What are peptides and why should you add them to your skincare routine?

What are peptides?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids. These are the building blocks of our skin. These amino acids can send signals in our skin to increase its collagen production.  

What do peptides do for our skin?

Peptides are best known for boosting collagen in our skin due to their cell communicating abilities. They have moisture binding properties as well making them one of the most important ingredients when it comes to anti-aging. They can penetrate the outer layer of skin and act as messengers to tell other cells to produce more elastin and collagen. 

Main benefits of peptides:

• Reduce inflammation
• Even skin tone
• Minimise and reduce the appearance of wrinkles
• Boost collagen production
• Increase elastin fibres for smoother skin
• Improve and build a stronger skin barrier
• Some peptides are antimicrobial meaning they can help kill bacteria that causes acne

Where do I fit peptides in my routine and how best to use them? 

Peptides are found in serums and moisturisers. Small molecular peptides can be more expensive as an ingredient, and you may see that reflected in the product price, but they carry out a lot of functions in the skin. Peptide serums should be applied directly onto clean skin AM and PM. Peptide moisturisers are normally applied at night, usually over a serum of choice.

What ingredients partner well with peptides and what should you avoid:

Peptides blend well with ingredients such as hyaluronic acids, vitamin C, niacinamide, and antioxidants, but ingredients such as Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA)-containing peptides can decrease the effectiveness of peptides. 

Skin Expert Edele’s Favourite Peptide Products:

• Environ Serience Night Serum
• Environ Tri-Peptide Complex Avance Moisturiser
• Image Ormedic Bio-Peptide Creme
• ASAP Firming Eye Lift 
• Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides Infused Serum