Peptides are an extremely broad subject with many areas of opportunity in skin care. We can explain them simply by saying they are smaller versions of proteins, short strings of amino acids in groups of 2-50. As we know, amino acids are also the building blocks of proteins, but proteins contain significantly more amino acid chains. Because of their smaller size, peptides may prove to be more bioavailable than proteins and easily penetrate and effect the skin. Recent research indicates that some types of peptide could have a beneficial role in slowing the aging process, reducing inflammation, and even destroying microbes. Many skin care products contain many, many different peptides promising everything from tighter, even, youthful skin, to longer, luscious lashes. So, how do you sort through the hype to understand what each peptide does and if it will be effective? In the ASCP Esty Talk Ingredient Decked Out Sub Series – The Peptide Perspective, we explore many opinions and perspectives to help bring clarity, answer questions and dispel misinformation. In Volume 3, we discuss peptides with Pharmacist Ben Fuchs.     Ella Cressman is a Licensed Esthetician, Certified Organic Formulator, Business Owner and absolute ingredient junkie! As an educator, she enjoys empowering other estheticians and industry professionals to understand skin care from an ingredient standpoint, rather than a product specific view. She has spent many hours researching ingredients, understanding how and where they are sourced, phytochemistry, histological access and complimentary compounds for intentional skin benefits.  In addition to running a skin care practice, Cressman founded a comprehensive consulting group, the HHP Collective and has consulted for several skin care lines, including several successful CBD brands.   To connect with Ella Cressman click here (getconnected@ascpskincare.com)   To join Associated Skin care Professionals (ASCP) click here (www.ascpskincare.com/join)   Questions about Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) membership or professional liability insurance for estheticians call 800-789-0411   If you are interested in adding Business Personal Property (BPP) insurance to your membership click here (www.ascpskincare.com/bpp)   Follow Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) on Instagram @ascpskincare   To access ASCP’s extensive Back to Practice guide click here (ascpskincare.com/back-to-practice)   To connect with Benjamin Knight Fuchs   email - support@truthtreatments.com   FB - Benjamin Knight Fuchs   IG - truth.treatments   website- www.truthtreatments.com   blog - www.pharmacistben.com   About our Sponsor: Celluma Light Therapy   BioPhotas invites you to adopt their illuminating approach to total health and wellness through scientifically proven products based on NASA-researched technology. Led by a network of leading medical professionals, BioPhotas’s unwavering commitment to honesty, accuracy, and integrity aids them as they continuously improve and evaluate policies to develop the most innovative, effective, and safest products on the market.   Focusing on wound healing research in the labs of the prestigious Beckman Laser Institute at UCI, BioPhotas has demonstrated that Celluma promotes cell proliferation and cell migration. As trailblazers in this area of research, BioPhotas intends to further this research to support and demonstrate how Celluma could potentially be utilized to accelerate the closure of slow and non-healing wounds.   Website: www.celluma.com   Email: info@celluma.com   Phone: (714) 978-0080   Facebook: www.facebook.com/CellumaByBioPhotas   Instagram: www.instagram.com/celluma_led_therapy   About our Sponsor: Face Reality Skincare   Face Reality Skincare has a clear-skin system that will have your clients’ acne under control in about three to four months, depending on their type of acne. Face Reality Skincare combines the power of clinical-grade products that are customized for a specific type of acn