There’s a lot of buzz around peptides and what they can do for your skin, muscles, health, and weight. In short, peptides are strings of amino acids (the building blocks of proteins) and can be found naturally in your body or made in the lab. They are used in medications for conditions such as multiple sclerosis and diabetes, and also found in dietary supplements that promise benefits for your skin and weight loss.
Peptides have become a popular and trendy skincare ingredient found in products like serums, moisturizers, face washes, and even masks. Essentially, when applied topically to your skin, they trigger communication between cells and stimulate the synthesis of collagen in areas where you need it most, such as fine lines, wrinkles, large pores, and melasma.
In terms of a nutritional supplement, peptides have been shown to support immune system function and contribute to the production of new proteins in your body. They’re also thought to help reduce inflammation and support a healthy gut, especially in cases of inflammatory bowel disease or ulcers.
In the beauty and wellness space, peptides are being touted as the future of drugs because they can be more selective than small molecules and proteins, while still possessing favorable tissue penetration and interaction with endogenous receptors. They’re also a safer and more potent alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals. They’re even being researched for their use in reducing the symptoms of osteoarthritis, as well as other joint pain and muscle ailments.