As a result of the decrease in collagen level with aging, “peptide” begins to be produced. (See) This sends a message to the skin that it has lost collagen and needs to create more collagen. Peptides work with proteins to signal which type of collagen from 23 different species needs repair. Peptides are made up of two different components called EGF and bFGF, also called binary peptides. EGF (sh-Oligopeptide-1), aka Epidermal Growth Factor, works on the epidermis to regenerate the skin. It is very effective on fine lines and wrinkles that occur in the 20s and 30s. EGF actually occurs naturally in the body, but decreases rapidly starting in the mid-20s. Replenishing the skin's EGF through skin care regulates the skin's regeneration cycle, not only to accelerate skin regeneration and strengthen the skin's outer barrier, but also to keep skin plump and fine lines heal quickly.
bFGF (sh-Polypeptide-1), means Fibroblast Growth Factor, works deep in the skin, on the dermis. Not only does it heal skin damage caused by UVA rays, it also improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as stimulating the production of collagen, hyaluronic acid, fibronectin and other body components that UVA damage reduces. It has great effects on deep wrinkles that start to settle from the mid-30s.
While anti-aging peptides are used to rejuvenate the building blocks that make the skin more resilient, they need the help of certain ingredients like antioxidants to deliver the maximum potential needed to function. When all of these ingredients are properly formulated in a skincare product, they work very well to address multiple signs of aging and produce great results.
Serums containing peptides and antioxidants in their formulas are skin care products with a denser consistency than moisturizers, their main task is skin repair and they can penetrate deeper into the skin because they have a smaller molecular size compared to moisturizers. Essences, on the other hand, are special care products with a denser consistency than tonics, which add moisture to the skin, prepare the skin for the next product, and are enriched with vitamins and antioxidants necessary for skin repair. Essences are applied to the skin after the tonic and serums are applied after the essence.
If we talk about ampoules, ampoules are more concentrated than serums and increase the effectiveness of the serum when applied after the serum.
If you are using 7-step Korean skin care in your skin care routine, we recommend that you use both essences and serums/ampoules together.