If you’re familiar with peptides, you’re probably aware that this ingredient is widely discussed in the skincare realm as a remarkable anti-ageing solution.

It has been compared to the effects of Botox and retinol, and it has been integrated into skincare products across the globe. However, the question remains: do they really deliver results? If you’re curious about peptides, read on for everything you need to know about the role of peptides, and the many and diverse benefits they can bring to your skin.

What are peptides?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids and serve as the essential components in the construction of proteins like collagen, elastin, and keratin. These proteins serve as the fundamental building blocks for your skin, determining its texture, resilience, and strength. In the absence of peptides, the skin’s structural integrity diminishes, potentially resulting in decreased firmness, the emergence of wrinkles, alterations in texture, and reduced suppleness.

When administered topically, peptides take on the role of messengers, prompting skin cells to carry out specific tasks, such as generating collagen and elastin. This stimulation encourages the skin to exhibit a more youthful appearance and behaviour. Extensive scientific research has proven that peptides can support your skin on multiple levels, including: firming, soothing and hydrating.

Let’s take a deeper look at how peptides can be used in skincare…

Peptides have many uses within skincare, with the most beneficial being giving your skin a boost.

  •  Anti-ageing benefits: Peptides help to produce collagen and elastin, all of which are proteins found in healthy skin. Peptides can support in diminishing fine lines, wrinkles and redness.
  • Skin barrier improvement: Antimicrobial peptide studies have shown that they can help your body fight bacteria and contribute towards wound healing.
  • Antioxidants: Peptides have been proven to help repair damaged skin and prevent future damage.
  • Skin hydration: If you suffer from dry skin, using peptides within your skincare can help provide a fresh and revitalised appearance.
  • Skin firmness and tightness: Peptides, amongst other things, help firm and tighten the skin.
  • Redness: Peptides have the capacity to diminish the visibility of intermittent skin redness. In cases of rosacea or skin prone to flushing, incorporating a peptide-infused product can prove beneficial by focusing on the affected area and alleviating surface redness.

How do peptides compare to retinol?

Both ingredients are equally as beneficial for the skin. While retinol has more scientific research than any other skincare ingredient, both are beneficial to a good skincare regimen. Retinol helps boost collagen production and speed up skin cell turnover, whilst peptides increase collagen, hyaluronic acid, and other key components of the skin. Both work through different mechanisms of action, which is what makes them such a mighty combination. You can either use these together in your nightly routine or use peptides in the morning and retinol in the evening.

The significant difference between the two is peptides tend to have moisturising characteristics, while retinols can be drying or irritating. Retinol is a stronger ingredient, and while both work towards cellular turnover, they do so in different ways. That said, if you’re looking for hydration, peptides are likely the better route. If your primary skin concern is acne, retinols may be better suited for you.

Which peptide products are worth investing in?

Revision Skincare Revox-7

One of the only clinically-proven topical products that helps smooth the appearance of expression lines, this oil-free serum incorporates clinical levels of seven different peptides to reduce the appearance of seven different expression lines around the eyes, forehead and mouth.

SkinBetter Science Interfuse Lines 

Interfuse Lines is a no-needle, hyaluronic acid solution that improves the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Improving the appearance of deep expression lines.

The patented InterFuse technology utilises one high molecular weight injectable-grade hyaluronic acid and four additional hyaluronic acids to be absorbed within various layers of the dermis. Supporting amino acids, messenger peptides, and vitamin C repair weak collagen and elastin within the connective tissue.

Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides

This product contains 1.25% of pure bakuchiol combined with peptide precursors to add a luminosity and the added bonus of cica extract that is beloved for its ability to calm and soothe aggravated skin. All of these powerhouse ingredients combined provide an effective way to achieve healthy, youthful skin without any downtime.

If you’d like to learn more about peptides, click here to enquire or here to shop my favourite products.