Peptides, or chains of two or more amino acids, are the precursors to proteins. They are produced naturally in the body and perform many essential functions, including healing, tissue building, and fighting infections. They can help your immune system fight off infections and create hormones that control various functions. They are essential for life to exist. In addition to being made in the body, they can also be synthesized in a lab. These peptides can then be used in numerous applications.

Anti-Aging Skincare Products

Aging has many effects on the body. One of the most visible is the appearance of lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. These issues occur because the body’s natural collagen production begins to slow. Slower collagen production results in less elasticity, meaning the skin doesn’t bounce back like it used to. These signs of aging can be distressing, as many people desire to maintain a youthful appearance. In response, numerous anti-aging products have become available, including products that contain peptides. There is a significant amount of research available that suggests a link between a high number of peptides and the stimulation of collagen production. The peptides contained in anti-aging products are absorbed into the skin and jumpstart the body’s production of collagen. With increased production, the unwanted signs of aging are lessened.

Topical Healing Creams

Injuries to the skin, including cuts and burns, trigger your body’s natural healing response. The body also prepares itself to fight off potential infection, particularly when there is an open wound that provides a path for bacteria to get inside. In cases of open wounds, the body sends white blood cells to the wound as well as peptides that are designed to kill germs that could otherwise cause harm. There is research that shows that creams containing these anti-microbial peptides can be effective in preventing infection following a wound.

Pharmaceutical Research

Pharmaceutical companies have developed many drugs over the years that have helped to treat a variety of health issues and improve the lives of countless individuals. To create these drugs, research is essential. An important component of pharmaceutical research and drug development is peptides. Using these peptides, laboratories can develop drugs that can aid in boosting immunity or the production of hormones. Labs can purchase peptides to use in their research.

Diagnosing Certain Conditions

Peptides can also be used to help doctors diagnose certain health conditions. One such use is in imaging. A dye can be injected into the body that will change color when it comes into contact with certain types of tissues, including those that are acidic or hypoxic. When this happens, a scan can then pinpoint areas of inflammation or a tumor within the body. Peptides can also be used to detect the presence of toxins or viruses. When peptides change color in the body, doctors can diagnose and treat certain issues, including ones that may be potentially life-threatening, in their earliest stages.

Naturally occurring peptides perform many important jobs in your body. Those created in a lab also serve crucial functions that provide many incredible benefits.