Palmitoyl Oligopeptide is the latest star to join the anti-aging arsenal, and you don't have to visit your cosmetic surgeon to get it.

Products using Palmitoyl Oligopeptide are changing the face of skincare as we know it, and they're as accessible as your drugstore shelf.

Peptides are chains of naturally occurring amino acids, building blocks of proteins that stimulate the production of collagen, the lack of which is one of the major causes of aging skin.

As we grow older, collagen production slows down, resulting in a loss of skin elasticity and a decrease in the skin's ability to hold moisture as the protein-based collagen-elastin network weakens over time.

As the levels of proteins in the skin decline, lines and wrinkles become more visible. Peptides, and the proteins they make up, trick older skin into producing collagen along with hyaluronic acid - another key factor in providing moisture to the skin - in order to repair itself like younger skin. This results in a plumping effect and a smoother, softer and younger looking complexion.

Because peptide molecules in products are small enough to penetrate the top layer of the skin versus their topical collagen and elastin cream counterparts, they are not only able to target collagen-producing cells to stimulate regeneration from the bottom up, but will also work on the surface layers of the skin to repair fine lines and wrinkles caused by sun damage.

Virtually every skin type and colour can tolerate peptides because they are found naturally in the body. And compared to Retinol-based products, they cause little or no irritation, nor do they cause any sun sensitivity.

Here in Canada, companies such as VitalScience and their Dermaglow NuVectin line, which includes products such as Advanced Wrinkle Therapy and Advanced Eye Therapy, have made use of peptides in their products by combining skin firming agents, hydrators, and skin elasticizers with the power of peptide Palmitoyl Oligopeptide - a peptide that acts as a messenger to increase the repair activity of the collagen-producing cells - along with Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, a peptide that works to relax facial muscles allowing the skin on top of the muscles to relax as well.

"This technology makes anti-aging treatments available to anyone who has reservations about toxic injections and cosmetic surgery," says Calvin Davies, research pharmacist M.R.P.S. M.Sc. "The results are really very remarkable."

As peptides are generally more reparative than preventative, a good time to start using peptide products is at around age 30. However, if you've been negligent about applying daily sunscreen, start earlier to repair that damage. These products should generally be used day and night for maximum benefit.

With a broad range of skincare products containing peptides on the market the key is to look for a brand with the highest concentration of peptides in the formulation.

Kinerase C6 Peptide Intensive Treatment with Acetyl Hexapeptide-3 and Vitamin C
Dermadoctor Wrinkle Revenge Eye Balm with Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3, Dipeptide-2, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-3
CITY Face Skin Remodeler with Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-3  

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