Among the many skincare ingredients and anti-aging treatments available today, peptides have reached superstar status for both their efficacy and application potential. Popular weight loss medications that include peptides have made them a household name. Peptides are small molecules constructed from longchain amino acids that function as messengers between cells (similar to hormones), a crucial function in wound healing, vascular function and skin repair. Scientific research on peptides has shown that they have broad-reaching implications for both the internal and external effects of aging.1
According to Rahi Sarbaziha, MD, an anti-aging and integrative aesthetics specialist (Beverly Hills, Calif.), physicians continue to learn more about specific peptides and their benefits, fueling an interest and excitement in the potential to leverage peptides for skincare and age management.
The Role of Peptides in Anti-Aging
Peptides have essential functions and benefits, including collagen production to improve skin elasticity and firmness. They can also help to increase moisture and reduce inflammation and melanin production. “Injectable and topical peptides decrease wrinkles, enhance skin texture and elasticity, and fade discoloration by stimulating collagen synthesis and enhancing skin cell turnover,” Dr. Sarbaziha explained. “They also have antioxidant properties that protect skin cells from free radical damage.”
Jessie Cheung, MD, a board-certified, fellowship-trained dermatologist (Willowbrook, Ill.), added that peptides remain a safe and effective solution for patients seeking advanced anti-aging treatments. “Alone, internal peptides are an effective anti-aging regimen, yet when combined with aesthetic treatments, they can deliver exponential results. Often, peptides are used alongside fractional laser resurfacing treatments or facelifts for further skin rejuvenation,”2 she shared.
In Dr. Cheung’s opinion, a combination approach of peptides and other anti-aging aesthetic modalities is more likely to deliver superior results, especially in cellular metabolism. “Aging is not one-dimensional, so why would we treat aging with just a single modality?”
Specific peptides like glutathione (GSH), carnitine and liraglutide reportedly provide antioxidant benefits for the skin, body, brain and overall health. GSH reduces collagen degradation by inhibiting matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the skin, while carnosine and liraglutide mitigate the risk of age-related neurological diseases, disorders and brain aging. Some peptide specialists tout the power of regenerative peptides, such as Body Protecting Compound 157 (BPC 157) to accelerate wound healing, and PEDF-derived short peptides (PDSP) in encouraging the growth of mesenchymal stem cells to regenerate tissue, bone and cartilage. Dr. Cheung likes to use BPC for skin and internal health, which supports wound healing in the skin, eyes, tendons and gut.
Peptides in Skincare
Peptides are a key ingredient in skincare, primarily because they improve skin barrier function and have anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antihypertensive and antioxidant benefits. In skincare products, peptides serve as cell-signaling agents and results can include collagen production and reduced inflammation, based on their size and chemical makeup. As Dr. Cheung shared, topically applied peptides penetrate the skin to stimulate a cascade of regenerative events, increase hydration, strengthen the skin barrier and even deliver a subtle neurotoxin effect.
This is a sample article from The Aesthetic Guide.
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