Momiji Talks
Peptides & where to find them
Iván Contreras
Jun 2, 2022
Iván Contreras - Jun 2, 2022
I have a very fun story on this topic (peptides). For more than a year I had a small bottle, UNTOUCHED, of a popular Korean brand in my bathroom. The purple bottle had labels entirely in Korean and the only visible word was “peptides”. Every time I took a shower, I thought about opening it, until I remembered that I had no idea what a peptide was or how it was used. So, I always promised myself that I would find out what they are. Lest they destroy my face (so, always remember to research the ingredients in your products).
Of course, I always forgot, and when I finally knew what it was, it was already too late for the bottle. This story is 100% real, and I don't want it to happen to you, that's why it's time to share what I discovered about peptides.
In short (in case you like to get to the point)
It turns out that peptides are one of the most talked-about ingredients in the field of anti-aging skincare. And although peptides are not magical, as I have read in some articles, when applied they show amazing benefits that revitalize and make the skin stronger. It even has the power to iron out marks, a.k.a wrinkles, and fine lines.
BUT WHY?
The scientific explanation (if getting to the heart of the matter is your thing)
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as building blocks for proteins such as collagen, elastin, and keratin. These proteins are the foundation of your skin and are responsible for its texture, strength, and resilience. Without peptides, our skin is less protected, which can lead to a loss of firmness, the appearance of wrinkles, a change in texture, and less vitality.
In reality, they already exist and are produced naturally in our body, but like everything we produce, they decrease over the years or are concentrated on more important tasks than keeping us young and beautiful, such as injuries or scuffs that come hand in hand with age. That is why today we can already find them topically in other products, to compensate them or even to concentrate them in a specific area.
When applied topically to the skin, peptides act as tiny messengers, prompting skin cells to perform specific functions, such as building collagen and elastin. The result? A visibly younger and healthier skin, since the peptides, not only firm but also soothe and hydrate.
This does not end here, there are different types of peptides, and they all cause different effects on the skin:
- Carrier Peptides: Deliver minerals to the skin to increase collagen.
- Enzyme Inhibiting Peptides: These work to slow down the natural breakdown of collagen in the skin.
- Signal peptides: send messages to different parts of the skin to promote collagen, elastin, and other proteins.
- Neurotransmitter peptides: they block the release of chemicals that cause muscle contraction of expression lines, thus smoothing wrinkles.
Oh, an important thing is that peptides can be combined with other ingredients causing a cocktail effect and achieving potential benefits. I mean, they make your other products work better.
And although this does sound like magic, I assure you that it is pure science.
Now the most important thing, where to find them? Being applied topically, you can find them in virtually anything from cleansers to serums. You could even do the whole Korean routine including peptides. You do not believe me? Here is the proof. Maybe you were already using them and didn't even know it:
Matcha Latte – Toner
Balances and hydrates your skin, while improving its texture and protecting it from damage caused by external aggressors. It also prepares your skin to better absorb the rest of your products.
Ctrl+ Drop – Serum
Fights imperfections, calms the skin, and gives it a glow. Its super light and moisturizing texture make it perfect for any time of the year and for all skin types. Clinically tested.
Glassy – Moisturizer
With a gel texture that does it all: hydrates, softens, comforts, illuminates, and protects your skin from external aggressors.