What are Peptides &
WHAT DO THEY DO FOR YOUR SKIN?

If you’ve just searched “What are peptides?” and ended up with a lot of confusing scientific answers, NIVEA is here to clear things up for you.
 
Peptides are able to communicate with the proteins in your body. When peptides are allowed to sink into your skin, they can encourage other natural proteins – whose rate of production naturally slows with age – to get working again. Peptides in NIVEA skincare products will specifically look to team up with old friends elastin and collagen, both with important jobs. Elastin is responsible for softening the appearance of wrinkles, while collagen keeps skin looking firm and plump, for a brighter and more youthful appearance. Keeping these proteins hard at work will help keep your skin strong and healthy.  
 
Compared to elastin and collagen, the peptide particle is much, much smaller, which means it can actually be absorbed into the skin instead of just sitting on top of it. Once it’s been absorbed into your skin, it’s able to send messages out to your skin cells so they can start creating more of those helpful proteins. 

Although some peptides are naturally occurring in your skin cells, different versions are now starting to be introduced into skincare products too. And for good reason. These innovative, skin-repairing strings of amino acids are able to reinvigorate older cells and proteins, so you can always look and feel your best. 

Let’s meet a few members of the family…

• Polypeptides: So, you know what a peptide is now, but what is a polypeptide? At a molecular level, a peptide is made up of a short string of amino acids. A polypeptide, on the other hand, is made up of lots of amino acids, making it longer and more complex, offering multiple functions and benefits for your skin.
• Collagen peptides: Collagen is responsible for keeping skin looking youthful, plump and healthy. Basically, it helps slow the ageing process. Collagen is one of the most abundant types of protein in the body, also responsible for looking after ligament strength and bone density.
• Copper peptides: Copper peptides work as antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, which can speed up recovery of light scratches, redness, blemishes or scarring on your skin. This little miracle worker can also stimulate collagen production to improve skin firmness.  

By including polypeptides, collagen peptides and copper peptides in your skincare routine, you’ll be able to enjoy a range of benefits, including:

• Extra layer of protection: Peptides can strengthen skin cells, keeping the proteins inside working hard, while keeping UV rays, toxins and bacteria out.
• Softening of wrinkles: By encouraging the production of collagen, skin is plumped up to look more youthful, resulting in the appearance of wrinkles softening.
• Improved skin elasticity: By stimulating the production of elastin, peptides allow tissues to grow stronger and become more elastic, so when they’re stretched, they can return to their original firmness.

To help maintain a strong skin barrier, try to avoid over-exfoliation (no more than two or three times a week), cigarette smoke, and aim to get as much quality sleep as you can. A good night’s sleep is often overlooked as a skincare booster, but it gives your body the opportunity to repair damage and create more collagen for brighter, healthier-looking skin.