Your Essential Guide To Peptides

As beauty consumers, we are now more informed than ever, but with that knowledge comes a little scepticism towards product claims, beauty buzzwords, and celebrated skincare ingredients. The market is full of active ingredients that promise transformational results; however, there are only a select few that genuinely deliver – and peptides are one of them. Scientifically backed for their ability to strengthen the skin’s structure, boost hydration, and stimulate collagen production, peptides have earned their place as effective, versatile skincare heroes. Yet despite their popularity, they remain somewhat of an enigma. So, what exactly are peptides, and can they truly deliver on their promises?

What Are Peptides?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that form the essential building blocks of proteins like collagen, elastin, and keratin, which are crucial for maintaining skin structure and health. While your body naturally produces peptides, factors like ageing, sun exposure, and environmental stressors can gradually reduce peptide levels in the skin.

How Do Peptides Work?

Think of peptides as messengers, sending signals to skin cells to produce more collagen and elastin – the proteins that keep your skin firm, smooth, and plump. As we age, our natural collagen production decreases, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. Peptides help counteract this process by encouraging the skin to produce new collagen, reducing the visible signs of ageing.

Peptides come in various forms, each playing a specific role in skin health:

• Signal peptides: instruct your skin to produce more collagen.
• Carrier peptides: deliver essential minerals to skin cells to support the repair process.
• Enzyme-inhibitor peptides: prevent enzymes from breaking down collagen.

In short, peptides act like the team captains of your skincare routine, ensuring your skin functions at its best.

How Do Peptides Benefit the Skin?

Peptides are often referred to as multitaskers because they address a range of skin concerns. They boost elasticity by promoting collagen production, helping to firm and tighten the skin, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Some peptides also have moisture-binding properties, keeping the skin hydrated and plump. Additionally, certain types can reduce hyperpigmentation, helping to even out skin tone and diminish the appearance of dark spots and blemishes.

Peptides are also known for their anti-inflammatory properties, calming redness and irritation, making them ideal for sensitive skin. Moreover, they help strengthen the skin barrier, protecting it from environmental stressors like pollution and UV rays, which contribute to premature ageing.

What are the Pros and Cons of Peptides in Skincare:

Like any skincare ingredient, peptides have their advantages and limitations.

Pros:

• Peptides are generally well-tolerated by all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin.
• Unlike stronger ingredients, such as retinoids or acids, peptides are less likely to cause irritation while still offering noticeable results.
• They address a variety of skin concerns, from reducing signs of ageing to protecting the skin barrier, making peptides a versatile addition to any skincare routine.

Cons:

• Peptides take time to show results. Consistent use over several weeks or months is needed to see noticeable improvements.
• Their effectiveness depends largely on the formulation. If peptides aren’t properly stabilised or combined with complementary ingredients, they may not penetrate deeply enough to be effective.

Are Peptides Worth the Hype?

If you’re seeking to boost collagen, smooth fine lines, and improve your skin’s overall appearance, peptides are a great addition to your skincare routine. They offer a gentle yet effective solution to common skin concerns, and the science behind them is strong. The only catch? Patience is key – peptides work best with consistent, long-term use. While they won’t deliver overnight miracles, they can bring significant, visible improvements over time.

Keep scrolling to discover our favourite peptide-based products.

Alpha-H Midnight Reboot Serum

This powerful overnight treatment combines glycolic acid and granactive retinoid to resurface, brighten, and renew dull skin, helping to combat the visible signs of ageing. Enhanced with tripeptide-5 to stimulate collagen production, it smooths and plumps the skin, delivering a radiant, rejuvenated complexion by morning.

Teresa Tarmey Anti+ Serum

Teresa Tarmey’s newest serum blends tetrapeptide-21 and tetrapeptide-4 to improve elasticity, provide long-lasting hydration, and strengthen the skin’s barrier by rebuilding the microbiome. With added antioxidants and prebiotics, it tackles hyperpigmentation, redness, inflammation, and signs of ageing, all while promoting a smoother, more resilient complexion.

CeraVe Skin Renewing Eye Cream

This dermatologist-developed eye cream combines an anti-ageing peptide complex with caffeine, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to target fine lines, crow’s feet, and puffiness. The lightweight cream also brightens and firms the delicate eye area while deeply hydrating and supporting the skin’s natural barrier with essential ceramides.

Zelens Triple Action Eye Cream

Featuring acetyl octapeptide, a non-toxic Botox alternative, this triple-action cream reduces wrinkles by relaxing facial muscles. Blended with peptides, caffeine, and vitamin C, it tackles puffiness, dark circles, and signs of fatigue while boosting skin hydration and elasticity.

Fade Out Collagen Boost Day Cream

Formulated with ProCol1+, a peptide derived from plants, Fade Out’s bestselling day cream supports collagen production to plump and firm the skin. Naturally occurring AHAs gently exfoliate to reduce pigmentation and fine lines, vitamin E soothes and defends against environmental aggressors, and SPF 25 protects against UV exposure.

Ole Henriksen Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturiser

Packed with peptides, collagen, and hyaluronic acid, this vegan moisturiser deeply hydrates, firms, and restores the skin’s natural barrier. With its nutrient-rich formula, it delivers fast results, visibly reducing fine lines and wrinkles while enhancing elasticity and improving overall skin resilience.