Introduction
By now, you've probably heard about peptides. But do you know what they are and what they do? And do you know why you should be using peptides for your eyes?
If you answer no, don't worry! We're here to guide you.
Every time we turn around, new skincare ingredients being shown off as the next best thing. And they're not just quietly added into existing cosmetic formulas. Front labels, multi-step routines and even entire brands are built on the backs of singular ingredients.
So are peptides just a passing trend or will they stand the test of time?
We look to science to show us the way. In this article, we'll let it show you too.
By the end, you'll know our take on peptides for your eyes. (HINT: They're keepers for your peepers!).
First, what are peptides?
Peptides, also called polypeptides, are chains of amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. In our skin, these proteins include collagen, elastin and keratin - components of our skin that give structure.
Picture a group of cheerleaders on the sidelines of a football game. Cheerleaders are the amino acids. Once they walk onto the field and arrange themselves properly, the cheerleaders can form a pyramid (structure). The pyramid is like the protein, fully formed into shape.
Where do they come from?
Peptides are naturally-occurring chemical compounds found in the body. They come from the nutrients we consume and function based on what our bodies need at a particular time.
In cosmetics, peptides are synthetic. They are designed to serve a specific function and do so by communicating with specific receptors in our skin.
What are peptide eye creams?
Peptide eye creams are products that use peptides to target specific skin concerns around the eyes. Imagine peptides like your neighbourhood mail delivery person. They are the messenger to your skin. The letter says: make more collagen, repair damaged cells and strengthen your outer layer. With that message received, your will notice less dark circles, less fine lines and firmer skin.
Are copper peptides the same thing?
Copper peptides are a combination of peptides and copper enzymes.
Back to the cheerleaders. If peptides are like cheerleaders arranging themselves in a pyramid, copper peptides are like cheerleaders inviting a fan from the crowd to join the structure as a guest.
The most well-known copper peptide is GHK-Cu. It's a combination of the tripeptide glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine + copper. Remember, peptides are chains of amino acids. Since this is a "tri" peptide, there are three amino acids in the chain. That's what the "G", "H" and "K" stand for.
GHK-Cu naturally-occurring in the body declines with age. (tldr; all the good stuff in your skin goes away when you get older. It sucks!).
According to the research, "Copper peptides such as GHK-copper complex are included in products to improve skin firmness and texture, fine lines and hyperpigmentation" (1).
What’s the magic of peptides?
The magic of peptides is not magic at all, it's science!
Peptides serve many beneficial functions in the skin. Lucky for us, all of these functions are anti aging. Peptides service the parts of our skin that decline as we age.
Crow's feet, fine lines and wrinkles, eye puffiness... These are all concerns that show up around our eyes as we age, and are directly connected to a loss of collagen in the skin.
Unfortunately, collagen molecules are not absorbable by the skin. So we cannot put synthetic collagen in an eye cream and expect it to benefit our skin.
That's where peptides come in.
Peptides are biocompatible with our skin and can be absorbed deeper than the outer layer. Most ingredients sit on top of the skin, so this is significant. It's at the deeper layers of the skin that peptides can communicate with your skin cells to send it's message: "MAKE MORE COLLAGEN"!
How to choose the right peptide eye cream
To choose the right peptide eye cream, go for a product that uses a few different peptides. Each one sends unique messages to our skin cells, so you want to receive more than one "letter" from your eye cream. Popular eye cream peptides include:
- palmitoyl pentapeptide-4
- palmitoyl tripeptide-1
- palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7
- hesperidin methyl chalcone
- dipeptide-2
- palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7***
In addition to the peptides, choose a product that is free from harmful chemicals that may irritate your sensitive eye area.
Our favourite ingredients to look for in an eye cream are:
- Hyaluronic Acid - HA is a good moisturizing ingredient for the delicate skin around your eyes. It's a humectant that draws water to the surface of the skin. Hyaluronic Acid smooths fine lines and wrinkles.
- Green Tea Extract - Green tea is a powerful antioxidant. It's a great protecting ingredient for an eye treatment, because the thin skin around our eyes is more vulnerable to damage from environmental stressors like UV radiation.
- Hemp Seed Extract - This hydrolyzed vegetable protein is proven to hydrate. Like peptides, it contains essential amino acids! It's the secret behind the best hemp moisturizers.
A short wrap up
Peptides are here and they are here to stay! Our skincare is better for it, especially treatment for our eyes. Like vitamin C and retinol, peptides are an essential in every anti aging skincare routine.
You should try a peptide eye cream now. Seriously. Now!!!
You Are Loved.
Author Bio: Jennifer is the president and founder of empyri. Jennifer’s passion for formulation and product development was set ablaze in 2019, when she incorporated the healing power of cannabis roots into her long-standing three-step skin care system. Armed with scientific evidence on the actives in cannabis roots and seeds, a clean and conscious brand was born. Using her masters degree in bio-chemical engineering, Jennifer is forging a path to ...READ FULL BIO |
References:
(1) Namjoshi, S., Caccetta, R. and Benson, H.A. (2008), Skin peptides: Biological activity and therapeutic opportunities. J. Pharm. Sci., 97: 2524-2542. https://doi-org.proxy1.lib.uwo.ca/10.1002/jps.21198