No, Not All Peptides Are the Same, But All Are Beneficial

What Are Peptides?

“Peptides are short chains of amino acids that are the fundamental building blocks of proteins in the skin (collagen, elastin, and keratin),” explains Dr. Grossman. “They work as messengers that signal the skin to function optimally, promoting firmness, elasticity, and overall skin health.” 

When it comes to skincare, she says there are a variety of peptides that have their own unique functions to help with your skin concerns. For example, some peptides can help skin produce more collagen, while others can help reduce inflammation. The biggest reason dermatologists recommend peptides? They are absolutely necessary if you want to stimulate collagen synthesis, which is the action of collagen being produced in the body. Peptides “signal to the skin that it’s been injured or needs repair, and peptides encourage regeneration,” says Dr. Grossman. 

This helps reduce the appearance of fine lines, improve texture, and restore a more youthful appearance to the skin. Some peptides also have antioxidant properties, supporting skin healing and protecting against environmental damage.

Benefits of Peptides for Skin

• Supports Firmness: Peptides are key in helping to restore firmness and elasticity into the skin’s surface. 

• Reduces the Appearance of Fine Lines: Peptides help promote collagen, which can help reduce and diminish fine lines and wrinkles.

• Improves Texture: Collagen restoration prompted by peptides can help smooth skin texture from damage like acne bumps, sun spots, and more.

• Increases Hydration: By helping to repair the skin barrier, skin naturally becomes more hydrated, which results in a more youthful appearance. 

• Offers Antioxidant Properties: Dr. Grossman says that some peptides have antioxidant properties, which helps to “support skin healing and protect against environmental damage.” You should always pair your antioxidant use with SPF to add a double shield of protection against UV rays. 

How to Incorporate Peptides into Your Routine

The good news is that peptides are found in many different types of skincare productions, including moisturizers, serums, and eye creams, so they are easily accessible and readily available to add into your routine. 

“Serums are especially effective due to their higher concentration and ability to penetrate the skin deeply,” says Dr. Grossman. “I typically recommend applying a peptide-based serum after cleansing and before moisturizer—both morning and night.”

We love the KATE SOMERVILLE® Kx Active Concentrates Bio-Mimicking Peptides Serum for gentle everyday use. If you’re looking for a barrier-strengthening moisturizer, the BEAUTYSTAT Peptide Wrinkle Relaxing Moisturizer is another one of our favorites.

Peptides also pair well with hydrating ingredients. Look for products that have peptides, plus “ingredients like hyaluronic acid, barrier-strengtheners like ceramides, and even antioxidants like niacinamide,” she says. “However, be cautious when combining peptides with highly acidic formulations, such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or low pH vitamin C serums, as they may break down the peptides and reduce their efficacy,” she adds. 

Myths About Peptides in Skincare

Dr. Grossman says that one of the biggest misconceptions about peptides in skincare is that all peptides are the same. “There are many different types, each with specific functions,” she explains. “Another misconception is that results are instant; while peptides are powerful, they require consistency and time to see visible changes.”

It’s important to be consistent with your skincare routine, especially if you’re looking for anti-aging benefits. 

Final Thoughts

All in all, peptides are a great ingredient to look for when trying to address your skincare concerns. If you are looking for anti-aging and hydrating benefits, you might like copper peptides. If you’re looking for peptides that can help reduce inflammation, try collagen peptides.  

IPSY’s lineup of peptide products includes toners, eye creams, moisturizers, serums, and SPF creams that can all help add peptides seamlessly into your routine.