Ever since she graced television screens over 20 years ago, actress Jennifer Aniston has been perceived as a beauty icon. Gracing the cover of The Wall Street Journal, the former Friends star has opened up about her pursuit of optimum skin health.
Jennifer Aniston: Peptide Injections Are My Anti-Aging Weapon
Speaking with the WSJ, Aniston shared her readiness to try out unconventional anti-aging treatments, such as a salmon-sperm facial. Now, while she wasn’t a fan of the salmon sperm facial, the 54-year-old actress shared that she has found a treatment that she considers to be the future of anti-aging skin care – peptide injections.
What are peptide injections?
Found in your body, peptides are strings of amino acids that perform certain functions that can improve skin health and leave you with healthier muscles.
Aniston has always been a big fan of peptides, even becoming the Chief Creative Officer of Vital Proteins in 2020, and promoting Collagen Peptides powder, and sharing that she incorporates the collagen into her coffee and water intake.
“Peptides can be injected into the body to stimulate an effect, and peptide therapy can refer to peptide injections or to topical or oral peptide treatments that can be used to improve various health conditions and help with skin rejuvenation.” explains double-board certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, of MDCS Dermatology, to Glamour.
What are the benefits of peptide injections?
According to Dr. Garshick, peptide injections can help improve skin texture and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as peptides trigger the production of collagen and elastin. A decrease in collagen and elation can worsen the signs of aging, so encouraging their production can leave the skin firmer and more supple.
Aside from the anti-aging benefits, peptide injections may also assist with hair loss, muscle development, and even weight management.
How does it work?
Speaking to Popsugar, longevity and regenerative medicine doctor Neil Paulvin, DO, explained the fairly simple procedure:
“First, the provider will draw the correct amount of units with an insulin syringe. Then, they will rub an alcohol wipe on your abdomen to disinfect the area. Finally, you inject the peptide.”
Dr. Paulvin adds that if you’re hoping for anti-aging benefits, then you should opt for two cycles per year, lasting two to three months each.
Can I get peptide injections?
If your appearance is starting to show signs of aging, then it would be a good idea to start researching peptide injections.
Dr. Garshick says that you can start in your 30s and 40s as this is when people start to notice changes as a result of collagen loss.
What are the side effects?
Any medical or cosmetic procedure comes with side effects, and peptide injections are no different.
“Potential side effects are generally transient and mild, including localized redness, swelling, bruising, and temporary discomfort at the injection site,” explains board-certified dermatologist Michelle Henry, MD, FAAD, to Popsugar.
Dr. Paulvin also notes that peptides can be too strong or interact with other medications, and this can cause nausea and fatigue.
Now, while peptide injunctions are a great weapon to have in your anti-aging arsenal, it can’t be the only one. Speaking to Glamour, double board-certified dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD, clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College, reiterated the following:
“In addition to peptide injections, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, eating a balanced diet, getting sufficient sleep, exercising regularly, and protecting skin from the sun are key to getting and maintaining healthy, youthful skin.”
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