When it comes to skincare ingredients, peptides are not new. But why are they everywhere now? Unlike every other buzzy ingredient that gets two minutes in every skincare obsessive’s vanity, peptides have been tried and tested for years. The benefits? They make skin look more firm and plump, don’t cause redness or irritation, and never make it sensitive to the sun.
Before we deep dive into why we love this ingredient, let’s discuss what it is, shall we?
What are peptides?
Peptides are the building blocks of your skin (think collagen, elastin and keratin) and are what give it the texture and elasticity that it has. When applied to skin, they trick it into thinking there is a wound or damage that it needs to heal. This encourages the cells around the applied area to jump into repair mode, leaving your skin taut, healthy and plump.
Who needs to use peptide skincare?
If fine lines, wrinkles, redness or irritation are your biggest skin woes, peptides are for you. As they boost collagen production in the body, they make your skin appear more firm and taut. However, if you have a pre-existing skin condition like dermatitis or psoriasis, it’s best to consult a dermatologist before rushing off to stock up on peptides, or applying it.
When can I use peptides in my skincare routine?
Unlike other components, peptides pair well with most ingredients including retinol, vitamin C and niacinamide. They suit all skin types too, so feel free to add them to your morning or night-time routine.
The two things to keep in mind are: Firstly, peptides work their magic when they have a chance to sit on skin for a while. So, opt for a serum, moisturiser or even a toner over a peptide-spiked face wash or cleansing balm. Second, they reduce the efficacy of AHAs when used in the same routine, so avoid pairing them together.
When buying a skincare product, keep your eyes peeled for anything that ends with ‘peptides’ or ‘palmitoyl’ on the ingredient label and you’re set!
2 peptide products to try…
Neemli Naturals Hydrolysed Collagen & Peptide Scar Minimising Concentrate
Minimalist Multi-Peptide Serum
