Peptides-An anti-aging miracle agent
Peptides assist the skin by helping produce more proteins such as elastin and collagen, which are responsible for skin firmness and elasticity. In the skincare world, peptides are the beauty equivalent of ‘gluten-free’ in the food realm. These are made by amino acids (proteins).
You must already know that proteins are the building blocks of our skin and this fact clearly depicts the importance of peptides in skin care products. As we grow old, collagen production slows down. Peptides boost up the production of collagen and that’s why they are considered such a potent anti-aging skincare ingredient.
Types of peptides and how they benefit your skin
1. KTTKS – AKA “Matrixyl”
It plays a vital role in the enhancement of the production of collagen. Along with an improvement in the skin texture, it is also great for wrinkles and fine lines. In skin care products, you can find ‘Matrixyl’ on labels. It is a combination of palmitic acid and KTTS.
2. Copper peptides
They play a vital role in aiding chemical processes within the skin such as elastin and collagen production, creation of new blood cells, and healing of wounds. By combating various signs of aging, they make the skin firm and smooth. They also improve the skin texture.
3. Botox-like Peptides
‘NEUROTRANSMITTER-AFFECTING PEPTIDES’ also known as Botox-like peptides, work similarly as the Botox. They make the muscles hard so they do less movement. The less muscle movement results in less wrinkles, crinkles and fine lines. They are great for saggy skin. In fact, they are not as good as the Botox but it’s always good to try natural remedies before moving to needles.
4. Keratin-based peptides
If your skin is dry or you’re suffering from dull hair, you must give Keratin-based peptides a try. They enhance the elasticity and moisture levels. As a result, you can enjoy hydrated soft skin and silky smooth hair.
How to use peptides?
Keep in mind the fact that peptides work slowly except the neuropeptides. You must use peptides in an anti aging serum or anti aging cream for a longer period of time. It will take about 12 weeks to see the obvious results of peptides. You must keep on using them for permanent results.
Side effects of peptides
One of the most common side effects is the skin irritation. It might be due to an allergy to peptides. In such a case, your skin will become red or even sore. Copper peptides can cause headache or may be bad for people having an allergy to copper. If you see a rash after using the cream with peptides, you must leave it immediately and consult a skin specialist. You can also combat premature ageing by changing your lifestyle, food habits, skin regime and more.
Retinol - A vitamin A derivative
Retinol is perfect for skin care. As far as the defense against wrinkles and fine lines is concerned, there's no other agent in skincare more appreciated. You can find it often in skin care products to brighten skin tone, boost the collagen production, reduce acne, and promote skin renewal. In fact, retinol is one of the few ingredients that have been proven to actually work.
Another important concern of free radicals is also treated by the retinol. It does so due to its antioxidant properties. Simply, if you’ll add this amazing powerhouse ingredient into your skin care regimen, you’ll surely attain a fresh and glowing face.
Benefits of using retinol
- Say goodbye to hyper pigmentation
Retinol effectively fights against hyper pigmentation. By lightening up dark spots and evening out the skin tone, it brings back the natural glow of the skin. However, you must start with a skin care product with a lesser amount of retinol so that your skin could acclimate to this ingredient.
- Retinol as moisturizer
Retinol including Hyaluronic acid is great for the dry skin. It makes the skin smooth, fine and hydrated.
- No more acne
Besides other benefits, retinol has a proven record in fighting acne. It makes the pores appearance smaller, removes dead skin cells, and soothes inflammation. Apart from retinol, there are several other acne preventing and healing ingredients.
- Retinol brightens up the eyes
There are several products containing retinol for eye care. These are formulated with retinol to be gentle enough for use around the eye area. You must start using such a product twice a week, working your way up to every other day, then every day. You'll see amazing results.
- Great for oily skin
If you’ve an oily skin, you must use retinol. The use of retinol on oily skin helps in regulating the skin for a beautiful, clear complexion.
- Great for combination skin
In the same way, it is great for combination skin as well; however, you must start with a lighter amount of retinol.
What’s the perfect time to start using retinol?
Generally, the age thirty has been considered as a mark to introduce retinol in your skin care regimen; however if you’ve encountered crow’s feet or sun spots earlier on, you must start this miracle ingredient. According to skin specialist, twenties is the best time to start retinol.
How to start retinol?
It must be remembered that retinol may be too strong or irritating for skin. So, balance is critical. So women must start it with a pea-sized amount of a low percentage over-the-counter formula (.01% to 0.03%). Apply it twice a week. So you must check the label and confirm the amount of retinol in the anti aging night cream or anti aging serum. Start slowly and then gradually increase its use.
Side effects of retinol
Excessive use of retinol may be harsh for skin. It may result in sun sensitivity, dryness or irritation. If your skin is sensitive, it may cause burning, redness, and intense flaking. Well, if you can’t tolerate retinol, don’t worry because there is also some other good anti aging alternatives.
Use it at night
Retinol turns the skin more sensitive to UV rays and the sunlight decreases its efficiency, so you must use it at night. Along with retinol, you should also apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 50 or higher during the day. Also, avoid its use during the hot weather.
Author
Jigyasha Jain