The Power of Peptides

Peptides are messengers of skin restructuration and repair so can address concerns associated with aging damaged skin. As messenger molecules, peptides are capable of regulating cell activities. They activate the new synthesis of the extracellular matrix (inter-cellular cement) providing a smoothing and anti-wrinkle effect. A peptide is a molecule formed by joining two or more amino acids. They have the same peptide bonds as those in proteins, but are shorter in length.  Peptides are named based on the number of amino acids in the chain: dipeptides (2), tripeptides (3), tetrapeptides (4), pentapeptides (5). Growth factors are defined as polypeptides (many) and stimulate cell proliferation. When the number of amino acids is less than 50 these molecules are named peptides while larger sequences are referred to as proteins.

Peptides in skin care are widely known for their anti-aging benefits. Peptides act in synergy with each other to restore collagen production by stimulating fibroblasts to reduce the appearance of wrinkles; some can prevent the formation of expression wrinkles by inhibiting muscle movement; others are known for improving the extrinsic signs of aging and promoting healing.

Common peptides found in skincare are:

RestoreSKN - Promotes growth factor (peptide) production. ​ Actively promotes the production of collagen, elastin to ​rejuvenate and restructure aging skin and strengthen barrier function

• Rubixyl – (Biomimetic active, hexapeptide-48 HCl) Prevents overexpression of melanin offering better control of skin tone and age spots. Reduces wrinkles, wrinkle depth, and lowers TEWL.
  
  
• Sympeptide 222 (Myristoyl Pentapeptide-8) - Used in eye treatments and anti-aging serums –Stimulates fibroblast growth factors and improves extrinsic signs of aging.

 

• Dermatein EGF (sH-Oligopeptide-1) – Epidermal Growth factor is used in serums for plumping and firming the skin, upper lip and eye area.

 

• Matrixyl 3000 (tetrapeptide and oligopeptide) – Matrixyl is widely used in eye treatments and skin firming products to minimize wrinkles and provide a lifting effect.

 

• Argireline (acetyl hexapeptide-3) – Once thought as” botox in a bottle” due to its ability to inhibit muscle movement, minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Making the decision as to which peptide products are right for your spa and clientele requires research. Learn and understand what the various peptides do and align those with a skin care line that can provide the results you are seeking. Peptides, proteins and growth factors (polypeptides) are all messaging molecules that tell the skin cells what to do. The best choices are products that combine all these technologies for the best results. Growth factors generated by the body through activation of the wound response and repair process (i.e. peels, microdermabrasion, laser, micro-needling) yield the highest level of peptides.

Marketing peptide-based treatments and retail products starts with comprehensive and thorough education from your vendor. To market and sell products, your entire team (estheticians, front desk and managers) needs to understand the technology to comfortably articulate the concept to the customer. Vendor supported events, demos and social media marketing are all necessary for exposing the great peptide products you carry.