This chapter contains, in brief about the aging of skin and the molecular
mechanisms involved therein. The symptoms of wrinkles, fine lines, pigmentation, and
saggy and dry skin manifest in skin aging. Reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen
species, Metalloproteases (MMPs), tyrosinase enzymes, and SASPs play a significant
role. With the increasing awareness of people towards skin health, the demand for
active ingredients to combat aging increases. Being light, non-toxic, stable, and
moisturizing, peptides have been proven extremely beneficial in improving skin
conditions. These peptides act via several mechanisms when applied locally or taken
orally. Signal peptides, Carrier peptides, Neurotransmitter-inhibiting peptides, and
Enzyme-inhibiting peptides act via different mechanisms. In the present chapter, a
detailed review of the different types of peptides, their mechanisms, and their action to
prevent skin aging have been described. These peptides help to improve skin damage,
improves skin elasticity, softness and firmness. It also helps in whitening, rejuvenation,
repair and thickening of skin. Peptides, being economic, have opened up a new era in
cosmeceuticals. Current markets are flooded with peptide-containing anti-aging
products with proven clinical efficacy.
Keywords: Anti-aging peptides, Bioactive peptides, Carrier peptides, MMPs, Neurotransmitter peptides, Palmitoyl tripeptide.
