Hailed as an anti-aging magic bullet, and ones of fastest ways to reveal younger-looking skin, peptides are found in a veritable mountain of anti-aging lotions, creams, and serums, all designed to firm and smooth the skin of the face, neck, and lips, while simultaneously reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Peptides are naturally occurring chains of amino acids, which form the basis of proteins in the body. Amino acids are composed of elements like carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen, and when the amino acid chains are longer (typically 3-5 in the chain), they become peptides.

In other words, peptides are providing the foundation for the proteins which constitute the majority of the body’s organs, tissues, and skin.

For those concerned about maintaining the appearance and health of their skin, collagen is the most important of all the body’s proteins, as collagen is the main structural tissue that forms skin and connective tissue.

Collagen is what creates the structure, firmness, elasticity, smoothness, and overall vitality of skin. Unfortunately, as we begin to age, collagen production within the body naturally slows down. The result? Thinning, sagging, crepeing, or more easily wrinkled skin. However, it’s this natural breakdown of collagen that makes peptides so incredibly important in anti-aging skincare products.

As collagen naturally diminishes over time, thanks to aging and environmental factors like sunlight, certain peptides are produced. These peptides then send a message to skin that collagen is depleted and needs to be re-generated, according to research from the National Institutes of Health. Incredibly, topically applied peptides, like those found in anti-aging skincare products like creams, gels, lotions, and serums, can actually mimic the body’s natural response to collagen deterioration.

So topically applied peptides can trick the body into believing it’s time once again to produce more collagen. And for consumers, this increased collagen production means increased firmness, elasticity, and smoothness for their complexions.

The effects of topical skincare products containing peptides is truly remarkable. In a study by the National Institutes of Health, 75% of participants in a study noted improved skin smoothness and reduced wrinkles and lines after just two weeks. It’s this rapid and effective delivery of visible results that has many dermatologists and cosmetologists likening skincare products containing peptides as an extremely effective alternative to needle fillers, like Botox.

With recent innovations in active ingredient delivery systems, like the Infinitec cosmetic drone delivery system combined with the X50 Anti-Aging peptide line, peptides can now be delivered hyper-effectively to the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis and help prevent the signs of aging. And, as the never-ending quest for smooth, firm skin carries onwards for consumers around the globe, skincare products containing peptides will continue to reign supreme as one of the most effective, affordable, and least invasive ways to achieve youthful, vibrant skin.