By @Biossance
Peptides are one of the buzziest ingredients in skincare. But while they're enjoying some well-deserved time in the spotlight, these powerful collagen boosters are far from new. Chemists have long used peptides in skincare due to their scientifically proven anti-aging abilities.
Keep reading to learn how peptides work in skincare, why they’re good for your skin and how to incorporate them into your routine.
What Are Peptides
“Peptides in skincare are amino acids that signal your skin to increase collagen production, leading to a healthier skin barrier and plumper, more bouncy appearance,” says Biossance Global Education Director McKenzie Rose.
You may remember from science class that amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. Unlike complete proteins such as collagen, these tiny fragments are able to penetrate the top layer of skin, making them an ideal ingredient to include in skincare formulas.
Are Peptides Good for Skin?
Skincare scientists use peptides in skincare as a unique anti-aging ingredient. They’re special because they don’t simply mask wrinkles, they signal the skin to produce more collagen. Because our collagen production naturally decreases as we get older, giving it a boost creates visible changes in the skin including:
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Reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
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Strengthening the skin barrier
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Locking in hydration
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Firming the skin
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Making skin smoother
Different Kinds of Peptides
There are three types of peptides most commonly used in skincare:
Signal Peptides - Their mission in life is to promote collagen production, plain and simple.
Carrier Peptides - These amino acids stabilize and deliver copper to certain enzymes, which then use it to grow collagen and elastin.
Nerve-inhibiting Peptides - Almost like a topical Botox, these peptides inhibit nerve signals to soften fine lines and wrinkles
In addition, our skincare scientists use a proprietary biotech-derived peptide called Pro-PeptideTM that works specifically for the skin on your lips. This first-of-its-kind innovation has triple the power of other peptides to visible improve lip health by helping to stimulate the lip’s natural hyaluronic acid, increasing lip volume, hydration and smoothness over time.
The result: fuller, smoother, deeply hydrated lips
What Are Copper Peptides and How Are They Different?
If peptides were celebrities, copper peptides would be Meryl Streep. With decades of data-driven success, copper peptides bring a special skillset to your skincare products.
“Copper peptides are unique because they act as antioxidants while also stimulating collagen and elastin production in the skin,” says McKenzie.
Their antioxidant properties enable copper peptides to fight free radicals, protecting skin from damaging UV rays and pollution which can cause more signs of aging. So not only do they improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles you already have, they help prevent more from forming.
How to Incorporate Peptides Into Your Routine
“Peptides are great for all skin types, especially for those who are dry to mature and noticing increased fine lines and wrinkles and a loss in firmness,” says McKenzie. “Peptides are safe and effective for daily use, and work great in tandem with other actives except for exfoliating acids such as AHA’s.”
If you’re going to combine your peptides with other actives, we recommend products containing Vitamin C such as Biossance’s Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Moisturizer, Squalane + Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum, or Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil. Peptides work synergistically with Vitamin C to trap moisture and improve the skin’s texture.
Biossance Squalane + Copper Peptide Plumping Serum $125 Available exclusively at Sephora AU – Brand link: https://www.sephora.com.au/brands/biossance?q=Biossance