You’ve likely heard about peptides if you are a skincare fanatic, and even if you aren’t. They are highly touted and have been incorporated into many skincare products. They promise to improve your skin’s appearance.

What are they? What are peptides and what do they do to the skin? Are the peptides’ purported benefits worth the hype? Below, we’ll give you an overview of how, why and when to use peptides to achieve healthy, glowing skin.

What are Peptides?

Polypeptides is the short form of Peptides. These are amino acid strings, often referred to as “building blocks” of proteins. Peptide amino acids are the building blocks of skin proteins, such as elastin and collagen.

What are the different types of peptides in skin care?

There are several different peptides that can be found in skincare products.

• Signal Peptides that Help with Healing
• Carrier Peptides that Transport Wound-Healing Nutrients
• Peptides that inhibit enzymes that damage skin tissue
• Neurotransmitter-inhibiting peptides that help partially prevent muscle movements that lead to wrinkles on the face, kind of like Botox
• Antimicrobial Peptides that kill bacteria that can cause acne

On a skincare ingredient list, you might see these listed as palmitoyl tripeptide, copper peptide-38, palmitoyl oligopeptide, or caprooyl-tetrapeptide-3.

How Peptides Work for Your Skin?

The overall health and appearance your skin is a great thing. They are the building blocks for collagen, elastin and keratin. This gives skin structure and resilience. Think of bouncy, wrinkle-resistant skin.

The skin is able to absorb peptides because they are so tiny. They can penetrate multiple layers of the dermis to strengthen your skin barrier.

Benefits of Peptides to Skin Health

What are the benefits of peptides for skin? It might be better to ask: What do peptides not do for the skin.

Peptides have a number of benefits for the skin.

• Anti-aging effects
• Enhancing skin barrier function
• Improve skin firmness and elasticity
• Promoting collagen production

Anti-Aging Effects

The anti-aging properties of peptides are able to reverse some of the effects of sun damage, such as fine lines, wrinkles and uneven skin tone. The collagen can help to slow down the visible signs of ageing to keep your face looking youthful and healthy.

Enhancing Skin Barrier Function

A second reason peptides are so popular is because they rebuild collagen in the skin barrier. This helps to prevent parched skin and promotes bouncy, young-looking skin.

Improve skin firmness and elasticity

Elastin is responsible for the skin’s elasticity. When you think about something elastic like certain fabrics, you may imagine a material which can stretch while maintaining its shape. This is the goal for skin. Topical peptides can improve skin’s elasticity, resilience, and firmness by generating elastin.

Promoting Collagen Production

Skintes products that contain peptides are essential for collagen synthesis. Collagen is vital for the structure of your skin. We stop producing collagen as we age. This can cause skin problems. These ingredients can make your skin appear more full and reduce the likelihood of fine lines.

Best Peptide Skincare Products

The best peptide products for skincare will include multiple peptides, like BOUNCEBACK(tm) Peptide Serum. This multi-action serum combines three peptides with other ingredients such as argan stem cells, antioxidants and a Peptide Serum.

Incorporate peptides into your skin care routine

It is easy to incorporate peptides in your skincare routine. You can use a peptide treatment like a moisturizer or serum. All you need to do is apply it and let it absorb.

Even those with sensitive skin can use peptides. You can use them in your morning and night skincare routine.

Combining Peptides with Other Ingredients

Look for products that contain ingredients that work well with peptides. For the best skincare results, look for formulas with stem cells, ceramides or hyaluronic acids, as well as antioxidants like vitamin C, E, Niacinamide or Bakuchiol.