Peptides have become one of the most valuable tools used in skin revision, cancer treatment, immune therapy, and health improvement. As skin rejuvenation and youthfulness has become an increasing and growing request, it is imperative for the professional to understand how peptides are able to provide the missing tool to achieve healthy results. SIGNALING PEPTIDESThrough a precise system of communication, cells receive messages that have passed through the plasma membrane or an activated receptor permitted through the plasma membrane. Think of the plasma membrane as a wall or barrier. Cellular communication is very specific and relies on the constant communication through peptides, chemicals, or hormones. Signaling peptides have the ability to communicate through these receptors.3 This is how peptides are able to communicate and interact directly with desmosomes, cadherins, and adherin junctions. All are key components to the strength of the skin. Let’s look at how this happens. As we look at optimal, healthy skin, there are many distinguishing features: firmness, plumpness, resiliency, and a strong structure. Aging skin has lost many of these features. A strong structure of skin is similar to the components needed to build a sturdy house. Alongside a firm foundation, it is imperative to have strong scaffolding or framework. When building a frame, strong sturdy materials are needed. The house is only as strong as the foundation and framework, as they hold everything in place. This is true for skin, as well. WHAT ARE THE COMPONENTS OF SKIN STRENGTH?Desmosomes and adheren junctions are the intercellular adhesive structures essential for the development of connective tissue (structure and strength of the skin). Cadherins are cell adhesion molecules found in the space between cells (extracellular space). There are two forms of cadherins found in the skin: type-1 cadherins found in the adherens junction and desmosomal cadherins found in desmosomes.2 The Type-1 cadherins hold epithelial cells together by binding with cadherins, which in turn bind to actin filaments. Actin filaments are proteins found abundantly in eukaryotic cells and muscles. Desmosomal cadherins bind to keratin filaments, which attach keratinocytes together in the epidermis. Signaling peptides have the ability to interact with the cadherin molecules, which provides cell to cell bonding. The stronger the bond, the tighter the grip, and improved or stronger electrical signals pass through the cells, allowing for optimal skin function and increased tension, lifting, and firmness to the skin. In review, the communication between cells, tissues, and organs are extremely specific. As peptides are able to provide the exact chemical message to the cadherins, the structure of the skin becomes stronger and more youthful. References 1 Barrett-Hill, Florence. Advanced Skin Analysis. Virtual Beauty Corporation, 2004. 2 Viktoria De’Ann Resource information. www.viktoriadeann.com. 3 Berardi, John and Ryan Andrews. The Essentials of Sport and Exercise Nutrition. Precision Nutrition, 2010. Susan Wade is a licensed aesthetician joining Viktoria De’Ann in 2015 as the director of education and sales after being in the health and education industry for over 18 years. She has a master’s in higher education administration and enjoys sharing her wealth of knowledge with physicians, clinicians, and students nationwide. Wade has a diverse background beyond aesthetics as a college instructor in kinesiology and business and is an owner of a successful sports conditioning business’ and a nutrition coach. Her passion lies in understanding the complexities of physiology, nutrition, and biology and in educating practitioners on how to incorporate these areas to reach better solutions and successful results with their clients. Want to read more? Subscribe to one of our monthly plans to continue reading this article.