Promoting a multitude of benefits, from visibly tauter skin to refined texture, peptides have become a mainstay in skincare routines.
You’ve seen them everywhere, from your social feed to your favorite moisturizer, but what are peptides, what do peptides do for skin, and are they worth their new status?
With expert insight from Dr. Christian Jurist, we’ve explored these powerhouse ingredients, so you can decide whether they deserve a place in your routine.
What Are Peptides in Skincare?
Peptides for skin are short chains of amino acids, often described as the building blocks of proteins naturally found within the skin.
As Dr. Jurist explains, “Peptides are small protein fragments comprised of amino acids that act as signaling agents that deliver skin benefits.”
In topical formulas, they act as messengers, helping to encourage processes that support a smoother, more refined appearance. They are generally considered suitable for all skin types and can help maintain the skin’s overall moisture balance.
What Are the Different Types of Peptides?
There are many types of peptides used in skincare, and each works slightly differently depending on its structure.
According to Dr. Jurist, peptides can be categorized by their size and weight, with types including oligopeptides and polypeptides. They can also be classified by function, acting as messengers or signaling peptides, neuropeptides, carrier peptides, or repairing peptides.
Understanding how these components work starts with recognizing the different ones used in skincare. Here’s a closer look at a few of them and what they’re designed to do:
These act as messengers within the skin, encouraging it to produce components that help maintain a smooth appearance. They’re often used in formulas designed to refine texture.
- Neuropeptides work on the visible effects of facial movement. Over time, they may help soften the appearance of expression lines, contributing to a more relaxed, refreshed look.
- Carrier peptides help deliver trace elements, like copper, into the skin. They are often used to support the skin barrier and improve the look of tone and texture.
Benefits of Peptides for Skin
So, what do peptides do for the skin?
As Dr. Christian Jurist explains: “Depending on the type, the stimulation it causes within the skin can promote the synthesis of the skin’s own components… assist in unwanted pigmentation reduction, decrease the appearance of dynamic lines and wrinkles, and even help improve water retention for increased moisture.”
In summary, they can help:
- Refine texture, supporting a smoother, softer-looking surface.
- Improve the look of elasticity, giving skin a more supple appearance.
- Reduce the appearance of fine lines, particularly those linked to repeated facial expressions.
- Support moisture retention, helping skin feel more comfortable and look more balanced
- Promote a more even-looking tone, contributing to a radiant, balanced-looking complexion.
How to Add Peptides Into Your Skincare Routine
Incorporating peptides into your routine doesn’t need to be complicated. With the right placement and consistent use, they can slot seamlessly into both morning and evening regimens.
For best results, apply peptides in serum form after cleansing and toning, when the skin is most receptive to concentrated ingredients. Targeted formulas, such as the Intensifier Collagen or Intensifier Elastin & Sorghum serums, offer an effective way to introduce polypeptides and neuropeptides into your routine while supporting a smoother, more refined-looking complexion over time.
Follow with a moisturizer to help maintain moisture levels and support the skin barrier. Options such as the Lumafirm Repair Cream or the Stem Cells Phyto-Elite Intensive Cream work well layered over peptide serums. In the morning, always finish with SPF to help preserve your results.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What Are Topical Peptides?
Topical peptides are small chains of amino acids that play a key role in the skin’s natural protein network, which supports its structure and firmness, and are applied directly to the skin through serums, creams, or masks rather than taken internally.
Can Peptides Be Used Every Day?
Yes, peptides are generally suitable for daily use and can be applied both morning and evening.
However, we recommend checking the specific product instructions for the best results.
Do Peptides Work Well with Other Ingredients?
Peptides are known for being versatile and can typically be paired with other common skincare ingredients, making them easy to incorporate into most routines.
We recommend combining them with moisturizing actives like hyaluronic acid and barrier-repairing agents like niacinamide.
What Do Collagen Peptides Do?
Collagen peptides in skincare act as signaling ingredients. Rather than directly replacing collagen in the skin, they help support processes linked to a smoother, more refined texture.
When used consistently, peptides for skin are easy to incorporate into any routine.
Simply apply them in a serum after cleansing to support smoother, more supple, and more resilient-looking skin over time.
Explore our collection of natural skincare products to discover expertly formulated options featuring peptides.
