Peptides in Skincare: Types, Benefits, Products to Use

Peptides, also called polypeptides, are naturally occurring in the human body and a key ingredient in skincare, showing remarkable results in revitalising and strengthening the skin. In essence, peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as building blocks of proteins, such as collagen, elastin fibres, and keratin. These proteins help the skin feel smoother, firmer, and stronger.

The human body makes collagen naturally but as we age, collagen production decreases which can lead to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Scientific data shows that peptides support the skin on multiple levels (smoothing, firming, hydrating, and calming the skin) by acting as a biologic messenger and “telling” the skin cells to build collagen, elastin, and keratin. As a result, the skin looks healthier and more youthful.

Types of polypeptides

Peptides in topical skincare products are divided into three main categories:

• Signal peptides – they send messages to various parts of the skin to promote collagen and other protein synthesis.
• Carrier peptides – deliver trace minerals to the skin to boost collagen production.
• Neurotransmitter peptides – this group of peptides blocks the release of chemicals that cause muscle contraction of expression lines which means that they help smooth fine lines and wrinkles.  

 Benefits of peptides in skincare

The molecule of collagen is too large to be absorbed by the skin while peptides can easily penetrate the skin barrier to deliver a large array of benefits. Here’s what peptides can do if you incorporate them into your skincare routine:

• Improve and strengthen the skin barrier
• Diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Boost hydration
• Stimulate collagen production
• Even out complexion
• Heal damaged skin
• Provide anti-inflammatory properties
• Reduce breakouts

Peptides in skincare products

Polypeptides are safe to use on all skin types and you can achieve the best results by using them in leave-on products, such as serums and moisturisers. Serums and moisturisers tend to have smaller molecule sizes, helping them penetrate deeper into the skin for a better effect.

Peptides also work well in combination with other ingredients, including vitamin C, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. The potent Triple Vitamin C and Peptide Serum from Science Skincare works to heal and moisturise the skin while stimulating collagen production and strengthening the skin barrier. Just a couple of pumps are enough to achieve a brighter and youthful complexion.

Our Nurture and Repair Lotion is a hydrating emulsion that combines the benefits of peptides and hyaluronic acid to reduce dryness, inflammation, and sensitivity. The fast-absorbing formula restores the skin barrier function to soothe and protect the skin. The lotion is suitable even for sensitive and compromised skin.

Peptides work to rebuild and repair damaged cells and send signals to the skin to produce collagen, boosting skin’s elasticity and slowing the ageing process. Applying peptide-rich serums and moisturisers helps achieve a firmer, clearer, and more youthful complexion.