This article was written for Annabel & Grace, which is now part of Rest Less.
Skincare has become an absolute minefield. Every year a new ingredient, hyaluronic acid, retinol, niacinamide and peptides, is hailed as the super essential for our skin. The beauty industry claims it is the latest one that will repair all the damage you have done to your skin over the years. They promise that you will look youthful in so many weeks.
However, Grace and I do not want to look youthful, but we do want to do the best for our skin. Unfortunately, we are the generation that had no idea when we were growing up what damage the sun could do to our skin. We thought getting a suntan, using baby oil or similar, made us look healthy and attractive. Ozone layers and SPF are all phrases from the last 30 years. Of course, by the time everyone told us to stay out of the sun, the damage was done. Those attractive freckles I have had since I was a young child are now called sun spots and are definitely not to be admired now. I have to admit that I am still quite fond of them!
Let’s put the science into every day language
So over the next few weeks, I am going to try and take the science out of skincare and explain in our language what each of these ingredients can do for your skin and why. Hopefully, this will enable you to buy the right product for your skin.
I notice that in Boots, you can buy a serum with just one of these ingredients. Dr. Hextall, a skin specialist says, “Broadly, I would be cautious about combining serums that are potential irritants. Retinoids can cause redness and irritation, especially when first introduced to sensitive skin. If this is combined with other potentially irritating actives, such as acids, this may cause issues with inflammation and moisture loss. I always recommend using these ingredients at different times.”
How clever are Boots because with this new range, you can find the one that really works? And the prices start at £5, so budget-friendly.
Anyway, back to this week’s ingredient – Peptides.
I am starting with Peptides because Boots No7 have brought out a new range called Future Renew. I am sure by now you have seen all this marketing for this range. Future Renew is powered by PEPTICOLOGY™, No7’s exclusive Peptide innovation, developed by world-leading scientists. This cutting-edge, patent-pending technology supports skin’s natural self-repair. Apparently, it has been proven to reverse visible signs of skin damage in just 4 weeks. That is quite a claim, and Grace is currently road-testing the range, so we will hear more from her in a few weeks.
As we age, our skin goes through various changes, from loss of elasticity and firmness to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. As mature women, taking care of our skin becomes even more important to maintain a radiant complexion. While there are numerous skincare products and treatments available in the market, one ingredient that has gained significant attention for its remarkable benefits for mature women’s skin is peptides. Peptides are becoming a buzzword in the skincare world and for good reason!
What are Peptides?
Peptides are becoming increasingly popular in the world of skincare and for good reason! These tiny protein molecules offer a wide range of benefits for the skin, especially for mature women.
Peptides are small chains of amino acids that are the building blocks of proteins. In skincare, they’re used to improve skin health and appearance by signalling to the body to produce more collagen and elastin, two proteins that are crucial for radiant-looking skin.
How do peptides work?
Peptides work by sending signals to the skin to produce more collagen and elastin. Collagen is the main structural protein in the skin, responsible for giving it its firmness and elasticity. As we age, our collagen production slows down, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin. Elastin, on the other hand, is a protein that allows the skin to stretch and bounce back into place. Like collagen, elastin production also decreases with age.
Boosting Collagen Production
Collagen is a protein that gives our skin its structure and elasticity. However, as we age, the production of collagen decreases, leading to sagging skin and wrinkles. Peptides can help stimulate collagen production, which can lead to firmer, plumper, and more youthful-looking skin. Peptides work by sending signals to skin cells to produce more collagen, helping to restore the skin’s structure and firmness. Regular use of peptide-based skincare products can result in improved skin texture, reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and a more youthful complexion.
Reducing the Appearance of Wrinkles
Wrinkles are a natural part of the ageing process, but peptides can help minimize their appearance. Peptides have been shown to have a beneficial effect on reducing the appearance of wrinkles by stimulating collagen production and promoting skin elasticity. Peptides also have antioxidant properties, which can help neutralise free radicals that can damage the skin and contribute to the formation of wrinkles. By incorporating peptides into your skincare routine, you can help diminish the appearance of wrinkles and achieve a smoother complexion.
Enhancing Skin Hydration
Dryness and dehydration are common skin concerns as we age. Peptides can help improve skin hydration by strengthening the skin barrier and promoting moisture retention. Peptides can also help replenish the skin’s natural moisturizing factors, such as hyaluronic acid, which plays a key role in keeping the skin hydrated and plump. By enhancing the skin’s hydration levels, peptides can help improve skin texture, reduce dryness and flakiness, and restore a healthy and radiant glow to mature women’s skin.
Soothing Inflammation
Inflammation in the skin can cause redness, irritation, and sensitivity, which can be particularly bothersome for mature women with sensitive skin. Peptides have anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe inflammation and calm irritated skin. Peptides work by inhibiting the production of inflammatory molecules and promoting the production of anti-inflammatory molecules in the skin. This can help reduce redness, soothe irritated skin, and improve overall comfort.
Brightening and Evening Out Skin Tone
Uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation are common skin concerns as we age. Peptides can help brighten the skin and even out skin tone by inhibiting the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour. Peptides can also help promote the shedding of dead skin cells and stimulate the production of new skin cells, resulting in a brighter and more radiant complexion. By incorporating peptides into your skincare routine, you can achieve a more even skin tone.
What products are Peptides found in?
Peptides can be found in various forms, including creams, serums, and masks, and are gaining popularity in skincare products due to their ability to promote healthy-looking skin. For more info on the Boots No7 range, click HERE.
Next week we are going to talk about Niacinamide – don’t ask me to pronounce it. In the meantime, read some of our other skincare articles. Click HERE.