As many of my clients know, I am always reading about what is new and exciting in skin care. I’m always trying to stay up to date on the latest trends and skin care fads. That being said, I can’t wait to share my excitement about peptides! Peptides are the building blocks to youthful skin!!
First off, you may be wondering, what is a peptide?
Let’s get into the science of a peptide first! A peptide consists of 2 or more amino acids. They are the building blocks of proteins. In our skin we have collagen and elastin cells. Over time, due to the environment and aging, we have a breakdown of these cells. The body’s ability to rebuild the skin slows down and there will be breaks in the chains of proteins. Collagen is a protein comprised of long segments of amino acids arranged like a chain. When collagen breaks down, short segments of amino acids are formed. These are the tiny proteins and active molecules known as a peptide. Using peptides in skin care can help rebuild these chains and provide significant anti-aging benefits.
There are two types of topical peptides. There are certain peptides have the ability to assist the skin cells to perform specific functions. In skin care, the peptides are used to help trigger the growth of new collagen and elastin. There are also neuropeptides that have the ability to relax the muscles slightly as well (think a very weak version of Botox). There are also certain peptides which researchers are discovering assist in the support of adipose tissue (fat, which gives our face fullness that we lose over time). Sound amazing to you? Well I sure love the sound of this!
The most commonly used peptide in skin care is Matrixyl (palmitoyl- or oligopeptide pentapeptide). This is a neuropeptide that reduces fine lines very well. Research shows that the right peptide skin cream can play an important role in repairing wounds and improving skin conditions. This includes eczema and dermatitis. No adverse side effects have been reported in the use of skin care peptides.
Wrinkle creams containing anti-aging peptides are popular and effective skin care products. Argireline (Acetyl hexapeptide) has been marketed as a safer, less expensive, and non-invasive alternative to Botox. This anti-aging peptide works by causing facial muscles to relax, thereby minimizing wrinkles. It is often combined with Leuphasyl, which relaxes tiny muscles under the skin. This is particularly helpful for fading wrinkles around the eyes and for forehead wrinkles. Octapeptide is a lengthened version of Argireline. By making the small muscles under your skin longer and reducing muscle tension, octapeptide fades the appearance of fine lines.
We are now carrying Skin Better Science product line. These products have both types of peptides and are officially my new obsession. Here is a little more about each product we carry.
AlphaRet® Intensive Overnight Cream
A new and unique retinoid, plus a higher concentration of retexturizing glycolic acid. This formula is supercharged with AlphaRet, our new and unique combination of two gold standard ingredients, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) and a retinoid. Our revolutionary and proprietary retinoid technology provides visible skin rejuvenation with real retinoid efficacy with little to no irritation. Glycolic acid helps retexturize to increase the efficacy of AlphaRet. Our deeply hydrating formula also contains a powerhouse of peptides and antioxidants to help protect against free radicals. A trilogy of skin soothing ingredients helps keep skin balanced. With consistent nightly use, skin improvement is visible in as little as four weeks.
Formulated with the ingredients physicians believe are helpful in the anti-aging battle, AlphaRet Intensive Overnight Cream is the next level in the new gold standard for serious results in skin rejuvenation.
Benefits:
•A significant reduction in the appearance of depth and size of wrinkles in as little as four weeks, with little to no irritation.
•Proprietary and revolutionary AlphaRet, a new skin rejuvenating technology, is the result of combining two gold standard anti-aging ingredients, a retinoid and alpha hydroxy acid, to create a revolutionary double conjugated retinoid.
•A more intensive level of glycolic acid helps increase the efficacy of AlphaRet.
•A targeted peptide blend acts synergistically with AlphaRet resulting in fewer visible age lines.
•An ultra-hydrating blend of squalane niacinamide, ceramides, fatty acids provides deep moisture to help counteract the dryness associated with traditional retinoid based products.
•A trilogy of skin soothing ingredients including allantoin glycyrrhetinic acid, bisabolol and portulaca extract provides a sensation of calmness.
•A potent blend of antioxidants helps provide protection against free radicals.
Daily Treatment Cream FACE
A cutting edge approach to collagen. Revolutionary InterFuse patented technology, an exclusive and proprietary deliver system, drives a unique messenger peptide bled to help the skin appear more youthful. The lightweight texture forms a breathable moisturizing barrier to keep the skin hydrated and radiant. This vital age defense product combined with Rejuvenate Smoothing Intensive Treatment Lines is a complete approach to skin renewal.
Benefits:
- Revolutionary InterFuse patented technology delivers super-potent blend of messenger peptides to nourish the skin.
- A neuro-calming peptide offers immediate smoothing effect.
- Formulated with super-potent polyphenols delivered from Mediterranean olive trees; this “first press” of age minimizing antioxidants.
- An exclusive blend of hydrating ingredients provides a breathable layer of moisture to give skin a radiant glow.
Smoothing Intensive Treatment LINES
Introducing the first of its kind no-needle solution to wrinkles: Intensive Treatment LINES. This non-invasive hyaluronic acid topical line smoother is formulated with large injectable-grade hyaluronic acid particles. Revolutionary and patented InterFuse™ technology delivers the hyaluronic acid deeper and faster to minimize the appearance of deep wrinkles and expression lines. Combined with messenger peptides and a trio of hyaluronic acids to bind water to the skin, this very targeted treatment is the first line of defense against the appearance of expression lines.
Benefits:
- Patented, state-of-the-art InterFuse™ patented technology drives high molecular weight injectable-grade hyaluronic acid faster and deeper to revolumize the appearance of skin.
- Four additional types of hyaluronic acid of different molecular weights bind water to the surface of the skin to plump the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
- Expression lines appear immediately smoother with a blend of two neuro-calming peptides.
- A nourishing blend of an amino acid building block, messenger peptides and vitamin C renew the feel of skin firmness.
- Used twice daily as the first step of the skincare regimen, this targeted formula helps reduce the look of deep wrinkles and expression lines with regular use.
Daily Treatment Cream EYE
A revolutionary comprehensive eye cream, is formulated with a cocktail of potent ingredients to recharge the delicate under eye area! At the heart of the formula is InterFuse™ patented technology, a revolutionary transport system masterfully developed to deliver large sized skincare ingredients faster, deeper and with pinpoint precision. This ingenious formula slips onto the skin without a trace to diminish the appearance of crow’s feet, puffiness, dehydration, firmness, bags and under-eye darkness. When applied twice daily and used in conjunction with Intensive Treatment LINES, results are amplified to reveal fresher, more youthful looking skin.
Benefits:
•Revolutionary InterFuse™ patented technology drives a cutting edge blend of messenger peptides to nourish the skin.
•A neuro-calming peptide relaxes the appearance of crow’s feet almost immediately.
•Vitamin C, from the Australian kakadu plum, provides antioxidant and skin brightening benefits. This superfruit contains the world’s richest source of Vitamin C, with up to 100x the pure Vitamin C content of an orange.
•Under eye puffiness is relieved through a decongesting blend of caffeine and a highly specialized yeast derivative.
•A lavish blend of humectants and moisturizers helps diminish dryness and lock in moisture.
These products work well with in-office treatments, making Botox and micro-needling treatments far better! If you have any additional questions or would like to see me for a skin consult, you can contact our office at (312) 266-6240!