Observation shows that peptides in sports have become increasingly popular in recent years among bodybuilders and those who wish to have a toned body. This trend appears to be influenced by the relative difficulty of obtaining and using anabolic steroids. But what are these substances and are they truly legal alternatives to steroids? What benefits do bodybuilders hope to get from using them? In this article you will find answers to these and many other questions, as well as everything about peptides.
What are peptides
“ Peptides are protein compounds consisting of amino acids ,” explains Elena Makshanova, cosmetologist at the Tori Aesthetic Medicine Clinic. — Often in the description you can find prefixes that indicate the number of amino acids contained in the peptide. For example, a dipeptide is two amino acids, a tripeptide is three, a tetrapeptide is four, and so on.” If there are more than 50 amino acids, such a molecule is usually called a protein; if there are less than 50, then it is a peptide. “Translated from Greek, “peptide” means “nutritious,” adds Andrey Alenichev, Ph.D., dermatocosmetologist, head of the Clinical Institute of Aesthetic Medicine. — Peptides are constantly synthesized in all living organisms to regulate physiological processes. Peptides include signaling molecules—cytokines, cell growth factors, enzymes, and many hormones.”
For the most part, peptides do not cause allergies or other adverse reactions. They are effective and can quickly change the condition of the skin. This explains their popularity in the beauty industry.
A little history
The first peptides were discovered at the beginning of the last century, in 1900-1905. Then they were considered as bioregulators, with the help of which you can improve the health of the body. Reviews from those who took the peptides initially showed their high effectiveness, as a result of which work in this direction continued. Already in 1953, the first polypeptide hormone was synthesized, that is, a peptide consisting of a large number of amino acids that our body needs so much. Work in this direction has been continued and today more than a thousand types of peptides have been studied in detail, each of which differs in its effect on the body. At the same time, only in Russia there was research into peptides as drugs for treating and healing the body. Neither Western medicine nor Western cosmetology views them in this way. Perhaps this is why the reviews of those who took peptides as bioregulators are in some cases negative, that is, people did not achieve the effect they expected.
What types of peptides are there?
Based on the method of production, peptides used today in cosmetology can be divided into natural and synthetic .
“ Natural peptides have been used in cosmetic preparations for at least 50 years - these are everyone’s favorite hydrolysates of animal and plant proteins (collagen, elastin, silk proteins, soy, rice, black caviar, oysters, and so on). They are sets of various short peptides and amino acids. Thus, peptides obtained from soy, silk and rice proteins work as anti-elastase, that is, they suppress the activity of the enzyme that destroys elastin, helping to maintain the firmness, elasticity and youth of the skin.
The peptide boom that has erupted in cosmetology in recent years is associated with the use of synthetic peptides that are obtained artificially . They usually repeat the deciphered structure of well-studied natural peptides and have a targeted effect on the skin by binding to certain receptors,” says Alenichev. Synthetic peptides solve narrower, specific problems.
New synthetic peptides are created in laboratories almost weekly. “In cosmetic preparations for external use, as a rule, short peptides are used (containing less than ten amino acids. - Author’s note), the size of the molecules is capable of penetrating through the stratum corneum of the epidermis, and to facilitate their penetration, lipid “tails” are “sewn” to them “says Alenichev.
Impact on the body
In fact, these substances are constantly produced by the body and carry their functional load. First of all, they work to regulate the endocrine system. That is, peptides are extremely important for regulating hormone production. In turn, they protect the body from free radicals and toxins. Why does the body need additional peptides? With their deficiency, tissue regeneration slows down, and destruction processes, on the contrary, accelerate. Medicine has long known that many age-related changes in the body are associated precisely with a lack of peptides.
This situation naturally raises the question of artificial replacement of natural peptides, that is, their production in the laboratory. However, if these processes in the body take minutes, then their artificial synthesis is very complicated. That is why the cost of manufactured drugs is very high.
What are the most popular peptides in cosmetology?
Cosmetologist Elena Makshanova answers:
Updating. Remodeling peptides improve skin quality and regulate the natural mechanisms of the synthesis and breakdown of dermal matrix components. The most popular are matrixyl, GHK tripeptide, pentapeptide .
Strengthening peptides-stabilizers of homeostasis. They improve the condition of the skin by increasing its own protective potential and have a general strengthening effect. The most popular are copper-containing peptide GHK-Cu and collagen peptamide-6 . They are also suitable for skin damaged by ultraviolet radiation. Plus, they can be found in products labeled anti-pollution.
influencing -regulators of the process of melanogenesis. The most famous of them are melanotan and melitan , which trigger pigment production and enhance tanning. And, for example, the peptide melanostatin, on the contrary, blocks the production of melanin in the skin. Accordingly, they can be found in products that prepare the skin for tanning and in sunscreens.
Antibacterial peptides - activators of the production of antimicrobial peptides. They protect the skin from various microorganisms. Among them, the most famous is bodyfensin (chemical name - acetyl dipeptide-3 ), it stimulates its own protective proteins, increasing the skin's resistance to microbes and bacteria. These peptides can often be found in acne treatments.
Immunomodulator peptides that enhance immunity Rigin on the product packaging .
For sensitive skin - neurotransmitter peptides. They affect the skin nerve endings and affect sensitivity. For example, the synthetic dipeptide Calmosensine, or acetyl dipeptide-1, is used in cosmetics for sensitive skin with impaired barrier properties, for dry skin. These peptides are often included in after-sun products.
Peptides that improve microcirculation and lymph flow. They regulate the permeability of the vascular wall and reduce tissue swelling. They especially like to add such peptides to products for the area around the eyes to reduce swelling. Example: acetyl tetrapeptide-5 .
GHRP 2 and GHRP 6: all the pros and cons of a joint course
Both of these peptides stimulate the production of Growth Hormone and increase appetite. There is a misconception that they are able to stimulate the production of Ghrelin, the appetite hormone, but this is not the case; it is enhanced due to the production of another hormone, Cortisol.
GHRP 2 is a stronger peptide in action and stimulates the production of GH much better, but at the same time it increases the concentration of Cortisol and Prolactin. GHRP 6 works more weakly, but at the same time has fewer side effects. By the way, this is one of the reasons why it is recommended to combine these two hormones - it is possible to strongly stimulate the production of GH and appetite, and to a small extent increase the level of cortisol and prolactin, but there is also a completely opposite opinion.
In addition to these differences, both hormones produce the same effects:
- Increased muscle growth and strength;
- Stimulates fat burning and increases definition;
- Increased appetite;
- Strengthening the immune system, strengthening ligaments and bones;
- Anti-inflammatory effect and liver protection.
There is evidence that peptides 2 and 6 act synergistically on each other, but there is another version that it is inappropriate to use them together. Here are the main points:
- Peptides belong to the same group and have an identical effect on the body;
- Both peptides increase the production of cortisol and prolactin, and together will double their production;
- The level of receptor saturation is exceeded, sensitivity to peptides decreases, while the production of GH does not increase significantly.
It is worth noting that these peptides can be used together, and the effect will be positive if you use the recommended dosage (which will be discussed below). But why buy both peptides if they will give you almost the same effect? As a solo course, one of these peptides will be enough to stimulate the production of GH.
We recommend reading: a course of peptides for mass and a course of peptides for cutting.
Can products with muscle relaxant peptides replace Botox?
Muscle relaxant peptides were among the first to appear, the most famous of them being argireline . For a relaxing effect, a product with this type of peptide must be used for at least a month. It will only affect facial wrinkles.
“Now new versions of argireline have appeared - these are SNAP-7, SNAP-8, Vialox, INYLINE peptide,” says Makshanova. — These peptides are especially recommended for those patients who have already developed insensitivity to botulinum therapy . That is, they are used as an alternative to botulinum toxins: creams with muscle relaxant peptides block the transmission of the muscle contraction signal from the nerve ending to the muscle fiber and thereby give a botulinum-like effect.”
Under no circumstances apply such products to the eyelid area. Reduced mobility of the eyelid muscle can lead to ptosis - paralysis of the eyelid.
Muscle relaxant peptides also include acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester, dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate, pentapeptide-3, acetyl hexapeptide-8 .
In principle, this group of peptides can be used from the age of 20 for prevention purposes . They effectively help reduce tension in the small fibers of the facial muscles. Some help maintain and prolong the effects of Botox injections.
What if wrinkles have already formed? “Then drugs with a more complex composition or combinations of drugs are selected, which, along with muscle relaxant peptides, will contain matrixine peptides, collagen and elastin hydrolysates, phytoestrogens, fruit acids, and so on,” says Alenichev. Be careful when combining such products with retinoids and acids, they can destroy the peptides.
How to take peptides? Instructions for buyers.
Peptides for mass, strength, weight loss, tanning - detailed instructions
What do you need to buy in addition to the peptides?
Buying peptides is not enough to start a course. After all, most peptide bioregulators are initially in dry form, and in order to bring them into a ready-made state, you must first dilute them and then inject them using an insulin syringe. Therefore, to start the course you will need to additionally buy: special water for dilution, insulin syringes for administering peptides internally, as well as a regular syringe (optional). Let's look at each element in more detail:
- Water for peptides. Almost any form from the pharmacy is suitable. The most popular trade names: water for injection, lidocaine, sodium chloride. Each of them has its own pros and cons.
- Insulin syringes. In fact, everything is not as simple as it seems. Insulin syringes are available in almost every pharmacy, but the quality leaves much to be desired. You must choose one with an integrated needle and preferably with the smallest and thinnest needle. Then the peptide will be used sparingly, and the likelihood of skin reactions will be reduced to a minimum. The best manufacturers are BD Micro Fine and Volt Medical.
- Regular syringe. You can buy any one, even the cheapest one. Serves to dilute the peptide, that is, transfer liquid from the ampoule of water that you bought into the peptide bottle.
How to calculate the dosage of peptides on an insulin syringe?
It is important not only to know the correct dosage of peptides, but also to be able to calculate it. Almost 100% of the success of the course depends on this. After all, if you understand this point incorrectly, then if the amount of the active substance is insufficient, you will not get the desired result, and if it is too high, you increase the risk of side effects. How to correctly calculate the required dosage of peptides on an ins syringe? To do this you need to know the three most important things:
- How many mg of peptide are in the bottle?
- What is the scale of the syringe and how much liquid “fits” in it?
- The amount of liquid with which the peptide was diluted
If the second and third points are static and rarely change. Let us remember that bottles with peptides are almost always diluted with 2 ml, and insulin syringes are used with a scale from 10 to 100 and a volume of 1 ml. Then the third one is almost always different. Vials of peptides are found: 2 mg (often this packaging is done with CJC-1295, ipamorelin, PEG MGF), 5 mg (GHRP-2; GHRP-6; TB-500) and 10 mg (Melanotan 2). Other options come across quite rarely. It is very important to understand that diluting different peptides with the same amount of water and using the same insulin syringes, when drawing the same amount of solution, the dosage will change based on the initially stated mg in the vial: 2 mg or 5 mg or 10 mg. For example, 10 units of GHRP-6 5 mg will equal 0.25 mg (250 mcg), and 10 units of CJC-1295 2 mg = 100 mcg. Next, we will look at this moment in more detail, along with a photo.
Algorithm for calculating the dosage of peptides using a real example
Information in text form may be difficult for beginners to understand. Therefore, next we will look at a detailed analysis in pictures: how, what and why. So the most famous weight gain kit is GHRP-6 and CJC-1295. Before us are these peptides, as well as liquid for dilution, insulin and simple syringes. All is ready!
1. We dilute peptide bioregulators. Add 2 ml of liquid to each.
2. Peptides are diluted. Thus, it turned out that GHRP-6 5 mg is diluted with 2 ml and the releasing peptide CJC-1295 is also diluted with 2 ml. We remember the values, they will be useful to us in the future.
3. Used ins syringes with marks from 10 to 100 units. Where 100 is the maximum value equal to 1 ml. That is, we can say that the peptides are diluted with two full insulin syringes. By the way, 1 mg = 1,000 mcg.
4. Thus, we can say that GHRP-6 5 mg is diluted with 2 ml or 5 mg = 2 ml. This, if converted into other measurements, will be: 5,000 mcg = 200 units. Next, we calculate that 1 unit is equal to 25 mcg. Same with the CJC-1295. Bottle 2 mg = 2 ml or 1 unit equals 10 mcg.
10 units of CJC-1295 = 100 mcg of substance
Peptides GHRP-6 150 mcg and CJC-1295 - 100 mcg
Do not forget that usually one division on an insulin syringe = 2 units, which means 4 units = 2 divisions on an insulin syringe.
How to properly inject peptides?
It's no secret that most peptides come in the form of a solution, rather than capsules or tablets. Therefore, their use is carried out by injection. In one of our experiments, we found that peptides are equally effective when administered subcutaneously and intramuscularly. There are practically few effects when administered nasally and useless when administered orally. Agree to use the peptide with a thin 5 mm needle, it is better to pierce yourself more than 5 cm each time. Therefore, 99% of users who use peptides do so subcutaneously using an insulin syringe. Now a very important question is where to introduce the peptides? We also carefully studied this issue. To do this, the athlete injected himself into the biceps area and passed a growth hormone test, which shows the work of the peptide. Then the same thing was done after injection into the fat fold - the result was almost identical. Therefore, the place of injection of peptides does not play a big role, but it is worth saying that the fat fold on the abdomen is the most convenient option.
Now let's look at another important question. How to properly inject peptides? Very often, when users hear that the injection is performed in the fat fold, they begin to say that they do not have it, since the percentage of fat is low. But it is not so. You should take the skin in your hand, then the fat fold will miraculously appear. Next, the entire length of the needle is inserted perpendicularly into it. Then you should slowly press the plunger of the insulin syringe. To make taking peptides as painless as possible, it is recommended to first warm the active substance in your hand for several minutes. You can see an illustration of all this above!
Peptide storage
Peptide bioregulators are quite specific agents. Their peculiarity is that in order to preserve their qualities, they must be kept in the cold. However, many resources clearly go too far with this, recommending the purchase of various cold elements or cold accumulators for almost every order, which will reach the client in no more than 10 days. Whatever the peptide is, in dry form, in the absence of sunlight falling on it, it will be stored for at least 60 days at temperatures up to 45 degrees. Hard to imagine? This is exactly the information we received from the manufacturer of one of the brands. In the refrigerator, the shelf life of peptides increases to 1-1.5 years. And in the freezer at minus 30 degrees there is so much that the manufacturers themselves do not know. It’s another matter when the peptide is already dissolved. In this form, it can stay at room temperature for only no more than 1 day. In the refrigerator from 2 weeks to a month depending on the solvent. And it’s better not to freeze it. Although this experiment was successful! You can read more about the shelf life of peptides in dry and liquid states HERE.
How many days can you take peptides?
There are quite different opinions on this question. We believe that the optimal course duration is 1 to 2 months. In exceptional cases - 3 months. The duration depends on many factors: what peptides are used, the goals of the course, dosage and the individual characteristics of the user. More accurate data in the table.
Many people also ask questions: how long to rest after a course of peptides, so that later you can start a new one? It should be understood that even the safest course of peptides, one way or another, puts some kind of stress on the body, forcing it to work harder. It can be compared to driving fast in a low gear at high revs.
Peptides GHRP-6 and CJC-1295
Therefore, for further progress you need to give enough time for rest. So the minimum interval between courses is no less than the duration of the course itself. Whereas we do not recommend doing more than 3-4 courses per year. After all, the body must be able to progress on its own, and not “get hooked” on external helpers. Then the peptides will always please you, and the progress will be constant.
Where to buy peptides
Today, you can buy a course of peptides in a couple of mouse clicks. However, finding truly high-quality products is somewhat more difficult. Our online store offers you to purchase peptides from the manufacturer at the best prices, the highest degree of purification, with delivery throughout Russia! To choose, it is recommended to visit our section of ready-made peptide courses, where the best options are presented with discounts and detailed instructions!
Results of a monthly course "Weight loss and tanning" hgh 176-191 + Melanotan 2 peptides
To order, you need to add the product you are interested in to your cart and complete your purchase. Or you can do this even faster by writing to us on VKontakte or by email at [email protected] .
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