Dalton

Understanding Dalton

The beauty industry buzzes with terms that may seem confusing at first. One such term is 'Dalton,' widely used in the field of aesthetic skin care. Despite its prevalent use, many are unaware of what it truly means and its significance.

What is Dalton?

In simple terms, a Dalton is a unit of measurement used in chemistry to determine the molecular weight of substances, including skincare ingredients like peptides. Named after British scientist John Dalton, this unit allows researchers and professionals to understand how different molecules behave and interact, ultimately impacting the effectiveness of your skincare products.

Why Does Dalton Matter?

When we talk about skincare, particularly peptides, the size — measured in Daltons — matters significantly. The general rule of thumb is that only molecules smaller than 500 Daltons can penetrate our skin's outermost layer. This knowledge allows formulators to design products that will effectively penetrate the skin barrier and deliver their benefits where needed most.

For instance, when you're considering anti-aging creams or serums containing peptides (long chains of amino acids), knowing their molecular weight can help determine whether they'll absorb into your skin deeply enough to provide noticeable results.

Case Study: Peptides

Take Matrixyl 3000, a popular anti-aging peptide. It's composed of two joined peptides, and its total molecular weight is approximately 1,000 Daltons. Since this measurement surpasses the 500 Dalton rule, Matrixyl 3000 can only work on the skin's surface. However, it still helps stimulate new collagen production and improve skin elasticity over time.

On the other hand, Copper peptides have a molecular weight less than 500 Daltons. This allows them to penetrate deeper layers of the skin where they can promote collagen and elastin production.

In conclusion, understanding Dalton in skincare empowers you to make more informed decisions about your regimen. So next time you see this term on your product label or website description, you'll know exactly what it means!