Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. In skincare products, peptides have many possible benefits, such as helping combat fine lines and wrinkles, protecting the skin from ultraviolet (UV) damage, treating acne, and healing wounds.
Peptides help increase collagen production and elasticity. Collagen is a protein that helps build your skin, bones, and cartilage. Collagen peptides are amino acids that form collagen.
Understanding how peptides affect your skin can help you make educated choices about your skincare routine and which products you buy. Read on to learn how peptides can affect your skin.
Peptidesmay have several benefits in skincare products. "Many peptides are small enough to penetrate the skin,"Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, a clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College, toldHealth. In other words, peptides have a more profound impact than skincare formulas that use large molecules. Unlike peptides, those molecules simply sit on the skin's surface.
Still, more research is needed to fully understand their possible benefits.
Reduces Fine Lines and Wrinkles
As people age, collagen and elastin fibers decline, weakening the skin. The skin becomes less firm, leading to fine lines and wrinkles. In contrast, peptides help smoothen the skin by increasing collagen production and improving elasticity.
"In skincare, peptides are best known for stimulating skin repair and inhibiting the signs of aging," Geeta Yadav, MD, a dermatologist and founder of Facet Dermatology, toldHealth.
In a study published in 2020, researchers studied the effects of peptides on premature aging. The researchers asked 22 people aged 40 and older to use peptides on their faces and necks. After two weeks, peptides helped reduce the appearance of aging skin among the participants.
Dr. Murphy-Rose added that some peptides even have a mild Botox-like effect that relaxes muscles and treats fine lines.
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Might Protect Against UV Damage
Your skin is a barrier that protects you from the sun's UV rays, microorganisms, and pollution. Some evidence suggests that peptides help support the skin barrier, protecting you from UV damage. UV exposure also causes fine lines and wrinkles.
Skincare products with peptides might treat premature aging caused by UV damage. However, more research is needed to understand the role of peptides in sun protection fully.
May Treat Acne
Some peptides have antimicrobial properties. In other words, those peptides get rid of microorganisms, like bacteria. Some evidence suggests that antimicrobial peptides help with chronic skin conditions, including acne.
When bacteria clog the pores on your skin, your immune system responds. As a result, pimples form on the skin. In contrast, antimicrobial peptides might prevent bacteria from clogging the pores.
Peptides may also have anti-inflammatory effects that could help calm the skin and even skin tone.
Helps Heal Wounds
Collagen is a key protein in wound healing. Since peptides boost collagen production, some products with peptides may help heal minor injuries.
What's more, since some peptides have antimicrobial properties, some evidence suggests that peptides repair the skin while preventing infections. People with trouble healing wounds, like some with diabetes, may benefit from the healing properties of peptides.
How To Use Peptides for Your Skin
Many skincare formulas that promote anti-aging include peptides. For the most part, peptides mix well with active ingredients,Gloria Lu and Victoria Fu, skincare chemists and co-founders of Chemist Confessions, Inc., toldHealth.
You may see anti-aging skincare products with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. Vitamin C can slow aging, prevent sun damage, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps fight pollution that comes into contact with your skin. You can usually use peptides with vitamin C, but it's always good to talk to a dermatologist about mixing ingredients.
Hyaluronic acid hydrates the outer layer of the skin. Hyaluronic acid usually pairs well with peptides to improve skin texture and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Dr. Murphy-Rose noted that you should opt for products that have long-lasting contact with the skin, like serums and moisturizers. Those products give the peptides enough time to work.
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Peptides are the building blocks of proteins. They can penetrate the skin to moisturize it and help smooth fine lines and wrinkles. Peptides in skincare products may also help protect your skin from sun damage and heal wounds. Still, additional research is needed to understand the full impact peptides can have on the skin.
If you want to try peptide-based skincare products, opt for serums and moisturizers instead of cleansers. The longer you give peptides time to work on your skin, the more benefits you can reap. Talk to a healthcare provider, such as a dermatologist, when building a skincare routine to find one that best fits your needs.
