A Woman in White Long Sleeves and Gray Tank Top Smiling while Applying an anti-aging peptide cream on Her Face.

Peptides are amino-acid micro chains widely used in the anti-aging industry due to their potential ability to address specific skin concerns such as wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of elasticity.Peptides permeate the deeper layers of your skin, activating essential biological functions such as collagen production, cell repair, and regeneration mechanisms to promote healthy-looking skin over time.

GHK-Cu Peptide Therapy

GHK-Cu is a copper peptide used for its potential anti-aging and regenerative properties. Boost collagen, reduce wrinkles, and restore skin elasticity with this powerful peptide.

How can Peptides be Beneficial for Anti-Aging?

Let’s take a look at some ways peptides are used in anti-aging skincare treatments.

Stimulating Collagen Production

Peptides might stimulate collagen production in the skin, which promotes increased skin elasticity and a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles.

Correcting Uneven Pigmentation

Some peptides, like oligopeptides, could potentially help correct uneven pigmentation caused by age or sun damage.

Topical Delivery of Active Ingredients

Peptides may help penetrate deeper into the skin to deliver active ingredients such as antioxidants that protect against the effects of free radicals which cause premature aging.

Reducing Inflammation

Some peptides have anti-inflammatory properties that could potentially help reduce inflammation caused by UV exposure1 or other environmental irritants.

Moisturizing Benefits

Black woman applying cream on her face while looking at a mirror. Peptides might aid in locking moisture into the skin, leading to a more plump and hydrated appearance while reducing dryness and flakiness on the skin’s surface.

Overall, peptides play a significant role in promoting healthy-looking skin while helping address specific anti-aging concerns. Combining peptides with other scientifically-proven skincare products could potentially lead to optimal long-term results.

The Science behind Peptides

This section will discuss peptides’ role in collagen production and hormones.

Role in Collagen Production

As we discussed earlier, peptides are amino acids made by your body. Collagen, in particular, comprises three peptide chains, and using skincare products that contain collagen might stimulate collagen production in your skin.

Effect on Hormones

Peptide hormones act as chemical messengers in the body. Peptide hormones are water-soluble and have shorter lifespans than steroid hormones, and they are built from the protein you consume.

Cells can release peptides through either constitutive secretion or regulative secretion. In constitutive secretion, signals received by the DNA stimulate the cells to create hormones. Excess hormones are stored in biological containers called vesicles and can be released and used whenever your body needs them. In regulative secretion, the cells secrete proteins primarily when the cell detects a specific signal.

Because they are water-soluble, peptides can move through the bloodstream. However, they cannot get through the plasma membrane that covers the target cell because it is a lipid layer that only fat-soluble hormones can move through.

Types of Peptides Used in Anti-Aging

Senior woman applying eye patches.In this section, we will discuss three types of peptides used in anti-aging: copper peptides, matrixyl peptides, and hexapeptide-11.

Copper Peptides

Copper peptides (GHK-Cu) are a popular anti-aging peptide that may help stimulate collagen production, increase skin elasticity, and reduce wrinkles over time.

This type of peptide also has potential benefits for your hair, such as hair follicle stimulation through increased blood flow and maintaining hair color.

Matrixyl Peptides

Matrixyl is a peptide that may help combat the damaging effects of UV radiation by boosting collagen production and promoting skin repair.

The active ingredient in Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide) may help encourage the growth of new collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, which could allow to refill wrinkles naturally from within the skin.

Hexapeptide-11

Hexapeptide-11 is a signaling peptide of amino acids such as alanine, phenylalanine, proline, and valine. It may help to positively affect skin elasticity and other factors related to firmness and hydration and contains antioxidant properties that may help protect your skin against environmental stressors.

Additionally, hexapeptide-11 may improve the skin’s healthspan (longevity) due to how it interacts with senescent cells (cells that no longer perform their usual functions).

This type of peptide is available as a powder or liquid solution.

Benefits of Peptides in Anti-Aging Products

A youthful woman looking at the camera while smiling and doing her skincare routine.This section will examine the potential benefits of peptides in anti-aging, including a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, improvement in skin elasticity and firmness, a boost in skin hydration, and brighter and more even skin tone.

Reduction in Appearance of Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Collagen peptides might help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. During aging, your body produces less collagen and elastin fibers, weakening your skin and forming fine lines and wrinkles. Peptides work to help smoothen your skin by increasing collagen production and improving elasticity.

Improvement in Skin Elasticity and Firmness

Peptides used in skin care products could also lead to an improvement in skin elasticity and firmness. Topical peptides reinforce the shape, firmness, and elasticity of your skin.

Peptides also go hand-in-hand with other proteins like elastin and keratin. Together, they may potentially strengthen the elastin, keratin, and connective tissues in the dermis, which helps skin recover and regain strength.

Boost Skin Hydration

Anti-aging peptides might also boost skin hydration,2 according to one study. In the study, participants took oral collagen peptide supplements for 12 weeks. After four weeks of supplementation, the collagen density in the dermis increased, and the fragmentation of the dermal collagen network significantly decreased, and these effects continued after 12 weeks. Skin hydration increased dramatically after eight weeks of intake.

Brighter and More Even Skin Tone

Peptide use has the potential to also result in brighter and more even skin tone. Hyperpigmentation occurs when parts of your skin produce too much melanin or pigment, which can cause skin discoloration issues such as age spots, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

These cosmetic concerns are common for both men and women, and specific peptides may help to brighten and even the appearance of skin affected by pigmentation issues.

Shortcomings and Risks of Peptide Use

A doctor taking care of an elderly woman to help her look youthful.Although peptides are safe to use, there are some risks of peptide use that you need to be aware of before you decide to use them.

Your family health history, overall personal health, and physical fitness will affect how your body responds to peptides, and the method of administration directly correlates to the effectiveness of the peptides. For example, oral peptides may not enter your bloodstream and break down as they should, reducing the treatment’s effectiveness. Speak to your doctor about any side effects you experience while taking peptides.

If you have a skin condition or allergies and use topical peptides, you may experience a reaction such as itching, rash, or skin sensitivity. You may be unable to use peptide therapy if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you choose peptide supplements, you must take them only as directed and not overuse them. A study on peptide hormone abuse in exercise and sports found that abusing peptide hormones could cause arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, headaches, hypothyroidism, motor paralysis, skeletal muscle damage, loss, sweating, and vomiting. Abuse of peptide hormones can also enhance your risk3 for atherosclerosis, cancer, osteoporosis, and thrombosis.

Peptides in Anti-Aging Skincare

Multiethnic women in sheet masks and towel with bathrobe.Peptides are available via oral supplements or topically in skincare products. There are several ways peptides are used in anti-aging skincare routines.

Peptides are naturally present in many protein-rich foods, such as:

  • Beans and lentils
  • Eggs
  • Fish and shellfish
  • Hemp seeds
  • Meat
  • Wheat

In addition to getting peptides by eating high-protein foods, you can also take oral peptide supplements. These supplements deliver peptides through the digestive and circulatory systems. That said, gastrointestinal acids often break down the peptide bonds into individual amino acids before circulation, delivering those amino acids to every tissue in the body, not just the skin.

Topical peptide supplements are a more straightforward way of using peptides for anti-aging and skincare purposes. Because peptides are so small, they can penetrate the skin rather than sit atop the skin like other skincare ingredients. Topical peptide skincare products include face wash, masks, creams, and serums.

How frequently you use a topical peptide as part of your skincare routine will depend on your preferences, the manufacturer’s directions, and your skin type. Twice-a-day application in the morning and at night typically works best for most people. Peptide creams and serums that can be safely left on the skin usually deliver better results than topical products. Peptide products pair well with many other standard skincare products. Hyaluronic acids and vitamin C might boost the effectiveness of peptides.

Although peptide products are generally safe, consult a medical professional before taking oral or topical peptide supplements. A doctor can help you determine if you are at an increased risk of adverse side effects from peptides and what specific peptides to use.

Summary

The effectiveness of peptide supplements varies from person to person based on family health history, personal well-being, and physical fitness. Topical and injectable peptide products are more straightforward approaches than oral supplements. Sometimes oral peptide supplements do not break down correctly, and this can make them less effective.

It is common to experience skin irritation, rash, or itching after using topical peptide skincare products. You may be more likely to experience these side effects with sensitive skin.

When applied topically or injected into the body under medical supervision, certain peptides might potentially help boost natural anti-aging processes. Although peptide supplements and skincare products are available over-the-counter, it is a good idea to consult with your doctor before using peptide products because your doctor can give you reliable advice on whether peptides are suitable for your needs. They can guide you on which peptides to use for the best results.

GHK-Cu Peptide Therapy

As skin ages, collagen and elastin decrease, leading to wrinkles and reduced firmness. GHK-Cu has the potential to increase the formation of these proteins, offering numerous anti-aging benefits such as enhanced wound healing, antioxidant properties, reduced wrinkles, improved skin tone, and overall skin rejuvenation. Embrace your skin's potential. Order now and experience the transformative power of GHK-Cu.

Peptide Shots - Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in our peptide injections?

There are many different peptide injections that we offer as part of a peptide therapy including Sermorelin and PT-141.

What is SERMORELIN?

Sermorelin is a synthetic form of GHRH (growth hormone-releasing hormone) which controls the hGH (human growth hormone) and it’s recommended to people who have low levels of hGH. 

How do peptides improve your sleep?

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter present in the brain that releases chemicals as messages to your brain and body that it is time to go to sleep. Some peptides can interact with serotonin. Serotonin regulation issues can definitely interfere with a person's ability to have a good night's sleep.

Sermorelin is recognized for their potency as peptides that may potentially enhance sleep.

How do peptides improve immune health?

The immune response can be either blocked or stimulated to produce tolerance using peptides and peptidomimetics as immunomodulating agents.

Read more: Peptide Shots FAQ

References

[1] Tai, J., Sun, X., Tanaka, L., et al. - Acute skin exposure to ultraviolet light triggers neutrophil-mediated kidney inflammation. 2021. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 118(3), e2019097118. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2019097118;

[2] Asserin J, Lati E, Shioya T, Prawitt J. - The effect of oral collagen peptide supplementation on skin moisture and the dermal collagen network: evidence from an ex vivo model and randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2015 Dec;14(4):291-301. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12174;

[3] Ferrari CK. - Critical aspects of peptide hormone abuse in exercise and sports: an update. Rev Fac Cien Med Univ Nac Cordoba. 2013;70(3):153-62. Portuguese. PMID: 24646931 ;