Peptides are more than just a new skincare buzzword. These little amino acid-based molecules make up the building blocks of collagen and more—and they can do everything from reinforcing the skin barrier to reducing hyperpigmentation to smoothing fine lines.
Unlike occlusive ingredients that sit on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the skin to send signals to cells and encourage a more youthful appearance. Read on to discover the top five things peptides do for your skin.
1. Increased Collagen Production
Peptides are a powerful skincare ingredient that can boost collagen production, turn back the clock on fine lines, melasma, and wrinkles, and more. They’re also known for triggering skin cells to communicate with one another and restructure DNA, which can positively influence the appearance of the complexion over time.
Two kinds of peptides are commonly found in skin care products: signal and growth-stimulating. Signal peptides communicate with your cell’s protein machinery, urging them to manufacture the proteins already present in the skin. Growth-stimulating peptides for skin have a similar effect but are designed to specifically help your cells produce collagen and elastin fibers.
Both signal and growth-stimulating peptides are considered “non-toxic,” meaning they won’t cause irritation to the skin or disrupt your body’s natural processes. Depending on the formula, they may also have antimicrobial properties to prevent acne breakouts.
In addition to encouraging skin cells to make more collagen and elastin, peptides can also help support the skin barrier by reversing damage from over-exfoliation, cigarette smoke, pollution, or sun exposure. A healthy skin barrier helps reduce inflammation, hydrate the complexion, and even improve skin tone.
In order to get the most benefit out of your peptide routine, it’s important to be consistent with your usage. Use your peptides twice daily—once in the morning and once at night. Apply them after your toner and before your moisturizer, and always use a clean face to prep. Be patient—it can take a few weeks to see noticeable results, but stick with it, and you’ll notice the difference in no time. And remember, the best peptide products will pair well with your other favorite skincare ingredients, like vitamin C serums, retinoids, and moisturizers.
2. Reduced Inflammation
The human body is a marvel of biology, capable of healing from surgery, injuries, and even some chronic conditions like high blood pressure. Despite these impressive capabilities, the body isn’t immune to everyday stressors that can cause inflammation, including overexposure to harmful UV rays and pollutants. Inflammation has a negative impact on the skin, causing redness, irritation, and sensitivity. Fortunately, research into peptides has shown these small chains of amino acids to reduce skin inflammation, which leads to a smoother complexion and reduced risk of breakouts.
Peptides also help protect your skin against damage, such as from over-exfoliation or environmental pollution. This is because they strengthen the skin barrier, which acts as a shield against bacteria, UV rays, and other external aggressors. Additionally, some peptides have antimicrobial properties to fight acne-causing bacteria and other infections.
As you can see, there’s a reason this ingredient is so popular amongst beauty lovers! Its anti-aging benefits are incredible, especially when paired with other powerful ingredients like vitamin C and retinol. For example, the peptides in our Matrixyl 3000 blend work wonders with these two key ingredients to vanish fine lines and wrinkles and firm the skin around your eyes.
But don’t be fooled; peptides don’t have magical powers and aren’t a replacement for a skincare routine. They’re most effective when used in conjunction with other proven actives that address your specific skin concerns, such as retinol for fine lines and sun protection or ceramides to strengthen your protective barrier.
3. Firmer Skin
Peptides act as messengers that help skin communicate better, particularly after age 30, when collagen production starts to slow. Adding a serum or face cream containing peptides to your routine can encourage skin to produce more collagen and increase its elasticity, leading to a firmer complexion with fewer fine lines and wrinkles.
Unlike proteins, which are too large to penetrate the skin’s surface, peptides can. They’re able to pass through the epidermis and interact with skin cells beneath it, according to dermatologist Melanie Palm, MD. These interactions may lead to a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles as well as a firmer, more taut appearance, says Palm.
Different lengths and arrangements of the amino acid chains create different types of peptides. For example, copper peptides help increase skin elasticity, while growth factor peptides support skin cell regeneration and stimulate collagen production. You can also find peptides that work as antioxidants, such as moringa seed peptides, to reduce redness and pigmentation.
While peptides are an effective skincare ingredient, they’re best used in combination with other active ingredients, like antioxidants, retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C, for optimal results. And, as with any new product you add to your skincare lineup, make sure to do a patch test before applying it to your face. To get the most out of peptides, apply them twice daily — once in the morning and once before bed — and moisturize with an SPF.
4. Smoother Skin
Peptides work at a cellular level to send signals to the skin cells that tell them to do things like increase collagen or decrease melanin. Because of this, they can improve a variety of skincare concerns, including uneven skin tone, dark spots, and wrinkles. They can also boost cell turnover for brighter, more even skin.
Another thing that peptides do for your skin is protect it from environmental stressors. The skin barrier is a crucial protective layer that shields the body from bacteria, UV rays, and other environmental pollution. You can get redness, blotchiness, and pimples when it’s weakened. Peptides have been shown to help strengthen the skin barrier and reduce signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles.
The best way to reap the benefits of peptides is to add them to your skincare routine regularly, ideally twice a day. The first step is to make sure your skin is clean, so start with a gentle cleanser and double cleanse if necessary. Then, follow with toner and moisturizer. Always remember to use a pea-sized amount of each product, as too much can be irritating and may cause redness or breakouts.
There are many different types of peptides, each with its own unique properties and benefits. Some, like the anti-aging peptides, are designed to firm and smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Others, such as the soothing peptides, are designed to reduce inflammation, redness, and sensitivity. And still others, like the brightening peptides, are designed to even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots. By using a wide variety of peptides in your skincare routine, you can ensure that your skin gets all the benefits it needs to look its best.
5. Reduced Wrinkles
Using a serum containing peptides can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They can also smooth out uneven skin texture and make the skin appear less puffy. To get the most benefit from peptides, use them in conjunction with other skincare products like hyaluronic acid and retinol.
The body naturally produces peptides, which are chains of amino acids that combine to create proteins. Many of these proteins, such as collagen, work to maintain healthy skin. But peptides can also be added to skincare products to stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Specifically, there are three types of peptides that have proven to be effective in helping the skin look younger: carrier peptides deliver trace minerals to support protein production; enzyme inhibitor peptides slow down the breakdown of collagen; and signal peptides send messages to different parts of the skin to promote more collagen and elastin. Even “Botox-like” peptides work to smooth out expression lines by blocking the release of chemicals that cause muscle contraction.
While peptides are one of the most talked-about ingredients in anti-aging skincare, they do not have magical properties and cannot reverse the effects of time or environmental factors on the skin. However, peptides can be an excellent addition to any skincare routine.
To get the most out of peptides, look for a serum that contains them and apply it twice daily before applying any creams or lotions. It’s also best to use a serum before a moisturizer so that it is more easily absorbed into the skin. Lastly, be sure to patch-test any new products before using them on your face so that you can avoid any potential allergic reactions.
