The science behind great skincare products can sometimes seem a little complicated. Scientists are constantly working on new ways to make your skincare regimen more effective at the molecular level and there are innovative ingredients trending every day. One ingredient we’ve started to see more of are peptides, short chains of amino acids that make up proteins vital for healthy skin.

Peptides, also known as polypeptides, boost your skin’s collagen and elastin production. Collagen and elastin are necessary for keeping skin smooth and supple. 

While your body produces collagen naturally, collagen production decreases over time beginning as early as your 20’s which eventually leads to wrinkles, crepey skin, and fine lines. Luckily, we have peptides to save the day. These amino acids are able to penetrate the skin’s barrier to deeper layers making them incredibly efficient. Once they’ve been absorbed, peptides act as a sort of messenger, telling your skin cells to increase their collagen production. 

Using products that contain peptides or a peptide complex can help prevent premature signs of aging, keeping your skin youthful and glowing. 

Choosing the right peptide products for your routine

Read your labels carefully

As with any skincare products, you want to be sure to read the label to see what ingredients are included. The closer an ingredient is to the top of the label, the more of that ingredient has been included in the formulation. Look for products that contain peptides closer to the beginning of the ingredient list.

Make sure you’re choosing ingredients wisely

Peptides work really well with other ingredients such as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and Vitamin C. Finding products that contain these ingredients in tandem with a peptide complex can provide astonishing results when used consistently.

Choose the right type of skincare product

Peptides are great because they penetrate past the top layer of your skin, making them highly effective. Using a product like a cleanser, for example, would be a waste of money and time because you wash it off your face. A better choice would be a moisturizer or serum that stays on your skin giving it time to absorb all the beneficial ingredients.