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To say that your skin ages along with the rest of your body is hardly a news flash. As we get older, our skin becomes thinner and dryer, and fine lines and wrinkles begin to appear more quickly than we ever thought possible.
While we all know that this happens, we may not know why this happens or what, if anything, we can do about it. To fully understand why skin ages the way it does, we need to look at the skin itself.
Layers of the Skin
The skin is made up of three main layers: the epidermis, the dermis and the subcutaneous fat layer. The epidermis is the outer layer of the skin and contains skin cells, pigment and protein. The dermis, or middle layer, contains the blood vessels, nerves, hair follicles and oil glands. The lowest layer contains sweat glands, more blood vessels and fat. Each layer also contains connective tissue which is made up of supportive collagen and flexible elastin.
It’s the changes to these skin layers that cause the physical signs of aging. As we age, the epidermis thins and the number of pigment-producing cells decreases. However, the remaining cells become bigger, which is leads to areas of hyperpigmentation which often are called age or liver spots. Sagging and loose skin is caused by the connective tissue aging and the loss of strength and elasticity while fine lines and wrinkles are caused by the lack of hyaluronic acid and the slowing of oil production.
Peptides
Because the aging process can be so tough on skin, women have been searching for ways to fight it for years. Peptides are a relatively new discovery in this war against aging skin.
Peptides are proteins made from the linking of amino acids. Many amino acids linked together are called polypeptides. When the string consists of five peptides, the result is called a pentapeptide. Proteins are the building blocks of most living tissue, so peptides have been shown to actually regenerate the damaged cells of the epidermis and stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin in the skin. Unlike many anti-aging products and procedures such as microdermabrasion, chemical peels and laser treatments that actually injure skin in order to stimulate the new growth of younger-looking skin, peptides regenerate skin without damage or irritation.
While there are few, if any, published medical studies about the effectiveness of peptides, experts claim that peptides can provide results similar to those of more invasive medical procedures. Because of their unique structure, peptides can be used in nearly any type of skin care product, from serums and toners to moisturizers and lip treatments.
Moisturizers
Peptide Plus Cream by Physicians Complex is a daily anti-wrinkle moisturizer for the face, neck and décolleté. Its rejuvenating formula contains a blend of moisturizers, the antioxidant vitamin E and the anti-aging ingredients Dermaxyl and Retinol.
Ultra-Lite 24/7 Anti-Aging Cellular Repair by Peter Thomas Roth is formulated with four peptides and antioxidant vitamins A, C and E to provide hydration and a youthful boost.
Body Therapy by Neova is a lightweight, non-greasy, copper peptide-enriched body lotion that provides long-lasting moisture.
Tonics and Serums
Power Peptide by Bioelements has a smooth, lightweight texture and the ability to make skin more receptive to other skin care products.
Peptide Serum by Physicians Complex revitalizes skin to diminish common signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles and sun damage. The serum includes many natural ingredients, including red marine algae, aloe vera and antioxidant green tea to help soothe and protect skin from future damage.
Botanical Bio-Peptide Concentrate by Credentials contains Matrixyl™, a clinically tested peptide that functions as a wrinkle reducer for a smoother complexion.
Eye Creams
Peptide Eye Cream by Physicians Complex is formulated with hyaluronic acid, a remarkable hydrating ingredient that can hold 1,000 times its own weight in moisture and is specially designed for the thin, fragile skin around the eyes.
Age Intervention Eye Cream by Jan Marini Skin Research protects against long-term environmental damage and women’s hormonal changes, resulting in younger-looking skin.
Icelandic Relief Eye Cream with Biospheric Complex by Skyn Iceland is designed with anti-aging peptides to combat dark under eye circles, puffiness and wrinkles.
Lip Treatments
Peptide Lip Therapy by PCA Skin soothes and improves the appearance of lips by building collagen for fuller, plumper lips while defending against free radical damage for healthier lips and moisturizing for softer, smoother lips.
Advanced Formula – Clear by City Cosmetics blends hyaluronic acid with peptides to plump lips without the pain of injections.
Sugar and Butter Lip Exfoliator by Jane Iredale is a two-sided smoothing and plumping lip treatment. On one end, a brown sugar lip exfoliator softens rough patches. At the other end, shea butter and peptides provide rich hydration and plump the lips while decreasing fine lines and wrinkles.
Article posted 3/03/2008.
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