Pep Up Your Anti-Ageing Regime
With recent advances in skincare products using peptide
technology, consumers no longer have to rely on cosmetic
procedures for youthful-looking skin
It's the latest star to join the anti-ageing arsenal, and you
don't have to visit your cosmetic surgeon to get it. Products
using the latest in peptide technology are changing the face of
skincare as we know it.
Peptides are chains of naturally occurring amino acids, building
blocks of proteins that stimulate the production of collagen,
the lack of which is one of the major causes of ageing skin. As
we grow older, collagen production slows down, resulting in a
loss of skin elasticity and a decrease in the skin's ability to
hold moisture as the protein-based collagen-elastin network
weakens over time. As the levels of proteins in the skin
decline, lines and wrinkles become more visible. Peptides, and
the proteins they make up, trick older skin into producing
collagen along with hyaluronic acid - another key factor in
providing moisture to the skin - in order to repair itself like
younger skin. This results in a plumping effect and a smoother,
softer and younger looking complexion.
Because peptide molecules in products are small enough to
penetrate the top layer of the skin versus their topical
collagen and elastin cream counterparts, they are not only able
to target collagen-producing cells to stimulate regeneration
from the bottom up, but will also work on the surface layers of
the skin to repair fine lines and wrinkles caused by sun damage.
Virtually every skin type and colour can tolerate peptides
because they are found naturally in the body. And compared to
Retinol-based products, they cause little or no irritation, nor
do they cause any sun sensitivity.
In Canada, companies such as VitalScience and their Dermaglow
NuVectin line (launched as Pro-Peptide in the UK), which
includes products such as Advanced Wrinkle Therapy and Advanced
Eye Therapy, have made use of peptides in their products by
combining skin firming agents, hydrators, and skin elasticizers
with the power of peptide Palmitoyl Oligopeptide - a peptide
that acts as a messenger to increase the repair activity of the
collagen-producing cells - along with Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, a
peptide that works to relax facial muscles allowing the skin on
top of the muscles to relax as well.
Participants in a clinical study saw an up to 50% reduction in
the depth of their wrinkles and fine lines and a 4% increase in
the thickness of their skin after using the products
continuously over a two to four month period. Participants also
saw a 32% reduction in under-eye bags, a 40% increase in lip
volume, and a dramatic improvement in the smoothness of their
skin, all contributing to a younger looking appearance.
"This technology makes anti-aging treatments available to anyone
who has reservations about toxic injections and cosmetic
surgery," says Calvin Davies, research pharmacist M.R.P.S. M.Sc.
"The results are really very remarkable."
Laura Klayman, a 59-year-old Toronto-based writer, has been
using over-the-counter products containing peptides for the past
four months and has seen positive results. "I did notice a
lifting and tightening effect especially around my eyes," she
explained. "The lines around that area have pretty much
diminished."
As peptides are generally more reparative than preventative, a
good time to start using peptide products is at around age 30.
However, if you've been negligent about applying daily
sunscreen, start earlier to repair that damage. These products
should generally be used day and night for maximum benefit.