GLOW: Benefits & Research

GLOW's primary benefit centers on stimulating fibroblast activity to increase collagen production. Skin collagen declines at approximately 1–2% per year after age 30, and by age 60, collagen content may be reduced by 40% or more. This structural loss manifests as fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of skin firmness.

Bioactive peptide sequences in GLOW signal fibroblasts through growth factor receptor pathways, upregulating transcription of type I and type III collagen genes. Research on cosmetic peptides has demonstrated measurable increases in procollagen synthesis within weeks of treatment initiation. The related peptide GHK-Cu has been shown to increase collagen production by over 300% in vitro.

Beyond collagen, GLOW targets elastin — the protein responsible for skin's ability to stretch and snap back. Elastin production effectively ceases in adulthood, meaning existing elastic fibers must be maintained. Peptide sequences that inhibit elastase (the enzyme that degrades elastin) and promote tropoelastin synthesis help preserve skin bounce and resilience.

Clinical studies on elastin-targeting peptides have shown improvements in skin firmness and elasticity as measured by cutometry (mechanical skin testing) over 8–12 week protocols.

GLOW includes peptides that promote even skin tone and radiance through balanced melanocyte regulation. Unlike melanocortin agonists such as melanotan II, which actively darken skin, GLOW's peptides aim to normalize melanin distribution — reducing hyperpigmentation and age spots while promoting a healthy, luminous complexion.

Antioxidant peptide components also contribute to radiance by reducing oxidative stress-induced dullness and protecting against photo-damage that causes uneven pigmentation.

Oxidative stress is a primary driver of skin aging (photoaging). GLOW peptides that enhance cellular production of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione provide internal antioxidant defense, complementing topical antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E) that work on the skin surface.

This cellular-level antioxidant support helps protect against UV-induced DNA damage, lipid peroxidation, and protein oxidation — all of which accelerate visible skin aging. For systemic anti-aging support, see also NAD+ (cellular energy) and epitalon (telomere maintenance).