INGREDIENT IN FOCUS: PEPTIDES
Rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after skin care ingredients, peptides are hailed for their powerful ability to promote a smooth, radiant complexion. These small chains of amino acids play a vital role in maintaining your skin’s natural structure and function, helping to stimulate collagen production, improve elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Paying homage to the powerhouse ingredients, here at Cult Beauty we’ve go up close and personal with peptides to uncover what they are and how they can transform your skin care routine to achieve resilient results.
Science hats at the ready… Class is in session!
IN THIS ARTICLE
- What are peptides
- Peptides in skin care
- Benefits of peptides in skin care
- How to use peptides
- Best peptides skin care products
- Peptides in skin care FAQs
WHAT ARE PEPTIDES
Short chains of amino acids, peptides form the ‘building blocks’ of skin-essential proteins such as collagen, keratin and elastin – in other words, the crucial bits responsible for keeping things resistant. The main difference between peptides and proteins is that peptides are typically smaller, usually consisting of fewer than 50 amino acids, while proteins are much larger and have more complex structures. Once peptides begin to deteriorate, you might start to notice some visible fine lines and compromised volume but, peptides can help to extend this inevitable, beautiful process.
PEPTIDES IN SKIN CARE
When used in skin care products such as serums or moisturisers, peptides send ‘signals’ to cells which encourage production of collagen and in turn, help to keep your face firmer for longer. However, when it comes to your beauty regime, there are different types of peptides typically used in skin care – with each serving a distinct purpose depending on its specific function and the desired outcome. The most common types of peptides found in skin care products include:
SIGNAL PEPTIDES
Signal peptides are often referred to as the "messengers" of the peptide family. They send signals to skin cells to stimulate the production of key proteins like collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans (which include hyaluronic acid). These peptides are most used to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as to enhance skin elasticity.
STRUCTURAL PEPTIDES
These peptides are essential for supporting the structural integrity of the skin. They help maintain the strength and firmness by supporting the production of collagen and elastin, contributing to overall skin texture and tone.
CARRIER PEPTIDES
Carrier peptides deliver essential minerals and other compounds to the skin to enhance the effectiveness of your treatments. These peptides transport vital elements like copper, which supports the skin’s repair and regeneration processes.
HYDRATING PEPTIDES
These peptides assist in retaining moisture in the skin by strengthening the skin’s moisture barrier and promoting water retention. Now, well-hydrated skin appears plumper and smoother.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PEPTIDES
This group is focused on reducing skin inflammation and irritation. They help soothe sensitive or irritated complexions, making them particularly beneficial for people suffer from redness and breakouts.
ENZYME-INHIBITOR PEPTIDES
Inhibiting the activity of enzymes that break down proteins in the skin, such as collagenase, these peptides work to degrade collagen. By preventing the breakdown of collagen and elastin, they help to maintain the skin’s overall strength, structure and elasticity.
BENEFITS OF PEPTIDES IN SKIN CARE
Incorporating peptides into your skin care routine can help with premature aging, hydration, skin repair and overall skin health. Offering several significant benefits for due to their ability to support the skin’s structure and function, we’ve rounded up just some of the key benefits of adding peptides into your daily routine:
Stimulates collagen production: one of the most important benefits of peptides is their ability to stimulate collagen synthesis. Collagen is a structural protein in the skin that provides firmness and elasticity. As we age, collagen production decreases, leading to wrinkles and sagging. Peptides counteract this by promoting collagen production, which results in a firmer, smoother complexion.
Reduces the appearance of fine lines: As peptides support collagen and elastin, they help to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. They work by strengthening the skin’s structure, improving its elasticity and promoting a more radiant complexion.
Promotes skin repair: Peptides play a vital role in skin repair, particularly after damage from environmental stressors and sun exposure. They help speed up the healing process by encouraging cell turnover and skin regeneration, which is crucial for addressing skin damage.
Hydrates and retains moisture: Some peptides, like those that support the skin’s natural barrier, help improve moisture retention, keeping the skin hydrated. Well-hydrated skin appears plump, healthy and radiant, while dry skin can lead to flakiness, irritation and fine lines.
Strengthens the skin barrier: Peptides help to reinforce the skin's protective barrier. A strong skin barrier prevents moisture loss and shields against pollutants, bacteria and other harmful external factors. This is especially helpful for those with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema.
Anti-inflammatory effects: Peptides tend to also have anti-inflammatory properties that help calm irritated skin, making them beneficial for blemishes, redness or sensitive skin. By soothing inflammation, peptides help promote a more even and clearer complexion.
Improves skin tone and texture: By supporting the production of collagen and encouraging skin regeneration, peptides can help improve the texture and tone of the skin, making it smoother and more even. This can be especially helpful for those with rough, bumpy skin or uneven pigmentation.
Boosts overall skin health: And finally, peptides also enhance the skin’s natural processes, making you complexion appear healthier and more vibrant. They can help address various skin concerns like fine lines, dryness, dullness and loss of firmness – ultimately contributing to a glowing sign off.
HOW TO USE PEPTIDES
Incorporating peptides into your skin care routine can be straightforward and effective. Unlike other potent actives like retinol and AHAs, peptides do not increase sun sensitivity so can be used at during the night and day. Peptides are typically lightweight, so they should be applied after cleansing and toning, but before heavier creams and oils. For best results, we recommend enriching your routine with peptides through the form of serums, eye creams and moisturisers.
BEST PEPTIDE SKIN CARE PRODUCTS
9
35.70€
94
18.00€
45
47.40€
18
137.00€
A famed formula across the globe, Medik8’s Liquid Peptides serum is the brand’s original recipe that combines a blend of peptides that work in synergy to strengthen the skin barrier, improve elasticity and restore radiance. Suitable for daily use and catering to a variety of skin types, this skin care staple works hard to enhance your skin’s natural beauty and vitality – granting visibly firmer, plumper skin with continued use.
2
89.27€
A next-generation serum that harnesses the power of advanced peptide technology, Medik8’s Liquid Peptides Advanced MP combines multi-peptides and mimetic peptides to deeply hydrate, restore elasticity and boost collagen production. What’s more, bursting with innovative ingredients, its components work synergistically to strengthen the skin's natural barrier, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and enhance the skin’s resilience against environmental stressors.
8
152.50€
Fusing cutting-edge technology with luxurious ingredients, Kate Somerville’s Peptide K8 Cream helps to visibly reduce the signs of premature aging, leaving your skin feeling smooth, firm, and revitalised. Powered by a potent blend of peptides and antioxidants, working in harmony to restore firmness, smoothness, and radiance, this rich moisturiser not only hydrates but also strengthens the skin’s natural barrier, improving its overall texture and tone.
36
35.30€
A powerhouse serum designed to promote overall skin health, The Ordinary’s Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum combines a blend of advanced peptides – including copper peptides, known for their skin-rejuvenating properties, to support collagen production and enhance skin elasticity. Completed with 1% copper peptides, this everyday essential also boosts a smoother, more radiant complexion while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
118
58.00€
Renowned for intense hydration and visible plumping benefits, Biossance’s Squalane and Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum seeks to restore skin volume and smoothness while maintaining a radiant, glowing look. Melding (you guessed it) squalane and copper peptides, this formula locks in moisture while stimulating collagen production to improve your skin’s overall elasticity. The result? A smooth, supple sign off.
455
47.46€
Dreamt up to strengthen and firm the skin, OLE HENRIKSEN’s Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturiser leaves your complexion feeling refreshed, revitalised and revied. Formulated with a blend of peptides, shea butter and vitamin C, this rich cream provides intense hydration while boosting the skin's resilience and elasticity. Plus, its peptide complex works to support the skin's natural barrier, promoting a smoother appearance by reducing the look of fine lines and improving overall skin texture.
PEPTIDES IN SKIN CARE FAQS
Are peptides better than retinol?
Peptides and retinol are both powerful skin care ingredients, but they work in different ways and have their unique benefits. Whether one is ‘better’ than the other depends entirely on your skin concerns and goals. For example, peptides are gentle on the skin meaning they are designed to work better for those who have sensitive skin. However, if you have blemishes retinol would be the better option as it prevents clogged pores and promotes clearer skin.
Which peptide is best for skin?
Often referred to as ‘Botox in a bottle’ Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4), is one of the most common types of peptides used in skin care. A potent signal peptide that stimulates collagen production and promotes skin regeneration, Matrixyl reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by encouraging the skin to repair and renew itself. What’s more, renowned for its collagen-boosting properties, it is one of the most widely researched peptides for reducing signs of premature aging and improving skin texture.
Do dermatologists recommend peptides?
In short, yes. Peptides have become a popular ingredient in dermatology in recent years. Dermatologists do recommend peptides as part of a skin care routine, particularly for their smoothing benefits and ability to support skin health.
Cult Beauty’s Senior SEO Copywriter, Trifonia started out in the industry when bold brows were just becoming a ‘thing’, and shares a passion for all things fashion and beauty. Currently embracing her curly girl journey (after endless years of straightening her strands), she is finally reverting to her natural ways! When Triffy isn’t busy testing out the latest curl-saving solutions, you’ll find her binging the latest reality TV show or on a long walk listening to her ever-evolving country music playlist.
