What are peptides and how do they work in the body?
Peptides are made up of several amino acids, which are the body's building blocks and help form proteins. Among other things, they help support the skin's own collagen and elastin production, which contributes to softer, firmer and more even skin.
Did you know that the body as a whole wouldn't function normally without peptides? That's because they're a substance that occurs naturally in every cell in the body and acts as a kind of messenger to other cells.
That's why peptides have several different properties, from forming hormones and enzymes in the body to smoothing wrinkles and calming skin sensitivity.
The difference between peptides, proteins and polypeptides
Both peptides and proteins are made up of amino acids. The main difference between them is that proteins contain more amino acids.
Peptides are therefore smaller than proteins, while also being parts of proteins.
- A chain of 10 or more amino acids is usually called a polypeptide.
- A chain of 50 or more amino acids forms a protein.
Both peptides and proteins are ingredients that give fresher skin and are used both in skincare and found in a nutritious diet.
Why are peptides in skincare so popular right now?
Right now, peptides are one of the most on-trend ingredients in skincare – a real "it" ingredient, in fact. So what makes them so popular, you might wonder?
One reason so many skincare enthusiasts have set their sights on them is that a great deal of studies and research have been carried out into the formation of peptides as a skincare ingredient.
Another reason is that skincare containing this "it" ingredient delivers effective results.
Peptides in skincare against premature ageing
In short, with the help of peptides you can keep your skin more youthful while preventing wrinkles and fine lines from forming.
This is because peptides can prompt the skin to form both new collagen and elastin fibres, which gives firmer and more flexible skin.
You'll usually find peptides in skincare products that help prevent premature ageing. According to dermatologists, you lose around one per cent of the skin's own collagen stores per year after the age of 30.
This can cause the skin to become looser, lose its elasticity and start to form wrinkles and fine lines.
That's why peptides are often included in skincare products, as they have the ability to signal to the skin to produce more collagen. This results in firmer, more even skin. If you want to explore more products and routines that focus on hydration, barrier support and ingredients like peptides and hyaluronic acid, you can start with our skincare.
More skin benefits of peptides
Peptides don't just help make your skin more youthful, flexible and firm. They've also been seen to strengthen the skin barrier, which helps make the skin more resilient against external factors.
How to combine peptides in skincare with other ingredients
Above all, peptides work best when you combine them with other nourishing ingredients.
Peptides and hyaluronic acid
Together with hyaluronic acid, the skin becomes more hydrated, plumper and more elastic. For an easy start with this combination, you can try our Collagen Hydrogel Hyal Mask, which contains both collagen and hyaluronic acid for an extra hydrating boost.
Peptides and retinol
Combining peptides with retinol also gives good results. Retinol is made up of vitamin A, which some skin types – especially sensitive ones – find hard to tolerate.
Because peptides help strengthen the skin barrier, they can help more sensitive skin types tolerate retinol more easily and so achieve lovely results without the skin becoming irritated.
Different types of peptides and their properties
As mentioned, there are several different peptides with several different properties.
- Palmitoyl Oligopeptide – helps reduce the visibility of fine lines.
- Palmitoyl Tripeptide – makes the skin firmer.
- Hexanoyl Dipeptide – stimulates cell renewal.
But did you know that peptides can also give you longer lashes?
Peptides for longer lashes – why they're in Xlash Eyelash Serum
In Xlash Eyelash Serum we use a combination of peptide and biotin called Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1. This specific combination is often seen in products designed to promote hair growth.
It's deeply hydrating and helps the lashes grow long, strong and fuller – especially in combination with a nourishing lash serum in your daily routine.
But it isn't only biotin peptide that makes Xlash Eyelash Serum really work and help you get longer lashes.
The active formula also contains high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid that hydrates the lashes and keeps them healthy. Xlash also contains green tea, which calms the skin and balances the active ingredients. If you want to nerd out even more on how our active peptides work in the lash serum, you can read our ingredient guide on Biotin Peptide.
