Peptides for Anti-Aging Skin: Everything You Need to Know
Which Are The Best Peptides For Anti-Aging?
July 22, 2024
By Haley Holt
Image by Vladimir Fedotov
Aging is a natural part of life, but who says we can’t do it gracefully?
To properly care for your skin, understanding the ingredients in your skincare products is usually the best place to start.
Sure, we can read a product label and call it "ingredient transparency", but the scientific jargon in skincare can be a maze. So, we are here to guide you through that maze - exploring exactly what peptides are and how they work their research-backed magic on our skin.
With hundreds of supported peptides available, it’s clear that there are more options for achieving plump, youthful skin beyond just costly Botox and fillers.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about peptides for aging skin, along with our top recommendations for the best peptides to absorb into your skin care routine.
Just wait, we'll have the face looking snatched by the end of this.
First things first -
Image by Mathilde Langevin
What Are Peptides?
Peptides are naturally occurring short chains of amino acids that make up certain proteins needed by the skin. They are the fundamental building blocks of proteins.
When the peptides short chains of amino acids lengthen, they are known as polypeptides. For instance, collagen, which is the most abundant protein in our bodies and super important for maintaining healthy skin, is composed of three polypeptide chains.
Think of peptides as messengers that tell your skin to produce more of what keeps it firm, smooth, and resilient; especially as we age when production starts to slow.
Without peptides, our skin doesn’t function as optimally, and this can lead to signs of aging like wrinkles, loss of firmness, and dullness. Anddddd no one likes dull.
Understanding which peptides offer the most potential for your skin can be ideal for developing an effective anti-aging regimen.
Although no single ingredient can completely stop aging, strategically using these powerful peptides can significantly reduce visible signs of aging. It's called preventative, look it up.
Image by Julia Kuzenkov
How Peptides for Skincare Work
When applied topically (directly on the skin), peptides can penetrate the outer layer of the skin and send signals to your cells to repair themselves. This makes them a powerhouse ingredient for stimulating collagen production and improving skin elasticity.
Essentially, peptides act as brilliant yet tiny communicators that help your skin bounce back from the wear and tear of daily life
You might be wondering, "Why not just apply collagen directly?"
The answer is that collagen molecules are too large to effectively penetrate the skin's surface. In contrast, peptides are small enough to do so, making them a more efficient choice for skincare products.
Although, we also highly recommend including a daily collagen supplement in your morning routine, this addition will complement your skincare efforts to only bring out more of the skin's radiance.
Image by Luiz Rogério Nunes
What Are the Types of Peptides Found in Skincare Products?
There are hundreds of peptides, each serving various functions, particularly within skincare and cosmetic science. These peptides can be categorized based on their specific roles and mechanisms.
Here are some of the most popular types of peptides commonly found in skincare products today -
1. Signal Peptides
Signal peptides communicate with tiny skin cells, directing (signaling) them to perform specific functions that maintain skin health and appearance.
Notable examples of Signal Peptides for the skin includes -
Matrixyl (Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4): This peptide sends signals to encourage the production of more collagen and elastin to improve skin firmness and reduce wrinkles, leading to a smoother and more youthful complexion.
Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1: Similar to Matrixyl, this peptide promotes the synthesis of collagen and elastin. It also aids in repairing and regenerating skin tissue, making it effective in reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Tetrapeptide-21: This peptide enhances the skin’s hydration by boosting the production of key structural proteins - giving the skin that glow.
2. Neurotransmitter Peptides
Neurotransmitter peptides interact with the nervous system to influence and limit muscle contractions, which can impact the appearance of wrinkles and expression lines.
Think Dr. Alan Brown Scott (the creator of Botox) when you think of this set of peptides.
Notable examples of Neurotransmitter Peptides for the skin includes -
Argireline (Acetyl Hexapeptide-8): Relaxes facial muscles to reduce expression lines, serving as a non-invasive Botox alternative.
Syn-Ake (Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate): Mimics snake venom to reduce muscle contractions and smooth out dynamic wrinkles. Yes, you read that right.
Image by Branislav Rodman
3. Carrier Peptides
Carrier peptides deliver essential elements and nutrients to the skin, enhancing various biological processes necessary for skin repair and ideal health.
Notable examples of Carrier Peptides for the skin includes -
Copper Peptides (Copper Tripeptide-1): These peptides bind to copper ions and transport them to the skin. Copper is vital for the production of collagen and elastin, as well as for the healing of wounds.
Copper peptides also possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which help to protect the skin from environmental damage and reduce inflammation.
GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine-Copper): GHK-Cu accelerates wound healing and tissue repair by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin. It also provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, improving overall skin texture and reducing signs of aging.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Peptides
Anti-inflammatory peptides help to calm and soothe the skin, reducing redness and irritation.
Notable examples of Anti-Inflammatory Peptides for the skin includes -
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7: Reduces inflammation and strengthens the skin’s barrier, beneficial for sensitive skin.
Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5: Reduces puffiness and dark circles around the eyes, enhancing circulation and skin barrier function.
Image by Alison Erickson
5. Enzyme-Inhibitor Peptides
Enzyme-inhibitor peptides work to slow down the activity of enzymes that break down collagen and elastin, thereby preserving the skin’s structural integrity by going after aging.
A notable example of an Enzyme-Inhibitor Peptide for the skin include -
Various proprietary peptides: These peptides may be included in formulations to inhibit the enzymes responsible for collagen degradation. By slowing down collagen breakdown, they help to maintain the skin’s firmness and elasticity, contributing to a more snatched appearance.
6. Antimicrobial Peptides
Antimicrobial peptides are naturally occurring molecules that play a big role in the skin's defense mechanism. They help protect the skin from harmful microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
A notable example of an Antimicrobial Peptide for the skin include -
Oligopeptide-10: This peptide possesses antimicrobial properties, which help to safeguard the skin from harmful bacteria. By supporting the skin’s natural defenses, it contributes to a healthier complexion and reduces the risk of infections or helps in the treatment of acne.
Image by Branislav Rodman
7. Growth Factor Peptides
Growth factors in peptides promote cell growth, regeneration, and repair, leading to improved skin texture and reduced signs of aging.
Notable examples of Growth Factor Peptides for the skin includes -
Oligopeptide-1 (Epidermal Growth Factor, EGF): EGF stimulates cell proliferation and repair, enhancing skin texture and accelerating healing - promoting the growth of new, healthy skin cells.
Proline-Rich Polypeptide (PRP): PRP encourages cell regeneration and repair, which helps to improve skin and reduce aging signs.
8. Lipopeptides
Lipopeptides are molecules composed of a lipid (fat) component linked to a peptide (a short chain of amino acids).
They represent a sophisticated category in skincare, renowned for enhancing the delivery and effectiveness of skincare ingredients. Lipopeptides improve skin elasticity and contribute to skin health and resilience with it's aging properties.
A notable example of a Lipopeptide for the skin include -
Various proprietary peptides: These peptides often combine lipid molecules with peptides to enhance their penetration and effectiveness. They support the skin’s natural regeneration processes, improve elasticity, and address multiple signs of aging.
Each of these various peptide types has distinct functions and can target different aspects of skin health and aging. Combining various peptides together in skincare products can provide a comprehensive approach to preventing, achieving, and maintaining healthy, youthful-looking skin.
Keep in mind that serums or face creams with the highest of peptides may not generate the best aging effects, cellular senescence matters.
Image by Kajetan Sumila
The Powerful Benefits of Peptides for Your Skin
Peptides offer a multitude of benefits for your skin. Here are some of the most impactful types of peptides benefits for the skin -
Boosting Collagen Production
More collagen means fewer wrinkles and firmer skin. We love that for us.
Collagen is a key protein that provides structural support to the skin. As we age, collagen production reduces, leading to wrinkles and sagging.
Peptides, particularly ones like Matrixyl or Copper Peptides, can signal skin cells to increase collagen production, which helps to restore skin’s firmness and elasticity, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Enhancing Skin Barrier
Peptides help strengthen the skin barrier, keeping it hydrated and protected from environmental damage, such as pollutants and UV rays.
Reducing Inflammation
Chronic inflammation can contribute to various skin issues, including redness, sensitivity, and premature aging.
Peptides like Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 have anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe irritated skin and reduce redness, making them beneficial for conditions like rosacea or sensitive skin.
Image by Chandra Oh
Improving Elasticity & Skin Texture
Peptides contribute to the synthesis of both collagen and elastin, proteins that are essential for maintaining skin's smooth and ageless look. This can help to refine skin texture, making it feel softer and look more even. Regular use of peptide-enriched products can lead to a more polished and perfected pigmented complexion.
Minimizing Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Regular use of peptide-infused products can smooth out fine lines and wrinkles over time while promoting the regeneration of new skin cells for long-term benefits.
Consistency will be your new best friend when it comes to peptides.
Increase Hydration
Peptides work by increasing the natural moisturizing factor content within the skin, promoting a smoother and more hydrated complexion and supporting the synthesis of hydrating factors. This results in more hydrated, plump skin.
Image by Laura Jaeger
The Role of Peptides for Anti-Aging
Peptides are the best candidates in the fight against aging. As we age, our skin’s natural production of collagen and elastin slows down. Peptides are the soldiers that step in to signal the skin to produce more of these vital proteins. This helps to maintain skin firmness and tight appearance, making peptides an essential component of any anti-aging skincare routine.
Absorbing peptides into your skincare routine can provide a non-invasive way to support collagen production and enhance the overall skin barrier.
Again, consistency is key to achieving noticeable results when using peptide-infused products.
Which is Better for Anti-Aging, Retinol or Peptides?
We're here to address the most frequently asked question, of course.
When comparing retinol and peptides for anti-aging, both offer distinct benefits. Retinol is effective for boosting cell turnover, reducing wrinkles, and improving skin texture and tone but can cause irritation, dryness, and increased sun sensitivity.
Peptides, on the other hand, stimulate collagen production, reduce fine lines, and hydrate with minimal irritation, though they may take longer to show results.
For the best anti-aging outcomes, combining retinol with peptides is often best recommended. Retinol provides quick, dramatic improvements, while peptides offer gentle, long-term support. Using both can balance the potent effects of retinol with the soothing, hydrating benefits of peptides for comprehensive skincare.
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How To Use Peptides in Your Skincare Routine
We've got you covered. Here are the recommended steps for adding peptides into your everyday skincare routine -
Cleanse: Start with a gentle cleanser to remove impurities.
Tone: Use a toner to balance your skin’s pH.
Serum: Apply a peptide serum, focusing on areas with fine lines and wrinkles.
Moisturize: Follow up with a moisturizer to lock in hydration.
SPF: Don’t forget to apply sunscreen during the day to protect your skin from UV damage.
At What Age Should You Start to Use Peptides?
It's one of those, don't walk, run scenarios.
There’s no specific age to start using peptides, but bringing them into your skincare routine in your 20s to early 30s can help maintain your skin’s health and prevent early signs of aging. Prevention is key, and starting early can pay off in the long run.
Is Injectable Peptide Therapy Worth It?
Injectable peptides can be worth it for those seeking more dramatic and targeted results. They offer enhanced efficacy by delivering peptides directly into the skin, which can improve collagen production and address specific concerns.
However, the higher cost, invasiveness, risk, and need for professional administration should be weighed against the potential benefits.
Image by Daniela Mancheva
Which Are the Best Peptides for Skin and Anti-Aging?
Some of the most important peptides for face anti-aging include -
Matrixyl: Helps stimulate collagen synthesis and reduce wrinkles.
Copper Peptides: Known for their wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Argireline: Often referred to as “Botox in a bottle,” helps relax facial muscles. Ultimate aging beauty.
Palmitoyl Pentapeptide: Boosts collagen and elastin production.
Where To Find The Best Peptide Skincare Products?
When shopping the market for the best peptide skincare products, look for reputable brands known for their scientific research and high-quality formulations.
Image by Mathilde Langevin
From months of testing and reviews, here are our 3 best anti-aging peptide recommendations -
Best peptide overall
Naturium Multi-Peptide Advanced Serum
Why we adore it - This potent serum features a cutting-edge blend of multi-peptides, including encapsulated copper peptides and Argireline Amplified peptide, to enhance skin texture, hydrate while plump, and minimize fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, encapsulated ferulic acid and collagen work together to firm the skin and promote a more youthful complexion.
Best peptide for acne-prone skin
Why we adore it - Liquid Peptides is a lightweight, crystal-clear serum featuring a potent 30% multi-peptide blend designed to combat signs of aging. This hydrating formula targets lines and wrinkles while improving skin texture. Ideal for use in conjunction with vitamin C in the morning and vitamin A at night, it enhances the Medik8 CSA skincare strategy, leaving skin smooth, firm, and visibly supple.
Best peptide for dry skin
Paula's Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Booster
Why we adore it - This advanced anti-aging treatment works to visibly lift, firm, and smooth wrinkles within 15 minutes, thanks to a blend of six pro-collagen peptides that provide deep, multi-layer support. The silky, lightweight gel absorbs instantly and offers immediate smoothing effects, with clinically proven results of firmer, plumper skin and reduced wrinkles.
Use these products consistently, and you'll soon find yourself looking in the mirror and thinking, 'skincare goals.'
Thoughts? Comment below.
