Which peptides are best for anti-aging?

Which peptides are best for anti-aging?

Key takeaways

  • Definition and structure: Peptides are simpler structures than proteins, formed from up to 20 amino acids, making them easier to synthesize and absorb into the skin.
  • Anti-aging mechanisms: Peptides help combat aging by enhancing cell communication, enzyme activity, biomolecule transport, and neurotransmitter inhibition.
  • Palmitoyl Tripeptides and Tetrapeptides: These peptides improve skin repair, collagen production, and elasticity, reducing wrinkles and inflammation.
  • NAD+: A vital coenzyme for cellular energy and repair, NAD+ levels decline with age. Supplementation boosts ATP production, supports DNA repair, enhances mitochondrial function, and reduces inflammation. It promotes cellular resilience and overall well-being.
  • Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17: Stimulates keratin production, enhancing eyelash and eyebrow growth. It strengthens hair follicles, promotes thicker and longer lashes, and reduces breakage.
  • L-Glutathione: Known as the "master antioxidant," it neutralizes free radicals, supports detoxification, enhances skin elasticity, and improves complexion. It aids in cellular repair and regeneration.
  • Acetyl Octapeptide-3: Also known as Snap-8, it reduces wrinkle depth by relaxing facial muscles. This peptide smooths expression lines and prevents new wrinkles, promoting a youthful appearance.

What are peptides?

To understand what peptides are, it is first necessary to define amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of all organic molecules within the body. These can be synthesized within the organism or incorporated into it through food or supplements. These are later combined to form peptides and proteins, which later make up all kinds of bodily structures and substances, such as hormones and neurotransmitters.

Peptides and proteins are similar in that they are more complex structures, made up of several amino acids. However, peptides are often formed with, maximum, 20 amino acids, with linear or ring-like structures, while proteins carry many more components and form much more complex structures. Because of its simpler composition, peptides are easier to make synthetically in a lab, which we leverage to create supplements and compounds that are beneficial to health.

How peptides work for anti-aging

According to Aaging, anti-aging peptides can address age-related distress by getting involved in cell–cell communications, controlling the activity of enzymes, helping in the easy transportation and delivery of biomolecules and inhibiting the production of neurotransmitters that can have negative effects on the organism. This means that peptides have a great impact on the signs of aging, both from an aesthetic and a functional standpoint.

10 best peptides for anti-aging

While there are thousands of peptides found in nature that can have different functions, here are some of them which are particularly useful in anti-aging therapies to help people age gracefully.

 

 

1. Palmitoyl Tripeptides (Ceramide Booster) & Tetrapeptides

Palmitoyl Tripeptides, including Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, are key components in anti-aging skincare products due to their ability to enhance skin repair and regeneration. These peptides work by mimicking the skin’s natural processes, promoting collagen production and improving skin elasticity. Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 helps in maintaining skin condition by stimulating the skin’s endogenous repair mechanisms, thereby reducing wrinkles and fine lines​​. Similarly, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 penetrates deeply into the skin, boosting tissue regeneration and maintaining firmness​. Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 complements these actions by targeting inflammation and reducing interleukin-6 production, which helps prevent the degradation of collagen and elastin, thereby strengthening the skin’s structure and improving resilience​​. Together, these peptides form a powerful combination that enhances skin vitality and provides a youthful appearance.

2. Copper Peptides

Copper peptides, particularly GHK-Cu, are renowned for their skin regenerative and anti-aging properties. These peptides promote wound healing, collagen synthesis, and the production of glycosaminoglycans. They help reduce wrinkles, improve skin elasticity, and combat pigmentation issues by stimulating the skin’s repair mechanisms and boosting antioxidant defenses. 

3. Palmitoyl Pentapeptide (Matrixyl)

Palmitoyl Pentapeptide, known commercially as Matrixyl, is a signal peptide that stimulates collagen production and skin repair. It has been shown to reduce the depth of wrinkles and improve skin texture and elasticity, by mimicking the body's natural regenerative processes.

4. Acetyl Hexapeptide (Argireline)

Acetyl Hexapeptide, commonly referred to as Argireline, is a neurotransmitter inhibitor peptide that targets facial muscles to reduce wrinkle formation. It works similarly to Botox, reducing muscle contraction, thus removing and preventing wrinkles.

5. Trifluoracetyl Tripeptide-2

Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2 is a synthetic peptide that targets the signs of aging by improving skin firmness and elasticity. It works by inhibiting the activity of enzymes that degrade skin proteins, thus reducing sagging and wrinkles. This peptide enhances the skin's natural resilience and supports a more youthful appearance by stimulating collagen synthesis and protecting against the effects of aging.

 

 

6. Epitalon

Epitalon is a peptide known for its anti-aging and longevity-enhancing effects. It regulates the cell cycle, promotes DNA repair, and boosts the production of telomerase, an enzyme that maintains cellular health.

7. NAD+

NAD+ is a vital coenzyme found in every cell of the body, playing a crucial role in energy production and cellular repair. As we age, NAD+ levels decline, leading to decreased cellular function and energy. Supplementing with NAD+ can boost ATP production, essential for cellular energy, and support DNA repair and maintenance, promoting cellular resilience and longevity. It also supports cognitive health, enhances mitochondrial function, reduces inflammation, and improves overall well-being. Available as an injection or nasal spray, NAD+ is a potent anti-aging treatment that helps rejuvenate the body at the cellular level.

8. Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17

Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 is a potent peptide used to enhance eyelash and eyebrow growth. It works by stimulating keratin production in hair follicles, promoting thicker, longer, and fuller lashes. Clinical studies show a significant increase in eyelash length and density within a few weeks of use. This peptide strengthens hair follicles, reducing breakage and supporting the natural growth cycle. It is a key ingredient in Vitasa's Advanced Eyelash Growth Serum, known for delivering remarkable lash improvement and overall lash health enhancement.

9. L-Glutathione

L-Glutathione, known as the "master antioxidant," plays a crucial role in cellular health, detoxification, and immune function. It helps neutralize free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and promoting cellular repair and regeneration. Glutathione supports liver function, enhances metabolic balance, and improves skin elasticity, contributing to a youthful appearance. Vitasa offers Glutathione as an intramuscular injection or nasal spray, ensuring optimal absorption and efficacy. Regular use can lead to increased energy, mental clarity, and overall well-being.

10. Acetyl Octapeptide-3

Acetyl Octapeptide-3, also known as Snap-8, is a peptide that helps reduce the depth of wrinkles by modulating muscle contraction. It works similarly to Argireline by inhibiting neurotransmitter release, which relaxes facial muscles and smoothens expression lines. This peptide is effective in reducing the appearance of fine lines and preventing the formation of new wrinkles. It is an essential ingredient in Vitasa's AgelessRevive Elixir, designed to promote a youthful and refreshed appearance by improving skin texture and reducing signs of aging.

 

 

How to choose the right product for you

Selecting the ideal skincare product involves understanding your skin type and concerns, whether it's dryness, oiliness, sensitivity, or typical signs of aging, such as wrinkles and sogginess.

Consider age-specific needs; younger skin may require milder ingredients compared to mature skin that was nerve treated with anti-aging products. Evaluate product formulations to ensure they cater to your skin’s requirements, and look for beneficial ingredient combinations like peptides and antioxidants.

The best way to get to know your skin and what products it could benefit from is by seeking professional advice. Vitasa's Essential Membership Plan offers tailored recommendations and support, helping you achieve optimal skincare results.

Integrating peptides into your skincare routine

Peptides are revolutionizing the skincare product, offering a wide range of new options to keep your skin looking bright, smooth and radiant. For an optimal anti-aging skincare routine, combine several peptide-rich products. Incorporate options like Vitasa's Advanced Eyelash Growth Serum, Glutathione, and AgelessRevive Elixir, along with the Neck Revive Firming Cream and Ageless Revive Elixir for targeted benefits.

These combinations enhance skin firmness, elasticity, and overall youthfulness, but contacting professionals is the best option to find out what your skin really needs. Access Vitasa's Essential Membership Plan for personalized skincare advice and discounts in acquiring the products you need and start incorporating anti-aging peptides in your skincare routine.

FAQs

So… what are the best peptides for aging?

Many different peptides are used to treat and prevent signs of aging, but palmitoyl tripeptides might be some of the best options, as they act as signaling molecules. This means that they trigger the skin’s natural repair processes, leading to increased collagen and reduced free radicals.

Which is better for aging skin retinol or peptides?

Retinol and peptides are two different types of components often used in cosmetic products. Both of them can be highly beneficial for your skin depending on its type, its level of damage and your specific concerns. Get in touch with professionals to assess your skin’s characteristics and what the best products are to avoid the signs of aging.

Are ceramides or peptides better for anti-aging?

Both ceramides and peptides can be great in anti-aging treatment, and each of them has its own specific functions. Additionally, they are often used in combination, as in Vitasa’s Neck revive firming cream. Contact a specialist to find out which products are the best for your skin.

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