Peptides
There are numerous examples in physiology of peptide regulatory elements that play integral roles in basic homeostatic mechanisms such as injury-repair responses and other stimulus-response actions. Among these are well-known neuropeptides (e.g., bradykinins, endorphins); metabolism and fat storage regulators (e.g., neuropeptide Y, leptin, insulin); tanning and skin pigmentation-related peptides (e.g., α-MSH, ACTH, Agouti), and peptides involved in wound healing (e.g., FGF).
This large group of innovative cosmeceutical ingredients triumphed in the world of skincare products during the last two decades. Peptides are chains of amino acids that are attached in a specific order. Amino acids are naturally occurring in the body and are vital to everyday living processes. Peptides can be made up of 2 or more amino acids that can stimulate different responses within the body. As a result, peptides serve as tiny messengers that can be sent to kick the skin into gear and make it look better.
Peptides are leading a beauty revolution due to their excellent multi-functional properties; formularies are scrambling to access the latest advances in cosmetic peptide technology. In addition, their "Botox-like" performance, activation of collagen and elastin production, and skin-lightening effect make them very efficient against coarse wrinkles and hyperpigmentation of the skin.
Aldenine® captures noxious RCS (reactive carbonyl species), which skin cells cannot detoxify by themselves when submitted to sunlight. Plant proteins contained in Aldenine® selectively boost the synthesis of Collagen III.
Numerous skincare products based on copper-peptide complexes are increasingly finding clinical and cosmeceutical uses. The biological basis for these actions is GHK (Tripeptide-1), a peptide generated during tissue damage with a very high affinity for copper (Cu2+).
Skin aging is a progressive accumulation of damage, beginning at the molecular level within the dermal cells. Transition metals are one of the factors responsible for the formation of highly reactive and DNA-damaging species (free radicals).
Naturally occurring peptides in the skin perform critical roles in skin maintenance and repair, and there is growing interest in harnessing these effects for therapeutic and cosmetic use.