The Complete Guide to Peptides for the Skin, According to ...

You&#;ve likely heard the buzz around peptides as an anti-aging must-have to smooth, repair and hydrate skin, but have you ever wondered what a peptide is and what it does for the skin, exactly? More importantly, is having it as one of the key ingredients in your skin care products worth the price tag? The short answer, according to two prominent dermatologists, is yes.

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Here, they break down the science behind peptides for the skin, what they actually do, how we can get more of them, and the best peptide-infused skin care formulas to look out for.

Table of Contents

What Are Peptides and What Do They Do?

Before we talk about peptides, it&#;s important to understand what amino acids are. &#;Peptides are strings of amino acids, which are the building blocks that make up proteins in our body, including collagen in the skin,&#; explains Dr. Whitney Bowe, renowned New York City&#;based dermatologist and author. &#;Without these proteins, we will see wrinkles, brittle nails and dry hair that&#;s prone to breakage.&#; 

&#;Peptides serve as the building blocks for not only new collagen, but also elastin fibers,&#; adds Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson, partner at Modern Dermatology in Westport, CT. &#;These fibers are the building blocks of our skin and add to tissue firmness and elasticity.&#; 

Aside from being essential to the skin's structure and function (important factors in firmness, texture and overall appearance), peptides are found in every human cell and play an important role in how the body functions, often acting as a biologic messenger. &#;We need peptides at all times. If we are deficient in them, our body cannot function,&#; says Dr. Robinson. "Peptides have a myriad of uses in the body, from being the building blocks for enzymes, hormones and an energy source."

How Peptides in Your Skin Care Work

So if peptides are already present within the body, why do we need more of them? The answer, according to experts, is aging. &#;We lose 1% of our remaining collagen per year after age 30," says Dr. Robinson. "Our skin&#;s natural communication channels also slow down over time."

But simply slathering peptides onto your skin doesn't necessarily give you more of them. According to Dr. Bowe, how they work is a little more complex: "Your body sees these peptides as &#;signals&#; that you need to heal, which tells your body to produce more collagen where you need it most," she explains. "If you are healing from an injury in your ankle, those peptides will signal your body to focus its repair efforts in that joint. If your skin is aging prematurely, those peptides might signal your skin to boost its production of collagen and even hyaluronic acid, plumping up your skin and restoring a healthy skin barrier. When you introduce exogenous peptides onto the skin in the form of a moisturizer or serum, it tricks the skin into thinking there&#;s been an injury or wound, and it stimulates our collagen-boosting processes."

Different Types of Peptides

When it comes to skin care, not all peptides are created equal. &#;While there are hundreds of peptides, there are specific peptides that are more efficacious for the skin than others,&#; explains Dr. Robinson. For example, carrier peptides deliver trace minerals to the skin to boost collagen, while enzyme inhibitor peptides work to slow down the skin&#;s natural breakdown of collagen. Signal peptides send messages to different parts of the skin to promote collagen, elastin and other proteins; and neurotransmitter peptides, touted as &#;Botox-like,&#; block the release of chemicals that cause the muscle contraction of expression lines, thus smoothing wrinkles.

Neurotransmitter Peptides: found in injectables like Botox, and topical treatments such as Argireline &#;both work to relax your facial muscles so they don&#;t contract as much, helping reduce wrinkles and laughter or worry lines.

Signal Peptides: also known as palmitoyl pentapeptides, are the most common with regard to skin care. They are known to stimulate the production of collagen, elastin and other structure proteins that make the skin appear firmer and fuller. 

Carrier Peptides: get their name from their role in delivering trace elements like copper and magnesium to the skin. Copper has been an especially popular ingredient in recent years for its ability to improve collagen production, thereby firming up the skin and enhancing elasticity. Copper complexes have also been proven to combat the appearance of photoaging skin by brightening age spots. 

Enzyme-Inhibitor Peptides: work by putting the brakes on the body&#;s natural process of losing collagen. Peptides derived from rice proteins work to retain more collagen, while certain soy-derived peptides can help prevent pigmentation. 

How to Incorporate Peptides

in Your Skincare Routine

When it comes to enhancing the skin, Dr. Bowe recommends getting peptides from topical skin care products. However, she stresses the importance of looking at the product&#;s formulation: the stability of its ingredients and its ability to penetrate the skin barrier. This is where a consultation with your dermatologist may be helpful.

Finding the right product type can go a long way, too. For example, instead of choosing a peptide-enriched cleanser, Dr. Robinson recommends opting for products that are not easily washed off the skin, like a moisturizer, eye cream or serum. She also suggests opting for products with copper peptides, which "help not only generate collagen but also maintain the collagen you generate." She also suggests looking for products that also include niacinamide, vitamin C and antioxidants into the mix, in addition to peptides.

Once you find the right cream or serum for you, Dr. Robinson recommends applying it to clean skin twice daily, under makeup and SPF.

Shop the Best Peptide-Infused Skin Care Products

1. Allies of Skin Copper Tripeptide & Ectoin Advanced Repair Serum

2. COSRX The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum

1 reviews

$25.00

3. Medik8 Liquid Peptides Serum

16 reviews

$64.00

4. EltaMD PM Restore Facial Moisturizer

5. PCA SKIN ExLinea Pro Peptide Serum

8 reviews

$150.00

6. Dermalogica Awaken Peptide Eye Gel

5 reviews

$59.00

7. SkinCeuticals P-TIOX Anti-Wrinkle Peptide Serum

Related Article: Esthetician Reviewed: SkinCeuticals P-TIOX Serum And Its Powerful Anti-Wrinkle Results

8. Neocutis BIO SERUM FIRM Rejuvenating Growth Factor & Peptide Treatment

9. Lancer Triple Peptide Drops with Vitamin E + Niacinamide

10. Osmosis +Beauty Boost Peptide Activating Mist

1 reviews

$34.00

Meet the Experts

• Dr. Whitney Bowe, board-certified dermatologist and research scientist

• Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson, board-certified dermatologist and cofounder of Modern Dermatology

The Bottom Line

With varying types of peptides to choose from, it's important to choose which one best matches your skin needs before adding any new products into your skincare routine. Aside from topical products, incorporating collagen-rich foods like bone broth and adding a reputable collagen supplement to your diet, can also work wonders for your skin.

Key Elements

• Clinically Trailed Excellence: Discovery peptides at the forefront of biotechnology, such as Gold-Pro Collagen and SYN-COLL, meticulously crafted to reveal transformative results.

• Multifunctional Marvels: Peptides enhance collagen production, reduce inflammation, brighten skin tone, and offer antimicrobial benefits, addressing various skin concerns.

• Botox-like Results: Neuropeptides such as Argireline® and SYN®-AKE imitate Botox, relaxing facial muscles to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles without invasive treatments.

• Absorption and Targeting: Peptide encapsulation technologies are required to ensure penetration and targeting in neuropeptide compositions.

Not all peptides are engineered equally. With each peptide carrying distinct functions and efficacy, selecting the right peptide formulation is more than a science; it's an art.

Given the numerous peptide products available, it's critical to know the clinically trialed, best peptides for skin.

Why Use Peptide Products?

While many ingredients are effortlessly absorbed, others will not penetrate the epidermal barrier. When investing in high-quality topical products, it's frustrating to wonder if they are reaching their intended target.

Fortunately, peptides are both small enough to penetrate the skin and large enough to offer substantial benefits.

This dual capability allows them to stimulate the production of essential proteins that cannot penetrate the epidermal barrier alone.[1]

How Do Peptides Transform The Skin

Short chains of amino acids form a peptide, and these peptides, in turn, compose proteins. Different types of peptides, such as signal peptides and carrier peptides, work synergistically to address an array of skin concerns including: [2]

1. Inflammation: Peptides soothe and calm the skin, making them ideal for sensitive or irritated skin while also improving texture and radiance.[3,4]

2. Hyperpigmentation: Specialized peptides treat hyperpigmentation, fade dark spots, and promote a more even, radiant complexion. [5,6]

3. Bacterial Acne: Some peptides have antimicrobial properties that help clear bacterial acne. [7]

4. Fine Lines: Some neuropeptides can imitate the effects of Botox, relaxing facial muscles to lessen fine lines, such as crow's feet.

Certain peptides can also stimulate the production of corresponding proteins, notably collagen.

Peptides For Elevating Skin Collagen Production

Collagen is the foundation of the skin's health, providing essential structure and elasticity. With age, our body's natural production of collagen diminishes, decreasing by approximately 1.0% annually.[8] This decline is particularly pronounced in menopausal women, who experience a 30% reduction in collagen within the first five years of the transition.[9]

When applied topically, peptide-powered skin care products boost collagen production at the cellular level, replenishing essential amino acids to initiate collagen synthesis.[10]

1. Resilience: Peptides stimulate collagen and elastin production, strengthening the skin's natural barrier and improving hydration levels, making it ideal for dry and mature skin.[11]

2. Texture: Collagen synthesis reduces the appearance of pores and enhances hydration for a supple complexion and skin texture.[12]

   SEMNL supply professional and honest service.

3. Plumpness: Collagen scaffolding maintains the structural integrity of the skin, keeping it firm and lifted.

4. Hydration: As collagen assists with skin barrier fortification, the skin retains moisture more effectively.

5. Reduced Photosensitivity: Epidermal thickness improves resistance to sun damage, the primary cause of extrinsic skin aging. Collagen can also reduce the signs of sun damage.

Unveiling the Best Peptides for Skin Health

Not all peptides are created with performance. There may be many products with different peptide blends, but their efficacy varies depending on how they're engineered.

Explore peptides that augment collagen levels and can bring a smoother, firmer appearance and improved structure.

#1 Growth Factor Tripeptide For Deep Rejuvenation

The Growth Factor Tripeptide, a sophisticated and potent signaling peptide, mirrors the body's innate collagen production process via the regulatory protein Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF-β). This peptide enhances cellular communication to promote collagen synthesis, critical for preserving the skin's structure and elasticity.

This double-action peptide may also reduce inflammation, safeguarding collagen from degradation, rejuvenating the skin and imparting a smoother and firmer appearance.

#2 Nourish Your Skin with Gold Pro-Collagen Peptide

True to its name, this peptide enhances collagen. Gold Pro-Collagen stands out as one of the best peptides for skin, demonstrating a remarkable reduction in wrinkles by as much as 55%.

Renowned for its efficacy, this peptide is propelled by gold-powered delivery mechanisms, ensuring optimal absorption and a more radiant complexion.

#3 SYN-COLL® Peptide for Age Reversal

This small peptide is not solely crafted to enhance collagen production but also to address collagen breakdown. A primary enzyme involved in collagen degradation is MMP-1, generated by sun damage.

SYN-COLL effectively inhibits the MMP-1 enzyme, addressing one of the primary contributors to extrinsic aging, and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

#4 Argireline® Neuropeptide to Diminish Expression Lines

This peptide serves as a compelling alternative to Botox. Much like its counterpart, Argireline® effectively inhibits neurotransmitters, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, particularly expression lines from repetitive facial muscle contractions.

When applied topically, Argireline® can diminish wrinkles by up to 48% in 4 weeks. This makes Argireline® a favorite in anti-aging skincare and one of the best peptides for skin.

#5 Firm and Tone with Hexapeptide-9

Hexapeptide-9, also recognized as collagen peptide III, is a synthetic hexapeptide designed to emulate the structure of collagen for a healthy skin barrier.[20] Its key mechanisms include:

1. Facilitating collagen synthesis. This process reinforces the epidermal barrier, instigating a cascade of positive effects.

2. Reinforcing of the dermal-epidermal junction (DEJ). Fortifying the DEJ, structural cohesion and mechanical robustness of the epidermis are enhanced. This results in a more

   toned and youthful appearance

   .

3. Epidermal cell differentiation. Differentiation and maturation of epidermal cells foster cell renewal, resulting in a more

   even texture

   and a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and roughness.

As a potent anti-wrinkle agent, Hexapeptide-9 diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, notably in regions prone to expression lines, such as the forehead and eye area.

Its muscle-relaxing properties and ability to restore elasticity synergistically contribute to its efficacy and make it one of the best peptides for wrinkles.

#6 SYN®-AKE Neuropeptide: Leave a Flawless Finish

SYN®-AKE stands among the best peptides for skin, renowned for its efficacy in diminishing wrinkles and expression lines through the gentle relaxation of facial muscle contractions.

It smooths out common areas of concern such as forehead creases, crow's feet, and laugh lines, simultaneously thwarting the onset of new wrinkles with consistent use. Beyond its surface-level benefits of enhancing smoothness and uniformity, SYN®-AKE holds promise in augmenting collagen synthesis.

Furthermore, it leaves a desirable matte finish, curbing excess shine to promote a rejuvenated, refined, and harmonious complexion.

An All-in-One Composition

Discover the epitome of skincare innovation with the AUTEUR Definitive Renewal Serum.

Crafted with a meticulously curated blend of premium peptides, this potent regenerative elixir harnesses the transformative power of niacinamide, squalane, hyaluronic acid, a specialized peptide complex, and more.

Elevate collagen production, optimize cellular communication, and deliver unparalleled hydration in one peptide serum to embody skincare excellence.

Synergistic Action

Peptides synergize effectively with complementary active ingredients. By partnering with these active components, peptides can often serve as carriers, ensuring optimal absorption of vital ingredients into our cellular structure.[13]

Consider incorporating these ingredients in tandem to maximize the efficacy of your skincare regimen. We are proud to include all the following key ingredients in AUTEUR Definitive Renewal Serum.

Peptide Skincare and Retinol

Retinol is considered a gold standard in skincare. It is known for promoting cell turnover and enhancing collagen production. However, retinol can be irritating to certain skin types.

For these individuals, Dermatologist Shereene Idriss advises, "If you cannot tolerate a retinol, because retinols can be very irritating to a lot of people, then peptides might be worth your while."

AUTEUR Definitive Retinol Serums use encapsulated, easily tolerated forms of retinol. They also contain some of the best peptides for skin and best peptides for face for a noticeable difference in skin health within weeks.

GRAPH / ILLUSTRATION AUTEUR Retinol Serum

Optimal Results with African Shea Better

Shea butter offers a rich, nourishing complement to peptides in skincare. While peptides stimulate collagen production and enhance the skin's structural scaffold, shea butter nourishes the outer lipid barrier.

This combination in skincare promotes resilience for both the lipid layer and the skin's deeper layers.

Hyaluronic Acid for Intense Hydration

Peptides strengthen the skin's barrier, reducing water loss. However, hyaluronic acid increases the skin's capacity to carry moisture.

This pairing ensures long-lasting, deeply hydrated skin. The enhanced moisture levels also support peptides, optimizing their effectiveness in rejuvenating and revitalizing the skin.

Combining with Niacinamide for Skin Tone

Niacinamide and peptides ally to enhance tone. Niacinamide, a potent antioxidant, fortifies the skin's natural barrier, fostering a smoother complexion and bolstering skin resilience.[14]

When united, these components combat discoloration, redness, and lackluster appearance, culminating in a luminous and balanced tone.

Introducing skincare formulations infused with niacinamide and peptides into your regimen can yield remarkable enhancements in your skin's vitality and aesthetics.

An AUTEUR's Advice: For those looking for a lightweight complexion-balancing product for the summer, consider a toner with stabilized Vitamin C, such as the Definitive Lifting Toner. Vitamin C dissolves more effectively in a water-based toner than in a non-aqueous Vitamin C serum.

Squalane and Peptides: A Moisturizing Duo

When squalane is complemented by peptide technology, it remarkably amplifies hydration. Renowned for its skin-softening properties and its efficacy in addressing concerns such as acne and eczema, squalane remains gentle even on oily skin types and combination skin.[15] 

Particularly beneficial in areas prone to dryness, such as the lips, squalane emerges as a vital component in AUTEUR's Definitive Lip Renewal Treatment.

Enriched with squalane, hyaluronic acid, and peptide technology, this formulation ensures your lips stay smooth and wrinkle-free. Furthermore, squalane is an exceptional face moisturizer when incorporated into peptide-infused skincare routines.

Peptide-Focused Formulations at AUTEUR

Beauty is a fundamental human desire. AUTEUR allows us to unleash our individual expression of beauty for those in pursuit of compositions beyond skincare.

AUTEUR peptide-focused, high-active formulations nourish from within utilizing over 100 of the most effective active ingredients from around the world. Discover the best science, nature, and biotechnology has to offer with AUTEUR.

Common Queries

How long does it take to see results from peptide skincare?

When it comes to the best peptides for skin care, results can differ from person to person and also depend on the products you're using. Generally, if you stay with a consistent routine, results may become visible within the first several weeks, delivering comprehensive improvements with regular use.  

Are there any side effects?

The best peptides for skin are usually safe and don't typically lead to side effects. For those with sensitive skin or more reactive skin, it may not be the higher quality active ingredients in skincare products that might cause irritation, but rather other ingredients that could have been included such as sulfates, parabens, essential oils, or other toxic ingredients.

Can peptide therapy be used in conjunction with other anti-aging treatments?

Peptide molecules, when used alongside other anti-aging treatments, can boost their performance. By pairing peptides with ingredients such as retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C, they offer a well-rounded strategy for optimizing cellular health and revealing healthier skin. Keep the overall quality of the formula and antioxidants and other supporting active ingredients in mind when selecting best peptides for wrinkles.[13]

How to choose the right peptide product for your skin type?

When selecting the best peptides for skin and best peptides for face, it's key to think about what issues you're addressing and the other active ingredients in combination. Additionally, ensure that the product fits well with your skin type, whether it be oily, dry, or sensitive skin. For instance, dryness, fine lines, and wrinkles may be addressed with formulations using best peptides for wrinkles.

What are the best peptides for face with rosacea?

Peptide products are great for people with sensitive skin or rosacea because they usually don't irritate the skin. The best peptides for skin and the best peptides for face, strengthen the epidermal barrier and make your complexion look better and more robust without irritating.

What are some of the best peptides for wrinkles?

Neuropeptides in combination with collagen-stimulating peptides can adequately address wrinkles and fine lines. Argirelene and SYN-AKE are particularly known for their ability to imitate Botox to relax facial muscles.

References

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