Peptides are popular in the world of skincare thanks to their remarkable benefits and versatile applications. These small chains of amino acids assist in supporting skin health and addressing various skincare concerns across different skin types. From promoting collagen production and reducing the appearance of wrinkles to aiding in skin repair and improving texture, peptides have earned a well-deserved reputation as powerful ingredients in skincare. Below, we cover the peptides in skincare in greater detail, the benefits of peptides for different skin types, and what peptides to look out for for your specific skin concerns.
What are Peptides?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. In skincare, peptides have gained popularity due to their potential benefits for the skin. They are often included in various skincare products, such as creams, serums, and masks, targeting specific concerns like aging, wrinkles, and firmness.
Peptides consist of two or more amino acids linked together. Their structure determines their specific function. Different peptides can have various effects on the skin, such as stimulating collagen production, improving elasticity, enhancing hydration, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The Benefits of Peptides in Skincare
Peptides are a great ingredient in skincare, are well-tolerated, and benefit all skin types. While known for their anti-aging effect, making them popular for mature skin, they can also help concerns related to dry skin, oily and acne-prone skin, and sensitive skin.
Here’s how peptides can help different skin types:
Mature skin: Peptides are widely recognized for their anti-aging properties. They stimulate collagen production, which helps improve skin firmness and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Dry skin: Certain peptides have humectant properties, which means they can attract and retain moisture in the skin to alleviate dryness, increase skin suppleness, and create a smoother texture while supporting the skin’s natural barrier function, preventing moisture loss and reinforcing the skin’s protective barrier.
Oily and acne-prone skin: Certain peptides can help combat acne-causing bacteria. They can also support skin repair processes and reduce post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation while regulating excess oil production and refining the appearance of pores.
Sensitive skin: Peptides can help reduce inflammation, calm redness, and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier. Peptides with anti-inflammatory properties can help with skin sensitivity and promote a healthier, more balanced complexion.
Peptides help the skin in the following ways:
Increased Collagen Production
Peptides can stimulate collagen production in the skin. Collagen is a protein that provides structural support and helps maintain skin elasticity. By promoting collagen synthesis, peptides can help improve skin firmness, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and contribute to a more youthful complexion.
Anti-Aging
Peptides can help minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. They work by signaling the skin to produce more collagen, which helps plump the skin and smooth out wrinkles. Peptides can also have a relaxing effect on facial muscles, reducing the formation of dynamic wrinkles. Some peptides have antioxidant properties, helping to neutralize free radicals and protect the skin from oxidative stress. This can assist in preventing premature aging and maintaining a healthier skin appearance. Peptides can improve overall skin texture, making it smoother, softer, and more even. They can help reduce roughness, refine pores, and contribute to a more youthful and radiant complexion.
Skin Barrier Support & Healing
Peptides support the skin’s natural repair processes, aiding in the healing of wounds, blemishes, and skin damage. They can help accelerate the regeneration of skin cells, improve overall skin texture, and reduce the appearance of scars. Certain peptides possess anti-inflammatory properties, which can help calm and soothe irritated skin. They can alleviate redness, sensitivity, and inflammation, making peptides suitable for those with sensitive or reactive skin.
Moisture Retention
Some peptides have moisturizing properties and can help improve the skin’s ability to retain moisture. By enhancing the skin’s hydration levels, peptides contribute to a smoother and more supple complexion.
Peptides + Other Skincare Ingredients
Peptides are one of those magic ingredients that generally play nicely with other skincare products.
However, peptides should not be mixed with chemical exfoliants including alpha-hydroxy acids (such as glycolic acid) or beta-hydroxy acids (salicylic acid). Chemical exfoliants can reduce the efficacy of peptides. Instead, use them on alternating days.
Some powerhouse skincare ingredient combinations with peptides include:
Peptides + Hyaluronic Acid
Peptides and hyaluronic acid are skincare ingredients that often work together to provide enhanced benefits for the skin. They stimulate collagen production, improve firmness, and reduce wrinkles, while hyaluronic acid attracts and retains moisture, resulting in plumper and more hydrated skin. When combined, peptides and hyaluronic acid can improve moisture retention, stimulate collagen synthesis, enhance skin texture, and are generally compatible with different skin types. Using skincare products containing both ingredients can contribute to a more youthful and smooth complexion.
Peptides + Vitamin C
Vitamin C and peptides are potent skincare ingredients that can be used together to enhance their individual benefits. Vitamin C provides antioxidant protection, brightens the skin, and promotes collagen synthesis while peptides stimulate collagen production, improve skin firmness, and aid in repair. When combined, they work synergistically to boost collagen, provide antioxidant defense, reduce hyperpigmentation, and enhance anti-aging effects for a more radiant, and even complexion.
Peptides + Retinol
When peptides and retinol are combined, they work to promote increased collagen production, improve skin firmness, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Certain peptides relax facial muscles and promote smoother skin, while retinol, such as tretinoin, stimulates cell turnover for a fresher, smoother complexion. Together, they refine skin texture, reduce roughness, and promote an even skin tone. Peptides and retinol have anti-aging properties, with peptides boosting collagen and retinol improving skin tone and radiance. By using them together, you can better address multiple signs of aging.
Peptides + Niacinamide
Peptides and niacinamide work together to enhance collagen production, improve skin firmness, and protect existing collagen. They promote faster cell turnover, improve skin texture, and accelerate healing. Niacinamide regulates oil production, supports the skin’s moisture barrier, and balances hydration levels. This combination reduces sagging, improves moisture retention, and prevents excessive dryness, particularly in oily skin types. Niacinamide’s brightening properties, coupled with peptides’ support for a healthier complexion, even out skin tone and contribute to a radiant appearance. Together, they lead to improved skin firmness, texture, and a more balanced complexion.
Peptides + Probiotics
Peptides and probiotics work together to enhance skin healing, reduce inflammation, and promote a healthier complexion. They can improve skin texture and firmness, while probiotics balance the skin’s microbiome and maintain a healthy pH level. This combination leads to smoother skin, a refined complexion, and improved barrier function. Probiotics strengthen the skin’s protective barrier, benefiting sensitive or compromised skin. Peptides and probiotics also support collagen production, strengthen the skin’s defense mechanism, and promote overall skin health. The result is a more youthful, radiant complexion with improved resilience.
Choosing the Right Peptides in Skincare
There are various types of peptides that are used in skincare and not all peptides have the same effect on the skin.
Some common peptides found in skincare include:
Copper Peptides: Copper peptides contain copper ions and are known for their wound-healing and skin-regenerating properties to stimulate collagen production, promote tissue repair, and enhance overall skin health.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7: These peptides work to reduce inflammation and support the skin’s natural healing processes. They can help improve skin tone, reduce redness, and enhance the skin’s resilience.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 (Argireline): Often referred to as “Botox in a bottle,” Argireline is a peptide that targets expression lines and wrinkles by inhibiting the neurotransmitters responsible for muscle contractions, leading to a temporary relaxation of facial muscles and a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles.
Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4): Matrixyl is a popular peptide known for its anti-aging effects. It stimulates collagen and elastin production, helping to improve skin firmness, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and promote a more youthful complexion.
Palmitoyl Oligopeptide: This peptide stimulates the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid, for a smoother and more hydrated skin. It can help improve skin elasticity, diminish fine lines, and restore a youthful appearance.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5: This peptide helps support the skin’s natural moisture barrier, improving hydration and reducing water loss. It can help plump the skin, smooth out wrinkles, and enhance overall skin texture.
Hexapeptide-9: A peptide that targets skin firmness and elasticity. It promotes the synthesis of collagen and elastin fibers, helping to improve skin elasticity and reduce sagging.
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-30: This peptide targets hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone. It can help inhibit melanin production and reduce the appearance of dark spots, resulting in a more even complexion.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38: This peptide stimulates the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid, leading to improved skin firmness and hydration. It can help reduce the depth of wrinkles and enhance overall skin smoothness.
Palmitoyl Dipeptide-5 Diaminobutyroyl Hydroxythreonine and Palmitoyl Dipeptide-6 Diaminohydroxybutyrate: These peptides support the skin’s natural firmness and elasticity. They can help improve skin tone, reduce sagging, and enhance the overall youthful appearance of the skin.
