Peptides are short chains of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins.
Within skincare, peptides are powerhouse ingredients with multiple significant anti-aging benefits.
Peptides can aid collagen production, skin repair and renewal, hydration levels, brightening, inhibit melanin (to even skin tone) and have antioxidant benefits.
As we age our ability to naturally produce collagen decreases which inevitably leads to saggy lax skin, lines and wrinkles. Peptides can boost collagen synthesis resulting in smoother, firmer, plumper more youthful looking skin.
Some peptides have been proven to promote skin repair and renewal processes, speeding up wound and scar healing and other forms of skin damage by improving cellular turnover and regeneration. Supporting the skins natural repair mechanisms means the skin can slough off dead skin cells quicker which reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and age spots.
The reduction of the appearance of hyperpigmentation, even skin tone and address discolouration
With powerful antioxidant efficacy, peptides help to protect the skin from free radical damage, neutralising free radicals helps to prevent oxidative stress.
Lastly but by no means least, Peptides can enhance the penetration of other active ingredients, acting as carriers to deliver compounds deep into the layers of the skin, where they can be more effective.
While peptides can offer significant benefits for the skin, it's important to manage expectations and understand that results may vary depending on individual factors such as skin type, age, and overall skin health. Consistent use of peptide-based skincare products as part of a comprehensive skincare regimen can help maintain skin health and address specific concerns effectively over time.
When looking for the inclusion of peptides on the ingredient list, be mindful that whilst peptides might be included in a formulation on their own, as a chain of amino acids they are also present in the make up of other ingredients and you may reap the benefits from there. An example of this would be Yeast Extract.
Inci names: There are many, many peptides available. Here are the four most common.
Palmitoyl pentapeptide, Acetyl tetrapeptide-9, Acetyl hexapeptide 3, 8, and 20 (a.k.a. Argireline), Palmitoyl oligopeptide and Tripeptide 1.
Peptides can be found in the following Cult51 products; Rejuvenating Night Cream, Illuminating Day Cream, Immediate Effect Serum, Eye Repair, Neck and Décolletage Firming Cream, Luminous Vitamin C serum.
