Best Wrinkle Treatment: Oligopeptide for Skin

Peptides prompt one’s cells to produce more collagen, the most abundant protein in the skin. They help stimulate collagen production and fight fine lines and wrinkles. In this ingredient spotlight series, we will go through the benefits and role of oligopeptides in anti-ageing products.

What are peptides?

Before explaining what oligopeptides are and how they may be one of the best wrinkle treatment, we need to have a basic understanding of peptides first. Peptides are the building blocks that make up protein. They are chains of 2 or more amino acids held together by peptide bonds.

What are oligopeptides?

Peptides can be classified into oligopeptides, which have few amino acids and polypeptides, which have more than 20 amino acids. Oligopeptides have been discovered to be biologically active. They are able to interfere with multiple skin processes on both cell and molecular levels. As they are short-chain amino acids, they can penetrate the skin barrier and access the cellular level when applied topically. While most oligopeptides are synthetically manufactured, their structure mimics biologically made peptides.

Are oligopeptides safe in cosmeceuticals?

Oligopeptides are much safer and easy for incorporation into skincare as compared to their counterpart, retinoids. Benefits of oligopeptides are equivalent to retinoids, which have been used in dermatologist offices for several decades. Retinoid treatment helps to increase collagen and elastin production as well as regulate melanin synthesis. However, unlike oligopeptides which have little to no side effects, retinoid treatment has significant side effects of skin dryness and irritation. This causes redness, flaking and sometimes flare-ups of cystic acne over time.

Learn more about how retinol is the best anti-aging skincare ingredient in our podcast, Dermatologist Talks: Science of Beauty Ep 42 by accredited Dermatologist Dr. Teo Wan Lin.

What happens during skin ageing and how do oligopeptides work?

Skin ageing can occur from a multitude of factors such as one’s genes, environmental damage, hormonal alterations and metabolic processes. During the process of ageing, one may notice increased wrinkles, skin sallowness and laxity, loss of radiance, enlarged pores as well as loss of skin volume, causing a haggard, dry and wrinkled appearance. Most of skin ageing happens in the dermis, the second layer of skin, where collagen and elastin is present and production of these components decrease during the process of skin ageing, leading to loss of skin volume. 

Proteins present in the dermis refer to as extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. How oligopeptides work is mainly in the second layer of skin. They stimulate these ECM proteins and help to regulate pigment production, which can help to treat pigmentary disorders. Oligopeptides interfere with the regulation of collagen and elastin production. This accounts for many of the changes in ageing skin like skin laxity, loss of skin plumpness and enlarged pores. So how are oligopeptides the best wrinkle treatment?

Benefits of oligopeptides for skin

Anti-ageing 

Studies have shown that oligopeptides in cosmeceuticals results in an increase in collagen. Hence, helping to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkling, pigmentation, volume and plumpness of the skin. Oligopeptides mimic the natural DNA structure and interfere with Cell Talk, a biological process which plays a role in ageing. The moisturizing and collagen-boosting properties of oligopeptides also helps to strengthen the skin barrier. This slows down premature ageing, which predisposes us to skin irritation, sun damage, and may even put some at risk of skin cancer.

Wound Healing

Also known as bioactive peptides, oligopeptides have anti-inflammation, wound healing, angiogenesis and antimicrobial properties. They have been used as treatments for infections, chemotherapy. Hence, they would be effective for their wound healing properties in cosmeceuticals. In particular, wound healing properties involve oligopeptides interfering with the second layer of skin where most of the wound healing takes place, and stimulates collagen production for faster healing of the wound. Therefore, oligopeptides are beneficial when there is trauma to the skin or severe inflammation such as post-inflammation hyperpigmentation or in severe cystic acne flares leading to scars.

Hydrating Properties

Oligopeptides also help increase skin hydration. As one ages, combined with environmental free radicals, collagen decreases and one is more likely to see loss of firmness, dullness, fine lines, discoloration and overall dryness. With oligopeptides stimulating collagen production, one can expect to have plumper, well hydrated skin.

How can Oligopeptides be included in your skincare?

SunProtector 

This sunscreen is formulated with oligopeptides and Portulaca Oleracea, acting as potent antioxidants which actively fight free radicals generated by blue light as well as airborne pollutants. Other than oligopeptides, the Sun Protector also contains physical blockers like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide that effectively blocks blue light emitted by indoor devices. 

Taken by one of our users Ros Leon, the SunProtector is a broad-spectrum sunscreen that regenerates and soothes sensitive skin, exquisitely formulated for humid climates.

Radiancé Fluide™ Hydrating Emulsion 

Fortified with oligopeptides, niacinamide, amino acids and a plant extract LARECEA from Brassica oleracea which is a family of kale, broccoli and cauliflower, the Radiancé Fluide™ Hydrating Emulsion is specially formulated for a lightweight feel to impart a radiant glow and achieve effective anti-ageing at the same time.

Taken by one of our users Ros Leon, the Radiancé Fluide™ Hydrating Emulsion contains LARECEA™ extract for regeneration and skin brightening ingredients for a dewy glow. 

Oligopeptide Anti-wrinkle Vegetal Capsules

Acting as a BOTOX alternative, these vegan, gluten-free capsules are anti-wrinkle, clinically proven with hexapeptide formula, helps to relax facial tension lines and is engineered with capsule technology, preserving the efficacy of active ingredients. Therefore, an effective and a best wrinkle treatment for the under eye, forehead and smile lines.

The Oligopeptide Anti-Wrinkle Vegetal Capsules best wrinkle treatment are specially formulated for undereye wrinkles/crow’s feet on the forehead and smile lines.

Reference:
1. Reddy, B. , Jow, T. and Hantash, B. M. (2012), Bioactive oligopeptides in dermatology: Part I. Exp Dermatol, 21: 563-568.