Chances are that you will have heard of peptides even if you’re not sure what they are. One of the most celebrated ingredients in skincare, you can boost your skincare routine with a peptide serum, restorative hand creams and moisturisers.
There are many types of peptides, and here’s the headline – they’re made from different combinations of amino acids. But what are peptides, what do they do, and why should you invest in them?
1. You may already use them
Could it be that easy? Well, yes! Because they crop up in so many products, you may already have them on your shelves.
But first, here’s the lowdown. Peptides are short chains of amino acids described as ‘building blocks’ of proteins such as collagen, keratin and elastin. You can see why they’re big-hitters in anti-ageing product formulas. They come in multiple forms and guises, some with the tell-tale ‘peptides’ in the name and some under a completely different label.
2. Peptides can treat multiple skin issues
More than just a buzzword, there’s a peptide to cater for most skin concerns. Even those with sensitive skin can use a peptide-based product without the usual ‘am I going to break out’ fear. If your skin is reactive, we recommend opting for products containing Neurosensine, which is a dipeptide and works to reduce sensitivity and irritation.
3. Renewing skin is their superpower
Peptides are famed for their skin-renewing properties, which is where we talk about collagen. So, what are collagen peptides? They excel at kick-starting skin regeneration which is key when it comes to fighting ageing and attaining a fresh, youthful complexion. As well as helping to reduce pigmentation in sun-damaged skin, signal peptides send messages to skin cells to repair themselves resulting in skin that looks and feels healthier. To relax and soften the appearance of wrinkles try our best-selling facetheory PolyPep Collagen Boosting Serum S8, a peptide cream which contains 2.5% ChroNOline, a biomemetic peptide which can reduce the appearance of fine lines.
4. Without them, your skin would lose its bounce
The basis of your skin is created by proteins, which are responsible for the overall texture and resilience of your skin. Without them, you’d notice more wrinkles, a lack of firmness and less bounce. Peptides support your body’s natural repair and defence processes leaving your skin barrier strengthened, retaining moisture and helping to protect against external elements. Hooray for smoother skin!
5. They can perk up tired eyes
When you haven’t had enough sleep, peptides can de-puff your eyes. If tired eyes are more of a permanent issue, a peptide in your eye cream can help to tackle bags by signalling to the skin to produce extra collagen to plump out the delicate under-eye area.
6. They can help to clear oily skin
Copper peptides are a good choice for anyone suffering from blemishes. They can normalise the bacterial concentration of skin, resulting in a more balanced complexion.
7. They’re not just for your face
Peptides are also included in products for the neck, décolletage and hair with a range of potential benefits across the body. If you’re suffering from chapped, over-washed hands, you can even try facetheory’s Chirosmooth Hand Cream, a nourishing peptide cream with Korean Rice Ferments. Formulated with a unique rice peptide hydrating complex, this Korean-inspired hand cream softens and soothes rough, dry hands without leaving a sticky residue.
8. They work well with other ingredients
Peptides can work best alongside other ingredients such as antioxidants which maximise their potential. They are less hostile when it comes to pairing up too. Unlike ingredients like retinol, where you have to be extra cautious with mixing with other active ingredients, peptides are kind enough to the skin to be compatible. For best results, try using a peptide after applying retinol to boost hydration or combine with an antioxidant to promote the production of collagen even further. There are some ingredients to avoid when using peptides, like AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) as they can reduce their performance. So, always check the ingredients before you get started.
References
https://www.healthline.com/health/peptides-for-skin
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/256201504_Management_of_Rosacea-Prone_Skin_Evaluation_of_a_Skincare_Product_Containing_Ambophenol_Neurosensine_and_La_Roche-Posay_Thermal_Spring_Water_as_Monotherapy_or_Adjunctive_Therapy
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022202X15364587
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326701
https://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/464470
https://www.healthline.com/health/copper-peptides#potential-risks
