In the skincare world, peptides are the beauty equivalent of “gluten-free,” in the food realm: Everybody looks for it on packaging, but many aren’t sure why it makes a difference. But peptides are not simply marketing jargon. So what are they and what can they do for your skin? Here, everything you need to know about this anti-aging powerhouse, the star ingredient in DCL Peptide Plus Cream, Hand Cream and Eye Treatment.
What Are Peptides?
Peptides are chains of amino acids that are the building blocks of proteins in the skin and when they form a long chain of amino acids, they become proteins. When peptides are in a short chain of amino acids, they are able to penetrate the top layer of our skin and send signals to our cells to let them know how to function. Think of them as air-traffic controllers for your skin. One of our skin’s most important proteins is collagen, which gives our skin its thickness. Collagen breaks down in the skin due to age, environmental factors, UV rays and stress, causing wrinkles to form. The good news is that peptides, when applied topically to the skin, can then send a signal to produce new collagen, leading to the appearance of younger, more supple skin.
Types Of Peptides
There are a few types of peptides. Matrixyl is a collagen-stimulating peptide. Copper peptides reduce inflammation. There are also neuropeptides, which claim to relax facial muscles, thereby reducing the appearance of wrinkles (sort of the way BOTOX works). Then, there’s a synthetic peptide called Syn-ake, which claims to reduce the depth of wrinkles while increasing smoothness.
Time
Peptides require time to work. With the exception of neuropeptides, which yield more immediate effects, peptides are best applied via serums or creams for 4 to 12 weeks. Maintenance is vital: Once you stop using them, you’ll notice a difference in your skin’s texture. So keep it up!
The DCL Difference
Our peptide-infused products offer a unique take on the popular skincare ingredient. What makes ours best in class? Our serums, creams, hand cream and eye treatment are moisture-rich and feature a blend of 7 multi-functional, clinically active peptides to care for skin while maintaining its youthful glow.