Products containing peptides boast a wide range of health benefits.
Understanding Peptides
Peptides are made up of amino acids, the same molecules that form proteins. However, unlike proteins, peptides consist of short chains of less than 100 amino acids. The body produces thousands of different peptides to support important functions, ranging from hormone regulation and immune response to skin and cardiovascular health.
Benefits
Because of these many functions, peptides have been incorporated into prescription medicines, oral supplements, and products to boost skin, hair, bone, and muscle health and treat certain conditions. In fact, there are currently more than 100 FDA-approved peptide drugs in use in the United States. Common peptides found in medications include oxytocin to treat depression; sermorelin to enhance growth hormone levels; bremelanotide to treat hypoactive sex drive; and semaglutide and tirzepatide, which comprise leading weight loss drugs.
Peptides in Skincare
Peptides are the building blocks for proteins important to skin health, including collagen and elastin. Skincare products containing peptides can promote the production of these proteins, and most often come in the form of serums and creams. These products can strengthen the skin barrier, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, ease inflammation, and create firmer, younger-looking skin.
Two common peptides found in skincare are copper peptide, which is a carrier peptide and has anti-oxidant properties, and acetyl-hexapeptide-8, a neurotransmitter inhibiting peptide, boasting “Botox-like” effects. There are also peptides that signal the production of collagen, and peptides that inhibit the breakdown of collagen. In addition to enhancing skincare, some peptides can even promote hair growth when used as a scalp serum, leading to thicker and healthier hair.
An Expert Weighs In:
“Peptides play a pivotal role in functional medicine and have revolutionized the landscape. Inherent to peptides is the ability to mimic natural biological processes, making them invaluable for treating a range of conditions, from hormone imbalances to reduced skin elasticity. At Designer Drugs pharmacy, we offer several compounded peptide therapies available by prescription, as well as several skin-enhancing peptides available for purchase without a prescription. Customizable and precise, compounded peptides provide patients and providers with tailored treatments designed for the individual patient.”
Tanya Manoni, BSChem, PharmD, FAAMM
VP Pharmacy, Designer Drugs
Meet the Author
Rachel Studebaker, BA, English, Summa Cum Laude
Rachel Studebaker is a graduate of Lee University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English with a minor in advertising. While attending Lee, Rachel served as editor-in-chief and creative director for the school’s biannual publication Vindagua and was a member of Sigma Tau Delta English Honors Society. Since joining CMC Publications as editor, Rachel has assumed the role of managing editor, where she is responsible for the annual development and completion of seventeen publications involving health, wellness, and lifestyles articles that are published in print and online for HealthScope, CityScope, and Choose Chattanooga magazines – premier publications serving S.E. Tennessee and North Georgia.
