product to help, and identify the peptides that will target that concern.

For example, if your primary goal is to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, you might look for products containing Matrixyl (palmitoyl pentapeptide), Argireline, or copper peptides. By contrast, if your main goal is to make your skin firmer and more elastic, you might look for products that deliver palmitoyl tripeptide-5 or palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7.

Once you’re looking at specific products, check their ingredients to make sure that peptides are near the top of the list. While on the list, look for ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or antioxidants that will boost the effect of the peptides too.

Next, make sure the products you’re considering will suit your skin type. For example, if your skin is sensitive, you’ll likely want a product that’s hypoallergenic and fragrance free.

At this point, you should have a short list of apparently suitable products. You can also discuss the inclusion of a peptide serum in your routine with TTG’s skincare specialist Shenaz, by booking in for a personalised consultation.

What are the latest advancements in peptide skincare?

Here are five examples of recent developments in peptide skincare:

  • New collagen-boosting peptides. Because collagen is vital to the health of your skin, there’s considerable focus on ways to boost collagen via peptides.
  • Liposomal peptide products. These products wrap the peptides in lipid molecules — essentially, fat — to deliver them to their destination more effectively.
  • Neuropeptides to relax facial muscles. Neuropeptides (such as Argireline, mentioned earlier on this page) can relax your facial muscles and so could reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. It’s gaining traction as a needle-free alternative-ish to toxin, aka ‘Notox’ skincare.
  • Time-release peptides. Scientists are working on peptide formulations that release their peptides gradually rather than all at once. Gradual delivery lets the peptides work for longer and increases their effects.
  • Custom peptide products. Some companies offer customised peptide products formulated to address specific skincare problems.

RELATED CONCERNS


Acne Scarring

It’s pretty tricky to get through life without picking up a scar or two along the way. Cuts, burns, and surgery can all leave a lasting...

Read More
Barcode Lip Lines

The ‘barcode’ lines are the little vertical lines above the upper lip that run vertically downward into the lip. These lip lines are...

Read More
Crepey Skin

When our faces and necks start looking old, it is a real heartsink. It’s that moment when you realise you aren’t imagining it; ageing...

Read More
Frown Lines

Frown lines, also known as ‘eleven’ lines (or ‘glabellar lines’, as doctors call them) are those vertical creases that appear...

Read More
Marionette Lines

Marionette lines are lines that run down vertically from the corners of the mouth towards (or to) your chin.

Read More
Wrinkly and Fat Knees

Knees don't often steal the body-related headlines, but if you look at yours and they don't look their best, it can be both annoying and a...

Read More

ASK ALICE

Alice answers your question. Want to ask Alice a question? Pop it in here and check back in a few days for the answer.


Dear Alice, thanks again for an always fantastic information guide. I finally made of my mind and decided to have toxin, got an appointment and went to the consultation. It’s a great but.. a little voice inside is still a little nervous,...

Hi, that's completely understandable to be anxious ahead of trying any tweakment. Have you discussed these particular concerns with your practitioner? If you have, I hope they would have reassured you that they have enough skill and experience to place the toxin in just the right places so that it will soften your wrinkles without wiping them out, and without making your brows drop. Also, first time, it's good idea to ask for a really light dose, just enough to give you an idea of what the treatment can do. It won't last as long as a regular dose, but if for any reason you don't like the results, then you aren't stuck with it for so long....

Buying from your website post-Brexit – I live in France... will I be charged import taxes?

There's always a chance you'll be charged import taxes but we can't say for certain either way. Please email us at [email protected] with details of what you'd like to order and your address, and we will give you a shipping quote which will include any extra costs/ taxes we are informed about.

MORE POSTS ON Peptides and Growth Factors


The £1,000 face

If you suddenly had £1,000 to drop on tweaking your face – how would you spend it? What might give you the best results? £1k is a sizeable wad of cash but then, cosmetic procedures are pricey. To hear some options, I spoke with some of

Read more
Hair Loss – What Can You Do?

When you start noticing more hair ending up in your hairbrush, or you suspect your parting is looking a little wider than usual, it’s hard not to feel rising anxiety that you’re starting to lose your crowning glory. So as Hair Loss Awareness

Read more
Why stem cells are finding their way into skincare

Using growth factors or 'stem cells' in skincare is controversial. What's the fuss about? asks Alice Hart-Davis, and are these products worth the price?

Read more

WANT TO ASK ALICE A QUESTION?

Pop it in here and check back in a few days for the answer.

single-skincare.php

Hello, how can we help?

Hi, I’m The Tweakments Chatbot.

I have been designed to help you get information and advice on your concerns. I am currently in training. In case I am unable to answer your question, I would like to ask for some details, so that Alice or one of our team can contact you and ensure you get all the advice you need.

Thank you for using The Tweakments Chatbot. We would like to know how was your experience with us today. Can you spare a minute to share your feedback?

Was the chatbot helpful in finding what you were looking for today?

Yes No

In few words could you please tell us why, so we can improve your experience in the future.

Would you use the chatbot next time you visit the website?

Yes No

In few words could you please tell us why, so we can improve your experience in the future.

Overall, how would you rate your experience using The Tweakments chatbot.