Peptides are highly effective ingredients in anti-aging wrinkle creams. Just what are peptides? How can they make your skin look younger and smoother?

Peptides are fragments of protein and are breakdown products of collagen, which is a type of protein consisting of long chains of amino acids. Peptides are active molecules that play an important role in skin health.

A multitude of environmental factors destroys collagen and much of it is not normally replaced.  Consequently, young, smooth skin will lose its thickness and become more wrinkles with advancing years.

Collagen provides the supporting structure for skin and provides thickness to the dermis.  Human skin is comprised mostly of collagen.  In their youth, people have a lot of collagen and firm, smooth skin.   Significantly less collagen is found in the skin of older persons, whose skin will exhibit lines and wrinkles as a result.

An effective method for reducing wrinkles and restoring a more youthful look to your skin is to use peptides to promote the replacement of lost collagen. Peptides that are released when collagen breaks down act as chemical messengers to initiate a process in your skin to manufacture more collagen.

As a result, by applying certain peptides directly to your skin, you can enhance the collagen building process. Matrixyl (palmitoyl pentapeptide) is the most effective peptide available for this purpose and is therefore very beneficial for reducing the appearance of wrinkles and lines.

Argireline (acetyl hexapeptide-3) is marketed as a less costly, safer, and milder alternative to Botox (botulinum toxin). Argireline relaxes the muscles under the skin and thus minimizes the appearance of deep wrinkles. It is often paired with Leuphasyl to inhibit muscle contractions; this works particularly well in the forehead and eye area. Octapeptide can reduce the depth of lines in your skin by extending and lengthening muscles under tension.  It is an elongated version of Argireline.

Preliminary research indicates that peptides are important in wound healing and can ameliorate skin conditions including eczema and atopic dermatitis. Peptides also play an important role in the regulation of hormones, immune functions and communication between skin cells.

Matrixyl (palmitoyl pentapeptide-3) is utilized in many anti-aging skin care products. It is comprised of dual amino acids attached to a fatty acid.  This improves its ability to penetrate your skin. Matrixyl is similar to the building block of Type I collagen; research shows that it helps synthesize these important skin components: collagen, elastin, and compounds known as glucosaminoglycans. Research demonstrates that Matrixyl can reduce wrinkle volume by 36%; decrease skin roughness by 13%; and decrease depth of wrinkles by 27% when used on neck and facial areas 2 times a day for 4 months.

Anti-aging wrinkle creams that utilize specific peptides are safe for use and highly effective at turning back the clock on skin that has aged from not just time but exposure to the elements.