Peptides and Collagen
Peptides are small chains of amino acids that serve as the building blocks for proteins, including collagen, in our body. These tiny messengers are simple in structure and have the ability to penetrate the top layer of our skin. They generally contain between 2 and 50 amino acids linked together in a chain. While they may be small, peptides hold immense importance due to their ability to initiate specific biochemical reactions within the skin. As messengers, peptides send specific signals to cells, instructing them to carry out certain functions such as collagen production. This makes them a vital ingredient in skincare formulas.
At the heart of the remarkable benefits of peptides lies the science of collagen synthesis. Collagen is a complex protein with a distinctive triple helix structure, composed of three polypeptide chains, each strand comprising over 1,000 amino acids. This unique configuration gives collagen its impressive strength and durability, forming a significant component of our skin, bones, and connective tissues. Functionally, collagen provides structure and stability, while its hydrophilic nature helps maintain skin hydration. Its characteristic strength and resilience are important for our skin's elasticity and firmness.
The Science Behind Collagen Synthesis
Remember the Dalton-500 rule? Peptides are capable of penetrating the skin due to their small molecular size. Once these peptides are absorbed into the skin, they act as cellular messengers.
The absorption of peptides is facilitated by their hydrophilic (water-loving) nature, which helps them pass through the upper layer of the skin (the stratum corneum a.k.a the skin barrier) and interact with the dermis below, where collagen production takes place.
The mechanism by which peptides stimulate collagen production is linked to the prevention of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, enzymes that naturally degrade collagen in the skin. At the same time, peptides activate fibroblasts to synthesize new collagen and elastin fibers, contributing to skin firmness and elasticity.
The resulting peptide-induced collagen synthesis not only helps to fill in fine lines and wrinkles but also strengthens the skin barrier, enhancing its hydration and resilience. This complex chemistry highlights how peptides are an essential ingredient in skincare.
How Our Hand-Picked Ingredients Promote Collagen Production
Laminaria Digitata
Featured formula(s): Neige Éternelle
Laminaria Digitata, a potent type of brown seaweed, is known for its high concentration of essential nutrients. These nutrients, encompassing iodine, minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins, work in unison to stimulate collagen production. They aid in retaining skin moisture, promoting cell regeneration, and enhancing the skin's natural healing process, all of which can lead to increased collagen synthesis.
Black Currant
Featured formula: Neige Éternelle
Black currant is another ingredient that supports collagen formation. It is rich in anthocyanins, potent antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties, and vitamin C – a vital nutrient for collagen synthesis. Vitamin C aids in linking amino acids during collagen's production process, thereby playing a critical role in maintaining its correct structure and function.
Glycolic Acid
Featured formula: Éclat de Lait
Glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), indirectly promotes collagen production. It exfoliates the skin, eliminating dead skin cells and unblocking pores, which in turn accelerates the generation of new cells. This process of cell turnover stimulates the fibroblasts, encouraging them to produce more collagen.
Xylitol
Featured formula: Perle D’Eau
Xylitol, a sugar alcohol, aids as a humectant and helps with maintaining skin moisture, which is crucial for collagen production. Hydrated skin cells are healthier and more capable of producing collagen. thereby improving its overall texture and appearance.
Shea Butter
Featured formulas: Perle D’Eau and Neige Éternelle
Shea butter is rich in fatty acids and vitamins, both of which nourish the skin and promote cell regeneration. This cell regeneration process is closely linked to collagen production – the more healthy skin cells there are, the more collagen your skin can produce. In addition, the fatty acids in shea butter help to maintain skin elasticity, in turn boosting collagen production for more supple skin.
Skincare coupled with other potent ingredients create a powerful support system in skin preservation. The science behind how these ingredients stimulate collagen production and contribute to healthier, radiant skin is nothing short of mesmerizing. Yet, skincare is as much an art as it is a science. It's all about finding what works for you and your unique skin. So, why not explore a bit? Your next favorite product, filled with skin-loving ingredients that promote collagen production, might be just around the corner. Check out our lab-crafted botanicals for your daily skin ritual here.
Here's to your journey towards healthier, happier skin!
