What are peptides and what do they do for our skin?

Peptides are one of the major ingredients in the field of anti-aging products. When applied topically, they reveal remarkable benefits: revitalized, more resistant and stronger skin. But peptides do not have magical properties, as some brands claim. There is no single ingredient that treats all the signs of aging, and peptides are no exception! This is an important asset for your skin, but it is better to be realistic and not set too ambitious goals, so as not to be disappointed. The characteristics of peptides are quite beneficial for the skin, but nothing beats beauty treatments.

What are peptides?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that function as building blocks for proteins (collagen, elastin, keratin, etc.). These are the foundations of our skin and are responsible for its texture, strength and resistance. Without peptides, our skin would be less preserved: loss of firmness, more visible wrinkles, a change in texture and less 'bounce'.
When we apply them to the skin, they work like little messengers, prompting cells to perform certain specific functions such as making collagen and elastin or encouraging skin to behave like younger skin.
Extensive scientific research has demonstrated that peptides can strengthen the skin in multiple areas: firming, soothing and hydration.

Peptides alone are not enough

It is clear that peptides are a special ingredient, but in isolation, on their own, they cannot do much.
If your goal is to have softer, smoother, firmer, better hydrated and younger-looking skin, you will need additional substances.

Copper peptide: a fad or a safe bet?

Copper peptide is one of the most talked about ingredients. The craze has its origins in the fact that the building blocks of our skin are made of copper. Logic would therefore be to say that we would need a copper peptide in our skincare products to repair the skin. It is true that copper peptide is a regenerating ingredient, but there are other peptides with similar or even better properties.
Because the benefits of copper peptide are proven, in studies it is rarely compared with other peptides or other powerful ingredients, such as antioxidants. With so many effective ingredients, it's important not to focus on just one. It should also be noted that there are studies showing that copper is potentially toxic. However, this research concerns the application of pure copper to the skin and not as a peptide.

Conclusion

Peptides are essential ingredients in the fight against skin aging; they should therefore be part of our daily arsenal, because stimulating our cells so that they behave like young people must be done on a daily basis. But, remember that using products with a cocktail approach of beneficial ingredients is the best approach to improving the appearance of your skin.