Peptides In Skincare: Everything You Need To Know

It seems that everyday there's a new buzzworthy skincare ingredient that promises to give you that radiant glow you desire. Although some of these ingredients are all talk and no action, we've got one that you'll want to add straight into your routine; meet peptides. But, what exactly are they and what are the benefits of peptides in skincare?

So, why should you introduce this 'collagen boosting' ingredient into your daily skincare routine? From reduced wrinkles to increased skin elasticity and easing inflammation, we breakdown why you should consider using these amino acids in your skincare regime and the best products to help boost your skin's radiance for a healthy, nourished glow.  

What Are Peptides?

Peptides, also known as polypeptides are amino acids that naturally occur in the skin, making up certain proteins that the skin needs to stay healthy including collagen. Collagen is made from three polypeptide chains and adding these into skincare products including serums, creams and moisturisers can stimulate your skin to make more collagen. 

Our bodies make collagen naturally. However, over time the production of collagen decreases as we age which can cause fine lines, wrinkles and less youthful skin. 

How Do Peptides Work On The Skin?

Okay, so you're probably wondering how peptides actually work. Well, peptides can penetrate the outer layer of the skin, so rather than sitting on top of the skin, they're able to sink in on a deeper level. A good way to think of peptides is to imagine them as messengers for other skin cells, as they send signals telling the cells to produce more collagen and elastin. Clever, right?

What Are The Benefits Of Peptides In Skincare?

When comparing peptides to collagen, the collagen molecule is actually too large to be absorbed by the skin. This is why lots of people choose to drink collagen-rich bone broth or take collagen supplements. On the other hand, peptides can absorb into the skin and be used by the body and including peptides in your skincare routine can have a number of benefits including:

• They're Anti-Ageing: Collagen peptides can help your skin to make collagen and elastic, which are both essential proteins for healthy skin. Collagen helps to plump and firm the skin and lips, which can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. 
• They can help improve the skin barrier: Your skin barrier is the body's first line of defense against toxins including pollution, bacteria and ultraviolet rays. It can be damaged by pollution, over exfoliating, poor sleep and even cigarette smoke. By incorporating peptides into your skincare routine, this can help build a stronger skin barrier. 
• They can help ease Inflammation: Peptides have been proven to help ease skin inflammation, repair damaged skin and even out skin tone. 
• They can help clear breakouts: Some peptides are antimicrobial, meaning they can help to kill the bacteria that causes acne. 
• They can help increase elasticity: Along with producing collagen, peptides also make elastin fibres that help make the skin appear more taught and firm. 

The Best Product Recommendations For Skincare Formulated With Peptides

1. Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides

A clinically proven alternative and the best peptide serum for those who have reactive and sensitive skin, Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides offers the results and benefits of a retinol without dry skin and peeling. Use both day and night, infused with hero ingredient Bakuchiol which helps to prevent and restore premature ageing along with promoting collagen and elastin production, leaving the skin super smooth, visibly brighter and more even. 

2. Medik8 Liquid Peptides

This multi-tasking and incredibly hydrating serum helps fight fine lines and wrinkles by harnessing an innovative drone-delivery system that ensures all of the active ingredients are dispersed evenly throughout the layers of the skin. Infused with a 30% peptide complex, prebiotics and hyaluronic acid, this peptide serum for the face will leave your complexion feeling rejuvenated, refined, supple and elasticity restored. 

3. Votary Super Seed Serum - Broccoli Seed And Peptides Fragrance Free

Formulated for sensitive, irritated and redness-prone skin, this cooling and refreshing serum is infused with Broccoli Seed and Rosehip Oil to deliver a natural lipid boost whilst hyaluronic acid plumps skin and increases hydration. The addition of Grape Seed extract helps to soothe reactive skin, whilst natural and bio-engineered peptides boost your skin's natural defence system by supporting lipid function and microbial balance for skin that feels incredibly hydrated and protected. 

4. Eminence Organic Marine Flower Peptide Serum

If you're looking for a serum to help lift, tone and reduce visible signs of ageing then look no further than this serum from Eminence. This intense anti-ageing serum doubles collagen density and boasts a niche, but highly effective formula of actives including Smart Collagen+ Complex, Marine Flowers and Botanical Peptides derived from Rice Protein. When used regularly, your skin will feel incredibly smooth, nourished and hydrated. 

5. Theraderm Erternox Peptide Creme

Suited to all skin types, this innovative creme is enriched with a trio of peptides and botanical extracts to help visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Enriched with innovate Keratin Peptides, Hyaluronic Acid, Cucumber Extract and antioxidant Green Tea this firming serum provides long-lasting hydration, plumps fine lines and protects against environmental damage. 

6. Medik8 Eyelift Peptides

Formulated with a unique combination of brightening peptides and hyaluronic acid, this peptide eye cream is an intensive cream-serum formula that fills lines, wrinkles and reduces dark shadows and puffiness around the eye area. Supercharged with a unique combination of 5 age-defying peptides and Hyaluronic Acid, this collagen boosting eye serum helps to improve elasticity and density around the eyes for a brighter, more youthful looking appearance. 

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