by With so many fancy skincare ingredients making big claims, it can be hard to know which ones to add to your beauty routine. Peptides, however, are a little different as they’re essentially fragments of protein and actually work with the skin to help promote its own production of proteins, including collagen and elastin.
These are key for reducing fine lines and wrinkles, improving the appearance of the skin’s texture, brightening it, and even reducing hyperpigmentation and sun spots. They’re also known for improving the skin’s barrier function, which can be a problem in drier climates. And with a huge range of benefits, it’s no wonder why peptide treatments are having such a moment!
As such, it’s not surprising that there are lots of peptide-rich products on the market, but which ones should you choose? While serums are an excellent way to get a hit of this powerful ingredient, you can also find them in moisturisers and eye creams. For a targeted approach to tackling signs of ageing, try using a peptide serum for the face, which will focus on a specific area like crow’s feet or crepey texture.
When choosing a serum, look for one that contains both carrier and signalling peptides. These are the types of peptides that are proven to improve things like firmness, elasticity and clarity, repair the skin barrier, help with acne and hyperpigmentation. Copper peptides are an example of a carrier peptide, while matrixyl and argireline are examples of a signalling peptide.
It’s also worth noting that peptides aren’t ‘drugs’ in the same sense as retinol or other active ingredients, meaning they won’t irritate the skin. But they are still not as effective as other skincare ingredients so it’s important to pair them with the right product and be careful when applying products that contain them.
The Ordinary’s new formula is an excellent choice for those who want to try peptides, as it features both copper peptides and niacinamide. Both of these ingredients are known to improve the skin’s elasticity, while niacinamide is an antioxidant that can help combat redness and blotchiness.
This product is a little pricey but is a great option for those looking to give their skin a boost! It has a combination of peptides and hyaluronic acid, which helps to plump the skin, while peptides encourage the formation of collagen.
Another good option is this peptide serum by Amino Asylum, which has been endorsed by a number of influencers. This is a company that specialises in research chemicals, but it also has an extensive range of peptide-rich products. Their prices are a little higher than others on this list, but it’s worth checking out the reviews before deciding. best peptides uk
