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Ageing from Within: The Science of Peptides in Skin Revitalisation
Interview with: Emilie Gombert, Senior Product Development and Rachel Davies, Senior Marketing Executive,
Oat Cosmetics UK
In this interview, we explore the transformative role peptides play in combatting ageing from within. We’ll discuss the science behind peptides and their multidimensional impact on skin revitalisation. Specifically, we will cover how peptides contribute to cellular restoration, structural reinforcement and visual renewal. Peptides are recognised for their comprehensive benefits, aligning peptide-based products with holistic beauty and longevity trends. As an established hero ingredient with science-backed results, peptide products can be promoted with transparency, further building trust with consumers. Discover the potential of peptides and why they are leading in the skincare and beauty industry.
What are peptides and how do they contribute to combatting the effects of ageing?
Emilie Gombert: Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as building blocks for proteins. They play a critical role in addressing natural skin ageing by stimulating collagen production, repairing the skin barrier and promoting skin rejuvenation. Peptides activate cellular processes vital for maintaining skin health by supporting skin repair, reducing inflammation and promoting skin revitalisation. These actions play a significant role in addressing the natural signs of ageing.
What happens to the skin as it ages, and how does this impact its structure and appearance?
Emilie Gombert: As skin ages, changes occur at multiple levels, each contributing to the visible signs of ageing. Ageing unfolds in three key levels: at the cellular level, where the foundational changes begins; at the structural level, where skin’s integrity and resilience are compromised; and the visual level, where the effects manifest as wrinkles, sagging and uneven skin tone. These changes occur across the skin’s layers: the hypodermis, dermis and epidermis, each of which experiences distinct transformations.
How does revitalisation work to restore the skin’s youthful structure and appearance?
Emilie Gombert: Revitalisation is the process of restoring vitality to the skin, strengthening and enhancing natural functions to promote a healthy and youthful appearance. This holistic approach targets every level and layers of the skin:
From Cellular to Structural Support: Stimulating cellular regeneration delivers long-term benefits, while reinforcing the skin’s structure helps restore its foundation.
To Structural to Visual Renewal: By improving dermal and epidermal functions, revitalisation leads to visible benefits, such as the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.
Ultimately, revitalisation allows the skin to regain its youthful vitality, ensuring that it remains healthy and resilient over time.
With increasing consumer interest in “beauty from within,” how do you see peptides fitting into the broader narrative of holistic beauty and skin wellness?
Rachel Davies: Holistic beauty is a long-term trend that continues to evolve. Peptides align seamlessly with “beauty from within” and holistic beauty trends by focusing on skin health and the factors that contribute. Today’s consumers are prioritising products that go beyond surface-level results, targeting the skin from within and investing in long-term skin vitality. By delivering both internal support and visible transformations, peptides appeal to the increasing customer market that seeks effective, multi-functional solutions, reflecting fundamental values of self-care, longevity and overall wellness.
Can you explain the science behind how peptides function at the cellular level to address these ageing-related changes?
Emilie Gombert: At the cellular level, the ageing process begins with damage that affects the renewal and function of skin cells. Peptides help by stimulating the production of vital proteins like collagen and elastin, which maintain skin structure and integrity. These proteins are essential for skin’s resilience and by enhancing their production, peptides help replace damaged cells with healthy ones, supporting skin regeneration and slowing the ageing process.
Peptides are often pushed as a breakthrough in skincare. What sets products with peptides apart from other anti-ageing products in the market?
Rachel Davies: Peptide-based products are unique for anti-ageing care because they offer a science-backed, cellular approach to skincare. Unlike products that simply target or manage the signs of ageing, peptides actively support the skin’s natural regeneration process, improving its structure, elasticity and overall health. This approach to skincare is heavily linked to the longevity trend, where customers no longer want quick fixes, but powerful and long-term results.
What role do peptides play in reinforcing the skin’s structure and counteract age-related changes in density, firmness and elasticity?
Emilie Gombert: As skin ages, the production of collagen and elastin naturally declines, resulting in decreased density, firmness and elasticity. Peptides help restore this by signalling the skin to produce more collagen and elastin, effectively reinforcing the skin’s structure. This process enhances the skin’s firmness and elasticity and restores a more resilient and supple skin structure, maintaining its youthful appearance over time.
How do peptides contribute to the visible renewal of ageing skin and what noticeable improvements can be expected over time?
Emilie Gombert: The visible signs of ageing, such as fine lines, wrinkles and uneven tone, are the result of cellular and structural changes. Peptides contribute to visible renewal by stimulating the skin’s natural repair mechanisms, boosting hydration and improving skin texture. These actions reduce the depth of fine lines, smooth the skin’s texture and promote a more even complexion. Over time, this leads to a more youthful and revitalised appearance.
What are consumers looking for when choosing peptide-based skincare products?
Rachel Davies: Consumers today are more informed and active in their research when choosing skincare products. Though this research can often be led by social media trends and hero ingredients, this behavioural shift is driving brands to be more transparent and forthcoming. Peptide-based skincare fulfil key benefits that customers prioritise in the beauty industry. These benefits include:
Proven Efficacy: Backed by science and trusted by consumers, peptides deliver proven results, supporting the foundations of skin health with cellular activity and visible transformations.
Natural & Sustainable Sourcing: With the rising demand for ethical and sustainable beauty, consumers are paying closer attention to how ingredients are sourced and produced. Natural peptides are increasingly recognised for their strong association with sustainability and transparency.
Multi-functional Benefits: Peptides offer more than just anti-ageing benefits, targeting multiple key factors of skin health.
