Why You Should Add Peptides To Your Skincare Routine

What are Peptides and Why Do I Need Them?

Peptides are a skincare favourite ingredient, known for their superior anti-ageing and collagen-boosting benefits. Many products use peptides within their skincare product formulations to stimulate the skin's natural processes to help it appear more plump, youthful and feel firmer. So this all sounds lovely, however, you may still be asking yourself, what are peptides? To put it simply, peptides are a short chain of amino acids that build up the protein in our bodies. In addition, proteins are the building blocks of our skin and almost every other organ in our bodies, hence why as the more proteins that are generated, the firmer, tighter and more elastic our skin becomes.

These amino acids play an important role in our bodies systems. They encourage muscle growth, skin regeneration, the building of proteins and so much more. So thanks to these short-chain amino acids of which are also known as 'peptides', our bodies respond by regenerating to slow down the ageing process.

Benefits of Peptides in Skincare

• Even out skin tone and texture
• Anti-ageing
• Boost natural collagen production
• Anti-inflammatory
• Lock in skin hydration
• Strengthen the skin's barrier

How Do I Know if my Products Contain Peptides?

To make things a little tricky, most skincare products don't explicitly state if they contain peptides. This is because there are so many forms of peptides, all of which have different names. If you want to check if the skincare you are using contains them, have a look to see if it contains any of the following ingredients:

• Matrixyl: repairs collagen in the skin and boosts firmness
• Copper Peptides: provides moisture locking benfits with line smoothing
• Palmitoyl Tripeptide: a great anti-inflammatory peptide that also targets skin ageing
• Argireline: prevents skin sagging and firms the skin (like botox but without the needle!)
• Tetrapeptides: increase skin elasticity, brightens and evens out the skin tone
  

Other Types of Peptides in Skincare

• Acetyl Hexapeptide
• Myristoyl Pentapeptide
• Hexanoyl Dipeptide
• Palmitoyl Oligopeptide

Our Favourite Peptide Products

1. Medik8 Eyelift Peptides Age-Defying Firming Gel

More than an eye wrinkle cream, this anti-ageing, firming eye treatment targets multiple signs of premature ageing including the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and dark circles to reveal more youthful eyes. Containing five potent peptides in its concentration, this serum plumps and smooths the under eyes to brighten and renew. Additionally, this award-winning formula minimises dark circles and tightens the skin underneath the eyes, instantly making you appear more rested! Moreover, this product immensely hydrates the skin and is perfect for use underneath makeup.

Shop Medik8 Eyelift Peptides Age-Defying Firming Gel

2. Hunter Lab Peptide Anti-Ageing Elixir

This highly potent daily skin serum stops ageing in its tracks! Although lightweight in texture, this product is deeply hydrating and smooths fine lines and wrinkles with ease revealing enhanced skin clarity. Formulated with firming peptides to encourage the skins natural production of collagen and elastin, this serum promotes a radiant and youthful complexion. Furthermore, the addition of antioxidant-rich Shitake Mushroom combats scarring and encourages skin brightening, making it an ideal skin pigmentation skin care choice if you're hunting for a pigmentation serum.

Shop Hunter Lab Peptide Anti-Ageing Elixir

3. PCA Skin ExLinea Peptide Smoothing Serum

This treatment product helps to tighten, firm, strengthen and hydrate the skin. The advanced formulation contains the Argireline peptide combined with hydrating Sodium Hyaluronate (a form of Hyaluronic Acid), Squalene and Rice Bran Wax to visibly smooth and plump the skin. Additionally, this serum & treatment has been designed to minimise the appearance of expression lines, meaning that this potent product will target crows feet, laugh lines, frown lines and even forehead wrinkles.

Shop PCA Skin ExLinea Peptide Smoothing Serum

4. The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA

This skincare serum effectively reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles helping to smooth and strengthen the complexion. Formulated with the French peptide known as Matrixyl, this ingredient targets signs of ageing to significantly plump and encourage a more youthful appearance. Additionally, this formulation is also cruelty-free and vegan and able to be applied twice daily for optimal results.

Shop The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA

5. Omnilux Peptide Concentrate

Showcasing the skincare peptide Matrixyl, this fatigue-fighting face serum not only hydrates and firms the skin but it also soothes, making it ideal for all skin types. Designed to be used in conjunction with a home LED face mask device such as the Omnilux Contour Men, this post-treatment serum boasts a multi-peptide formulation of Matrixyl together with Argireline which really hones in on reducing the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles. The addition of moisture locking benefits that these peptides deliver means the skin is left feeling more hydrated, plump and supple.

Shop Omnilux Peptide Concentrate

Shop the full range of peptide-rich skincare products here.