No doubt you’ve heard about peptides. There’s a lot of buzz about them in almost every sector – health, beauty, science, and fitness. So, what exactly are peptides, and where can we find them?
What Are Peptides?
Peptides are short strings of amino acids naturally found in the body. Amino acids are the foundational building blocks of all peptides and proteins. Basically, peptides don’t have as many amino acids as proteins. But, if you take a bunch of peptides and organize them into a complex structure, they become proteins.
Thanks to modern technological advancements, we can create lab-derived peptides that imitate natural ones found in the body. Some peptides act as ingredients in medications. More than 60 peptide drugs have been approved in the U.S. and other global markets since 2017. They can help create treatments for conditions like diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
Some studies have also found evidence that specific peptides can benefit the skin and muscles and even promote weight loss.
As a result, many companies are starting to incorporate peptides into their products (e.g., skin care products, dietary supplements, OTC remedies). Furthermore, peptides are becoming a valuable player in the health and beauty industry. With all the research emerging to support the benefits peptides offer, peptide therapy for beauty and wellness is becoming increasingly popular.
What Exactly Do Peptides Do?
There are many different types of peptides. Each plays a different role in our bodies and can offer unique benefits. While there is more research to be done on the nature of synthetic peptides, there are some strongly supported benefits that peptides are thought to offer:
Anti-Aging Properties
Specifically, collagen peptides may offer some anti-aging potential. Collagen peptides help make collagen and elastin, two key proteins for healthy skin.
Antimicrobial peptides (AMP) contribute to the production of melanin, a vital skin pigment. AMPs also help lighten the skin so synthetic AMPs could offer a remedy for “age spots” or hyperpigmentation. In addition to improving skin tone and elasticity, some peptides may be able to help treat acne and reduce wrinkles.
Strengthening the Skin Barrier
Antimicrobial peptides can help us fight off bacteria and promote faster healing. Furthermore, when the skin barrier becomes compromised, certain people are more susceptible to conditions like eczema, acne, and rosacea. Topical peptide products can help strengthen and keep our skin healthy.
Muscle Growth and Weight Loss
Creatine and collagen peptides help boost muscle growth or repair. In addition, specific peptides, like Tesamorelin and Ipamorelin, may have weight loss assisting properties.
Where are Peptides Found?
Peptides In Skin Care Products
Since peptides occur naturally in the skin, they boost many of the holy grail benefits of skin care – particularly anti-aging. But, if you’ve read the ingredients on your lotion, face mask, or other skin care product, it may seem like a bunch of chemical vocabulary and science jargon.
Peptides are becoming more and more prevalent in cosmetics, so it’s important to be able to spot them. There are hundreds of different peptides, each with its purposes and benefits. If you are trying to find a skin-care product with peptides, look for words ending in “peptide” or “palmitoyl.” Some examples of common skin-care peptides include:
- Palmitoyl pentapeptide
- Acetyl tetrapeptide-9
- Acetyl hexapeptide 3, 8, and 20
- Argireline
- Palmitoyl oligopeptide
- Tripeptide 1
Peptides in Supplements
Peptides also exist in dietary supplements like pills and protein shakes. Many products with peptides claim to help build muscle, boost weight loss, encourage fat reduction, and help with muscle recovery. Peptides commonly found in supplements include:
- Creatine peptides – these aid in muscle growth
- Collagen peptide – collagen peptides are good for skin, hair, and nail health as well as weight loss
- Ipamorelin – there is some supporting evidence that ipamorelin aids weight loss and fat burn
- Follistatin – some studies have shown that follistatin can contribute to muscle gain and weight loss
- BPC-157 – this peptide can help joint recovery
Peptides in Food
Peptides are not just a buzzword in the health and beauty industry. They occur naturally in our bodies and many foods like:
- Fish
- Certain shellfish
- Beans and lentils
- Soy
- Oats
- Flaxseed
- Hemp seeds
- Wheat
Peptides in Medications
Peptides have grown in popularity recently as ingredients in drugs to treat various diseases. Drugs that include peptides are used in the U.S. to treat conditions like:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Multiple sclerosis
- High blood pressure
Disclaimer
Before buying or trying any OTC medication or supplement, remember these tips:
- Research the brand and the product. A legitimate company will have a website, a story, and ample details about its product.
- Look at the active ingredients of the supplement or product.
- Never take more than the recommended dose.
- Please inform your doctor or primary care physician about any supplements you choose to take outside their health advice.
Peptide Therapy
What is Peptide Therapy?
Our bodies naturally produce peptides. But, our bodies will gradually and naturally produce fewer peptides as we age. This can vary significantly by individual, but overall, the quantity and quality of peptides will decrease for everyone with age.
Peptide therapy is a modern health technology that restores peptides in our bodies to stimulate cellular regrowth. Many people choose peptide therapy to treat specific conditions.
Usually, peptides are administered directly into the bloodstream through subcutaneous injections. Other applications for peptides include topical creams, nasal sprays, or oral forms, like supplements.
Holistic health professionals can conveniently customize peptide treatment to cater to patients’ unique needs. A targeted method appeals to customers with clearly defined goals because a tailored peptide combination can produce a specific reaction.
Some Benefits of Peptide Therapy
Peptide therapy is a unique treatment option that people choose for a variety of health reasons. Whether a patient’s needs are preventative, therapeutic, corrective, or rehabilitative, peptide therapy can help people with varying conditions and wellness goals.
Here are some of the benefits patients can enjoy from peptide therapy:
- Faster healing processes (for example, from sports or other injuries)
- Boost certain desired hormones
- Gain more lean muscle mass
- Decrease joint pain
- Ease muscle pain (post-work-out or chronic pain)
- Boost cognitive functioning and improve memory
- It helps combat symptoms of sexual dysfunction
- Better quality sleep
- Higher energy and more stamina and strength
- Lower blood pressure
- Stronger immune defenses
- Reduced signs of aging
- Robust hair growth
Start Your Peptide Therapy Treatment Today
Regular self-care practices, including occasional peptide therapy, requires checking in with your body and listening to its needs. Using the most up-to-date technological advancements, we provide wellness services that anyone can incorporate into their self-care practice. So if you’re ready to thrive and empower your body, don’t wait any longer!
We are a wellness center in Hilton Head Island, SC providing natural yet new answers to age-old health concerns. Contact us today to schedule your peptide therapy appointment.
