A peptide is a compound consisting of two or more amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. Peptides act as transmitters from the brain to the body, telling muscles and nerves to perform specific functions. There are multiple peptides available that will achieve different topical results. The number following the name does NOT indicate the number of amino acids in the chain. That is indicated by the “di”, “penta”, “tetra”, etc., such as:
- A dipeptide has two amino acids.
- A tripeptide has three amino acids.
- A tetrapeptide has four amino acids.
- A pentapeptide has five amino acids
The following are examples of different peptides and how they function in the skin:
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide stimulates collagen production and glycosaminoglycan syntheseis, hyaluronic acid in particular. It is used blended with palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 in Matrixyl™ 3000.Found in PCA SKIN’s Total Strength Line & Pore Minimizer
Palmityol Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl®) is a peptide consisting of five amino acids that provides an increase in the synthesis of collagen I, collagen IV and fibronectin. Found in PCA SKIN’s eyeXcellence
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 is a peptide consisting of four amino acids that improves skin firmness and elasticity and decreases inflammation. It is blended with palmitoyl oligopeptide in Matrixyl™ 3000. Found in PCA SKIN’s eyeXcellence, Total Strength Line & Pore Minimizer
Dipeptide-2 is a peptide consisting of two amino acids that improves lymphatic circulation to more effectively remove toxins in the skin. Found in PCA SKIN’s eyeXcellence
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline) is a peptide consisting of six amino acids that works by relaxing the facial muscles that cause repeated facial expression wrinkling (crow’s feet, laugh lines, etc.). Found in PCA SKIN’s ExLinea® Peptide Smoothing Serum
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 promotes collagen and hyaluronic acid production. Found in PCA SKIN’s Peptide Lip Therapy
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide – Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 (Matrixyl™ 3000) is a blend of two peptides which activates the synthesis of the skin’s extracellular matrix and provides visible anti-wrinkle activity.
Copper Peptides stimulate the synthesis of collagen and elastin.
Polypeptide is a single chain of amino acids (general term).
Oligopeptide is a polypeptide less than 50 amino acids long (general term).
Protein is a polypeptide more than 50 amino acids long.
Posted by smartskinsolutions 
