Peptide Love
Decisions, decisions....
Science and technology have come a long way. We have multiple options available to choose from in the anti-aging arena. There's something for every budget and level of commitment. We have Botox, surgeries, laser treatments, fillers, retinol, AHA's, growth factors....the list could go on and on. All of these options deliver a result and they all have their place. Everyone should make informed decisions about what is best for them, personally, depending on their individual concerns.
Retinol has long been the gold standard in topical treatments for anti-aging and it works very well. However, depending on the concentration, type of retinol (retinoic acid, retinaldehyde, retinyl propionate, retinol palmitate, etc...) and what else is in the product, it can cause a considerable amount of inflammation for some users. Also, there's the sun sensitivity and the fact that it thins that top layer of skin, so be sure to stop usage before getting waxed. Don't get me wrong... it's effective and many people tolerate it well. But what if I told you there's a different way of treating those concerns you have about your skin, that is gentle as a summer breeze?
Let me introduce you to PEPTIDES, aka: your new best friends. As the newest "it" ingredient, peptides are the current darlings of the skin care world. Quick history lesson- In 1959, Dr. Bruce Merrifield came up with the concept of solid peptide synthesis and spent the next several years perfecting it. In 1964 he published what has become one of the most cited scientific papers ever written about peptide synthesis. He received the 1984 Nobel Prize for his amazing contribution in this area.
Don't shoot the messenger
Where skincare is concerned, this is an explanation of what peptides are and how they work: Peptides are chains of amino acids that deliver messages to your cells to perform specific functions. All cells begin in the dermal layer, move upward and, eventually, slough off of the skin. Peptides target the living areas of the skin at a deeper level (the dermal layer) so that the maturing cells produce a result on the outer layers (the epidermis). This is where you visibly notice the changes taking place.
There are hundreds of different combinations of amino acids and a peptide for almost any function desired. As we age, we experience a lack of firmness, lines, texture changes, dryness and areas of discoloration. Our skin begins to cease efficient production of enough collagen and elastin to keep it looking like it did in younger years. There are many products out there that contain these proteins but the molecules are too large for the skin to absorb them properly, if at all. Peptides help accomplish all necessary tasks for the skin, communicating with your cells so that they can perform their jobs better, usually with zero irritation.
The gang's all here!
I carry the Viktoria DéAnn peptides and they have some amazing products. There are peptides that work to tighten up the space between cells, restoring skin tension, giving a lifted appearance and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. There are peptides that have a botox-like effect, signaling muscle relaxation. Some peptides are meant to repair, replace and restructure collagen, evening out skin texture and scarring. Others signal to damaged skin cells to repair the effects from sun damage or correct hyper pigmentation.
As you've aged, have you ever looked at that area on the back of your hand that gets all crepey or the areas that are sagging above your cheekbones or the wrinkles around your mouth? That's a loss of subcutaneous fat. Guess what? There's a peptide for that, too. For acne sufferers, there is a blend of peptides and amino acids that signal the suppression of bacteria and promote anti-microbial activity. For skin lacking hydration, there is a peptide that signals the body to produce hyaluronic acid.
One of the coolest peptide products is the Rejuvenator. It sends a message to the cells to achieve proper energy production so that they will divide at the correct rate, establishing healthy epidermal thickness. This assists with the synthesis of collagen and fibroblasts, smooths and tones the skin's appearance and the barrier is kept intact.
Natural is nice
Going back to the last blog about working with what nature gave you and making the very best of it, peptides scream this message. The concept behind the use of peptides is that your body will do the heavy lifting. Peptides signal our cells to perform biological functions that are normal and natural. Our bodies are capable of doing great things and posesses the amazing ability to repair and restore itself if we keep it healthy.
The great thing about incorporating peptides into your routine is that they can be used in conjunction with your existing skincare products. They are not a replacement for moisture, vitamin C, etc... They are an added bonus. It's important to have realistic expectations when beginning use of peptides. There have been claims that they are a replacement for cosmetic procedures but I do not believe this to be true. There is no "facelift in a bottle", no magic bullet. One needs to be doing a series of things to keep the skin healthy but peptides definitely give you the jump on looking younger.
Currently, my peptide facial with micro current is the most popular... probably in part due to the Holiday parties and everyone wanting to look amazing! Micro current gives a further boost to a facial that already leaves your skin plump and vibrant. The peptide facial has all the features of a regular facial with the addition of a plumping enzyme and the application of several peptides underneath a peptide nano mask. Once the mask is applied and contoured to fit your face, micro current is performed directly over top of the mask, which is left on for 20 minutes. Before and after pics are taken so you can see the difference. There is some light exfoliation but this is not a facial geared toward that end. Results can be built upon by at-home use of the peptides.
I wish Dr. Merrifield was still here so I could thank him for his contribution to science. I bet he never dreamed that this would be such a gift to the skincare industry. I personally love that we can achieve a great result without going to drastic measures. Trust your skin care professional to make lifestyle recommendations and guide you toward the products and treatments that are best for you, depending on the changing conditions of your skin. And trust your body to do the rest!