The benefits of peptides for the skin: how to integrate them into skincare

Similar to proteins, peptides are the new frontier of ingredients for skincare against wrinkles and signs of aging. These small, but powerful components, in fact, have captured the attention of beauty experts, earning a prominent place in the formulations of numerous skin care products.

Let's discover the benefits of peptides for the skin and how to use them in a beauty routine.

What are peptides

Peptides are fragments of proteins (each fragment is defined as a peptide) made up of chains of amino acids, also known as the “building blocks of the skin”, which play a key role in cell communication and in maintaining the integrity of the skin barrier. In particular, they are responsible for the production of collagen, elastin and keratin, which have anti-aging properties.

Peptides can be naturally present within the skin or synthesized in the laboratory to be used in the cosmetic industry. They are known for their ability to help reduce wrinkles, as they stimulate collagen production and improve skin hydration.

There are numerous types of peptides, each with its own function and field of application. In the cosmetics sector, peptides known as topical bioactives or biomimetic peptides are often used.

We can mainly identify four main categories of peptides of this type:

• Signal peptides: stimulate or inhibit specific biological processes, such as collagen and elastin production.
• Enzyme inhibitor peptides: directly or indirectly inhibit enzyme activity. They can slow down the regression of some structural proteins of the skin and manipulate pigmentation.
• Neurotransmitter inhibitor peptides: reduce the release of neurotransmitters at the neuromuscular junction, influencing nerve impulse transmission.
• Carrier or metal chelating peptides: facilitate the transport of various substances within the body or bind to metals through a chelation process.

Differences between Biomimetic Peptides and Natural Peptides

There are various types of peptides, but there is one type that is often used in cosmetics: these are the so-called biomimetic peptides, synthetically created in laboratories to mimic the action of natural peptides produced by our body.

But what is the difference between the two?

Natural peptides are composed of amino acid sequences and act as chemical messengers within our body. They send specific signals that regulate important biological functions, such as the synthesis of collagen, elastin and keratin. They are present not only in our organism but also throughout nature, from marine microorganisms like plankton to plants like moss. Moreover, they can be found in many foods, such as meat, shellfish and soy, bringing benefits also through our diet.

Biomimetic peptides, on the other hand, are imitations reproduced in the laboratory and used in various fields:

• In the medical field, they can be used to block receptors responsible for pain, inflammation and heart disease. Furthermore, they stimulate the growth of new tissues and cells and can be involved in the neutralization of toxins.
• In cosmetics, they are used to improve the aesthetic appearance by reducing wrinkles, fine lines and age spots, also enhancing skin elasticity and reducing inflammation. In addition, they protect the skin from damage caused by UV rays, helping to prevent the signs of premature aging.
• In the field of biotechnology, their versatility allows the development of new materials and devices, including cutting-edge artificial tissues, personalized drugs and innovative methods for energy and food production.

Despite biomimetic peptides still being the subject of research and development, their potential is vast and revolutionary because they offer the opportunity to address diseases, improve health and renew the appearance of the skin.

Benefits of peptides for the skin

The benefits of peptides for the skin are numerous, precisely because they stimulate the production of collagen, keratin, and elastin in order to:

• Reduce the appearance of expression lines, like crow's feet and fine lines on the forehead, by inhibiting the contraction of facial muscles that cause these wrinkles. In our Gocce di Luce serum and in the Nocturna repair cream, for example, there is the Vinci peptide that promotes the natural regeneration of the skin for a densifying and toning effect.
• Improve skin elasticity by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin. The latter is a protein that helps the skin return to its original shape after being stretched. They therefore improve the appearance of dark spots, discoloration, and scars, evening out the skin tone.
• Provide deep hydration by retaining water within the epidermis.
• Protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, thanks to their antioxidant effect, countering premature aging and the appearance of sunspots and skin diseases.
  
  

  Gocce di luce Redensifying illuminating face serum with Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid

  €55.00

  

  Diurna Moisturising and Protective Day Face Cream

  €85.00

  

  Nocturna Repairing Face Night Cream with Hyaluronic Acid

  €85.00

Contraindications

Whether you want to prevent the signs of aging or improve the overall health of your skin, peptides can be a valuable ally in your skincare routine because they are safe for our body. However, it is advised, for people with sensitive skin or skin allergies, to seek the opinion of their doctor to avoid overuse that can lead to itching, burning, and irritation.

How to incorporate peptides into the skin through skincare

Peptides are an important addition to cosmetics. What makes them special is their ability to easily penetrate and be absorbed by the skin when applied topically. Once absorbed, our body uses them effectively to give the skin a toned and compact appearance.

Their presence in skincare products is particularly beneficial and we can find peptides in various treatments, from moisturizing creams to serums, from night treatments to masks.

To achieve the best results, it is essential to be consistent in the use of these products and to adapt the skincare routine to the specific needs of one's skin.

For mature skin, these products can work best if used in a layered manner, integrating them into an anti-aging routine.

Leveraging the benefits of peptides on the skin is an effective approach to achieving a radiant and healthy appearance. With a proper personalized skincare routine, one can experience a positive transformation in their overall appearance.

Thermae Products containing peptides

Even in Thermae Il Tempio della Salute products, which are based on thermal water, important peptides for skin care are included.

For example, in our 24H Anti-Wrinkle Densifying Face Cream, you can find Copper Peptides and Ozonized Oil which help stimulate and revitalize the beauty of the face, promote the renewal of skin tissue, encourage the synthesis of collagen and protect the skin from harmful external agents.

With the use of the right peptides, it is even possible to achieve a reshaping effect: an example is our thermogenic cream Termogea, which contains the UC peptide among its ingredients, which promotes the reduction of lipid storage in subcutaneous fat. Using it consistently morning and night, it is possible to achieve a reducing effect.

Excelsa 24H Anti-Wrinkle Redensifying Face Cream

€80.00

Termogea Thermo-active draining leg cream with mud effect

€64.00

Peptides for the Skin: a cosmetic innovation

Peptides represent a breakthrough in the cosmetic industry and skin care. With their powerful anti-aging and antioxidant effects, they can help maintain youthful, healthy and radiant skin.

Add peptides to your beauty routine and discover the secret to radiant and rejuvenated skin.