Article Overview
Peptides are made up of small amino acid chains that make up the building blocks of essential proteins in the body. Collagen peptide supplements can aid in increasing muscle mass and strength, and improve skin health. They have the ability to signal to, transport or inhibit certain enzymes (depending on the type), and play a key role in protecting and strengthening the skin. Though naturally occurring, synthetic peptides are available in the form of supplements and skincare formulas, and are beneficial in addressing skin elasticity, fine lines and wrinkles, skin texture and skin tone.
What are peptides?
Peptides are fragmented versions of proteins found in every cell of the body. They’re made up of very short chains of amino acids (around 2 to 50) linked by peptide bonds. These amino acids are the building blocks of several different proteins found within the skin, including keratin, collagen and elastin. Peptides have a very small molecular weight which gives them the ability to penetrate deeper layers of the skin to signal to, inhibit, protect against and transport enzymes to different parts of the body. Peptides instruct skin cells to perform necessary functions for skin renewal and health, promoting collagen production, maintaining skin elasticity, and aiding in the reduction of redness and irritation while bolstering the skin's barrier and overall appearance.
What are the different types of peptides, including collagen peptides?
Peptides fall under four main categories: signal peptides, carrier peptides, neuropeptides, and enzyme inhibitor peptides.
Signal peptides
Signal peptides work by triggering skin fibroblasts to promote the production of collagen and elastin production. The new collagen and elastin helps maintain the skin’s elasticity. Most peptides in skincare, namely collagen and copper peptides, are signal peptides.
Carrier peptides
Carrier peptides deliver specific enzymes to deeper layers of the skin for better absorption. Because of their lower molecular weight they can penetrate the skin deeper than larger molecules.
Neuropeptides
Some wrinkles and lines are caused by the regular contraction of muscles that leads to expression lines. Neuropeptides work within the muscles that contribute to these lines.
Enzyme inhibitor peptides
This type of peptide can inhibit enzymes that break down existing collagen and other proteins to slow down the process of skin ageing.
Benefits of peptides in skincare for the skin barrier
Peptides have a number of skincare benefits thanks to their ability to promote collagen production and provide antioxidant protection, which are essential for maintaining overall skin health. The main benefits of peptides for skin include:
- Promotes collagen production: As we age, our natural collagen production declines, and peptides can counteract this decline by promoting more collagen production to address various ageing skin concerns, including fine lines and wrinkles, skin texture, and skin firmness.
- Strengthens the skin moisture barrier: A stronger moisture barrier helps to keep the skin hydrated while protecting against environmental aggressors.
- Minimise visible redness: Some peptides can help to reduce and neutralise skin redness for a more even skin tone.
- Enhanced hydration: Peptides can improve the skin’s ability to retain moisture, leading to better hydration and a plumper, more youthful appearance.
- Speeds up skin cell turnover: Peptides can signal to the body to speed up the skin cell renewal process to reveal fresher, more radiant skin.
- Antioxidant properties Antioxidant peptides help neutralise free radicals from the environment, which can help prevent premature ageing.
- Evens out skin tone: Peptides can help to even out skin tone by reducing hyperpigmentation and promoting an even complexion.
- Increased elasticity: By triggering collagen and elastin production, peptides can improve the skin’s firmness and elasticity, making the skin less prone to sagging.
- Helps absorb other products: Peptides can enhance the efficacy of other skincare ingredients by improving their absorption and penetration into the skin.
How are peptides used in skincare?
Peptides are very versatile and come in a variety of formulations, so you can easily incorporate them into your routine. You'll find peptides in creams, moisturisers, serums, toners and some cleansers.
How to use peptides
Here are our top tips for adding peptides to your daily skincare routine.
- Find the right product: There are different concentrations, types and formulations available, so make sure you’re choosing the right product for your skin type and skin concerns.
- Choose the right peptide formula: Different peptides can have different properties, so make sure you choose the right formula. For skin elasticity, look to collagen peptides. For fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone, copper peptides are the best option.
- Combine with complementary skincare products: Because peptides can improve the absorption of other products, peptides are great for combining with other active ingredients. Depending on your skin goals, you can benefit from combining peptides with hyaluronic acid, retinol, niacinamide or vitamin C.
- Gradually introduce the product: Peptides are suitable for most skin types but your skin needs time to adjust to any new product. Start using your peptide product 1-2 times a week and gradually increase to daily or twice daily, depending on the formula.
- Patch test: Similarly, make sure to patch test any product and notice how your skin responds before adding it to your regular routine. If you notice skin irritation, stop using the product.
- Be consistent: Peptides won’t show instant results, as they penetrate deeper layers of the skin and require consistent use. Consistent use will show gradual improvements over time.
- Consider peptide lip treatment: Peptide lip treatments are multifunctional products that combine the properties of a gloss, lip balm, and lip mask. They are popular for their ability to hydrate, plump, and enhance the appearance of lips while addressing issues like dryness and fine lines. Influences like Hailey Bieber have contributed to their popularity on social media.
How to Choose the Right Peptide Product
Choosing the right peptide product can feel overwhelming, but focusing on a few key factors can simplify the process. First, look for products that contain bioactive peptides, which are scientifically proven to benefit the skin. Next, consider the type of peptide used in the product. For example, collagen peptides are excellent for improving skin elasticity, while copper peptides are known for their wound healing properties. Lastly, read reviews and conduct thorough research to ensure the product is both effective and well-tolerated by other users. This approach will help you find a peptide product that meets your specific skincare needs.
Incorporating Peptides into Your Skincare Routine
Incorporating peptides into your skincare routine can be both easy and effective. Peptides are available in various forms, including serums, moisturizers, and masks, allowing you to choose the best format for your routine. Consistency is key when using peptide products; for instance, applying a peptide serum in the morning can stimulate collagen production and improve skin elasticity throughout the day. At night, a peptide mask can work to repair and rejuvenate the skin as you sleep. By following a consistent skincare routine and using peptide products as directed, you can achieve noticeable improvements in your skin’s health and appearance.
Ingredients to mix with peptides
Now that we’ve discussed ingredients to avoid mixing with peptides, let’s move on to some favourable combinations like peptides and niacinamide or vitamin C serums. Read on for more details.
Peptides & vitamin C
Combine vitamin C and peptides to boost their antioxidant properties protecting the skin against environmental aggressors. Start with a vitamin C and follow with a peptide serum or moisturiser for best results.
Peptides & retinol
Retinol and peptides are both anti-ageing skincare ingredients that can enhance each others skin benefits. Retinol helps speed up skin cell turnover as well as support collagen production, enhancing the the anti-ageing skin benefits of peptides.
Peptides & niacinamide
Peptides and niacinamide are also two skincare ingredients that work in harmony on your complexion. Niacinamide helps with hyperpigmentation by targeting the pigment cells responsible for dark spots. When combined, the two can target age spots and uneven skin tone, while also strengthening the skin moisture barrier.
Peptides & hyaluronic acid
Last but not least, peptides and hyaluronic acid are yet another ingredient combination that can be used together for maximal skin benefits. Hyaluronic acid works by drawing moisture from the atmosphere directly into the skin’s surface, keeping skin hydrated for plumper and smoother skin. This enhances the skin benefits that come with peptide products that promote collagen production for more supple skin.
Ingredients to avoid mixing with peptides
While many skincare ingredients work well together with peptides, there are also those that should be avoided unless specifically formulated by the manufacturer. Hydroxy acids are generally not recommended for using with peptides. The reason peptides and salicylic acid as well as peptides and glycolic acid aren’t efficacious ingredient combinations is because peptides are susceptible to hydrolysis when exposed to acids. This means the bonds in the amino acid chains may break, converting the peptides into individual amino acids and lowering efficacy. Stronger exfoliants, including salicylic acid and glycolic acid should be avoided when using peptides. In some cases SkinCeuticals will formulate the two in very precise dosages.
What are the side effects of peptides?
Peptides are generally suitable for most skin types, but some people may experience skin sensitivity, irritation and, in rare cases, a possible allergic reaction. If you notice skin irritation, stop using the product. Some peptide formulas can also be comedogenic that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. If you have blemish-prone or oily skin look for a lightweight, non comedogenic peptide formula.
SkinCeuticals Peptide Products
P-TIOX Peptide Serum For Anti-Wrinkles
This peptide serum, P-TIOX is an advanced peptide anti-wrinkle serum formulated to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. This wrinkle modulating serum is formulated with an advanced peptide complex of hexapeptide and dipeptide, to reduce the appearance of key contraction lines.
Tripeptide Neck Repair Cream
This cream formula utilises Tripeptide Concentrate, to enhance firmness and strengthen the skin of the neck area. These peptides work synergistically with 0.2 per cent pure retinol to target neck wrinkles.
Redness Neutraliser Cream
Our Redness Neutraliser Cream is a corrective cream formulated with palmitoyl tripeptide-8. This biometric peptide helps cool and comfort skin. With consistent use, this cream visibly reduces visible skin redness.
Metacell Renewal Skin Tightening Cream
Our Metacell Renewal Skin Tightening Cream is an anti-ageing cream combining the brightening benefits of vitamin B3 (niacinamide) with a firming tri-peptide concentrate. This cream helps visibly minimise the signs of photoageing for a more youthful looking complexion.
Body Tightening and Firming Concentrate
Beyond just the face, skin on the body can also benefit from using peptides for skin tightening. Our Body Tightening and Firming Concentrate targets loose, sagging skin across the body.
Shop Featured Products
Tripeptide-R Retinol Neck Repair Cream
A corrective peptide retinol cream formulated to improve visible signs of ageing on the neck.
Body Tightening and Firming Concentrate
A skin firming and smoothing cryo-fluid for gravity fighting zones, this body firming cream targets loose, sagging skin across the body and creates a cooling, tightening sensation.
Phyto Corrective Gel Soothing Serum
Hydrating and comforting gel serum with cucumber, thyme, eucalyptus, olive leaf extract and mulberry extract to soothe, soften and brighten skin.
Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Multi-Glycan
A Hyaluronic Acid Volumising and Plumping Serum.
