What are peptides
Peptides, or polypeptides are strings of amino acids that naturally occur in our skin. They are the building blocks of protein that add firmness and elasticity to our skin, and also play an essential role in the skin’s structure - including skin texture and overall appearance - and healthy skin functioning.
Peptides work by acting as messengers when applied to the skin, signalling to skin cells to increase the production of collagen and elastin. This of course, leads to firmer skin with a reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as hydrated, soothed, and stronger skin.
Benefits of Peptides in skincare
Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
As we age, production of collagen and elastin naturally decreases. This loss results in a loss in firmness and hydration in the skin, making wrinkles and fine lines even more visible. With peptides being best known for their ability to boost production of collagen, they are a popular ingredient for anti-aging skincare.
Improves skin barrier
Peptides help maintain a strong skin barrier. The skin barrier supports the skin’s elasticity, texture, and hydration retention. They help with the natural skin repair process, minimize transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and keep out toxins and impurities such as bacteria, UV rays and pollution. Peptides help build up a stronger barrier.
Read more about how to repair skin barrier here
Soothes inflammation
Peptides have anti-inflammatory properties, which can ease skin irritation, break outs, and repair damaged skin. This gives the skin a more even toned and clear appearance. Increased collagen also gives the skin a smoother and more even look.
Helps clear blemishes
With their anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties - peptides can effectively get rid of acne-causing bacteria that linger on the skin. Their ability to aid the natural skin repair process also means that breakouts and acne scars heal at a much faster rate.
Our Serums
When picking skincare products that contain peptides, it’s important to pick the right form. At skoah, peptides come in the form of serums. Serums are able to have prolonged contact with the skin, as opposed to a cleanser or a rinse-off mask. They contain smaller molecules than in moisturizers, giving them the ability to penetrate into the deeper layers of the epidermis. Serums also pack a punch, containing a higher concentration of peptides - making them more potent than other skincare products.
This oil-free serum contains plant polypeptides, hyaluronic acid, sea kelp algae and bearberry extract to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and hyper-pigmentation. Can be used around the eyes and is great for all skin types. We like to think of this one as a great starter serum.
This antioxidant-packed serum contains vitamin E and our kalming peptide to keep redness and irritation under control. Our kontrol serum is also unscented and great for sensitive skin.
The ultimate serum that contains the most peptides. Plant peptides, oligosaccharides, and pentapeptides help stimulate collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production to help firm and strengthen your skin. Our gold serum also reduces redness, irritation, and helps with maintaining the cell renewal cycle to ensure healthy new cells.
How to use Peptide Serums
After cleansing and toning, apply serum on to skin by using gentle tapping motions to stimulate the peptides. Follow up with a moisturizer.
For best results, use twice daily in your AM and PM routine.
How to add peptides to your current skincare routine
Incorporating peptides into your existing skincare routine should be very easy, as they are gentle enough to be used both day and night, and are safe to mix with most other skincare ingredients, such as niacinamide, vitamin C and retinol. However, they can cause some irritations when with AHAs.
