A Key Ingredient in Effective Anti-Aging Products
Many StyleVise members have asked for recommendations on anti-aging products, including eye and night creams. Therefore, I thought it would be helpful to share this tidbit about peptides, a key ingredient found in many anti-aging products.
What are peptides?
Peptides are small chains of amino acids that signal natural processes in the skin. As we age, we produce less collagen. Peptides help stimulate collagen to plump and firm the skin. They can now be found in a range of skin care products (e.g. medical, department store, or supermarket skin care products). Peptides are the most expensive raw materials currently used in cosmeceutical skincare.
Are there different types of peptides?
Yes. Different types of peptides influence different types of processes. For example, there are peptides that increase collagen production and there are peptides that decrease inflammation. Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-14 and Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 are peptides that send signals to increase collagen. By the way, we start producing less collagen in our 20s.
What should I look for when shopping for effective anti-aging skin care?
The product formula must contain a clinically-efficacious dose of peptides for skin care products to be effective. Unfortunately, as mentioned above, peptides are extremely expensive, so many companies include ineffective concentrations of peptides for the sole purpose of being able to claim “peptides” on the label. Formulations containing clinically-proven levels can be pricey. So, more often than not, you get what you pay for. By the way, the eyes are among the first places to show signs of aging, including dark under-eye circles, puffiness and crow’s feet. Therefore, many suggest using an anti-age eye cream after the age of 20.
Photo: Maira Kouvara, www.Maidesign.gr
do u have any specific eye creams you would recommend? i have spent hundrands maybe thousands of dollars in the past 7 yrs buying eye creams that i dont think work at all.i have so many products that its ridiculous.it doesnt help working with all different skin care lines that call my name every time i see a new product haha i would really love your opinion of what you like the best.thanks jac