Peptides: The anti-ageing ingredient you need in your arsenal

Peptides are one of the most hyped ingredients when it comes to anti-ageing. When used in our skincare routines, peptides help revitalise the skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. But that’s not all; many types of peptides exist in skincare, with some tackling hydration, firmness and even inflammation.

What are peptides?

If you ever took high school biology, you may be familiar with the word peptides. And no, they aren’t the ‘powerhouse of the cell.’ Actually, peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as the building blocks of proteins like collagen, elastin and keratin, all of which are essential for skin and hair function.

These proteins are responsible for the strength, texture and health of your skin. And, when you apply peptides topically, they can trigger the skin’s cells to create these essential proteins, helping to reduce and prevent wrinkles and skin texture.

What are the benefits of peptides?

When used correctly, peptides can have numerous benefits to the skin, including:

1. Reducing fine lines

By promoting collagen production, peptides can help the skin look plumper and more full.

2. Strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier

Peptides can give a healthy boost to our skin cells, which may also help to strengthen and improve the natural moisture barrier or acid mantle.

3. Boost collagen production

Using peptides topically can help send signals to the skins cells to create more collagen, an essential protein that naturally reduces as we age, resulting in wrinkles.

4. Works as an anti-inflammatory

Peptides really are a skincare all-rounder. Antioxidants found in peptides can even aid in reducing inflammation and soothing the skin.

5. Evens complexion

Thanks to the increase in collagen, peptides are likely to result in a more even complexion.

6. Promotes skin healing

Collagen is necessary for the proper healing of the skin. So, by boosting collagen production, peptides can also help repair the skin from the inside out.

7. Peptides could make the skin more firm

Along with their protein-boosting abilities, peptides are also touted to have similar effects to botox. While not quite the same, peptides may be able to inhibit some nerve signals and muscle movements that are responsible for fine lines.

How to incorporate peptides into your skincare routine

Although peptides are often touted as the anti-ageing multi-tasker, they actually work best when used alongside other skincare ingredients like antioxidants. After all, we all need a little help sometimes.

Incorporating peptides into your skincare routine starts with choosing a suitable form. It’s best to use peptides in the serum or moisturiser stages of your routine to ensure they have enough time to absorb into the skin. Other products like peptide-rich cleansers will just be washed off the face, leaving you to reap none of the benefits.

Need help choosing a peptide? Here are some of our go-to’s!