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.