What They Are:
A type of amino acid, peptides, which are naturally found in the skin, encourage the production of collagen and elastin to maintain healthy skin cells and give a plumper, more elastic look because they can dictate to skin cells how to repair themselves and function properly. Think of peptides as collagen-stimulators and skin problem-solvers without the need for injury or inflammation.
How They Work:
Since the aging process causes a natural decline of peptides in the skin, synthetic versions found in serums and creams help strengthen collagen and elastin levels. The smaller the chain of peptides in a product, the more impact there is on collagen production because collagen is made of proteins that are bonded together with peptides. Using peptides on the skin makes the skin think it is experiencing a breakdown of collagen internally and therefore prompts the body to make more collagen. Peptides also work well with glycerin, which together helps bring moisture to the outer most layer of skin and lock it in.
What You’ll Notice:
Over time the skin will start to look more plump, brighter, tighter and smoother, which is a direct result of the increase in collagen. But beware: This doesn’t happen overnight and can take at least one month, if not longer, to see a difference in the skin.
Will a Cream Give the Same Results as a Laser?
Even though skin-stimulating products are designed to simulate the outcome of what’s achieved with a laser, keep in mind that the results from one are not parallel to the other. “You won’t necessarily see the same type of results with a topical product that you will with a laser. They work by different mechanisms on different layers of the skin. They are often complementary,” explains New York dermatologist Patricia Wexler, M. That’s not to say that you won’t notice a change or improvement in your skin—it just won’t be nearly as dramatic and the results may not be as long-lasting as they would be with a laser.
