What are Peptides in Skincare?

Peptides are used in skincare to help make skin look younger and firmer. There are different kinds of peptides with different functions, but they are often used in skincare to encourage cells to repair damage to the skin.
Also known as polypeptides, these versatile ingredients are useful for enhancing your skin’s natural age-defying properties. Peptides are capable of interacting with your body’s cells in various helpful ways such as aiding the enhancement of the skin’s plumpness amongst other benefits.
In this guide, we’ll look into the benefits of using peptides in skincare, the different types of peptides used in skincare and how to spot peptides on ingredient labels.

Benefits of using peptides in skincare

There are many different kinds of peptides used in skincare, each with their own uses and advantages. The benefits here include some of the main reasons for using peptides in skincare and include the advantages that we have seen from using peptides in the Clarins Precious range.

1. Reduce fine lines and wrinkles

Some peptides are able to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In some cases, topical palmitoyl pentapeptide is effective in providing improvement in photoaged human facial skin. Different peptides are able to help with wrinkles in different ways - with age-defying results. Fine lines and wrinkles tend to be associated with the first signs of ageing, but adding peptides into your skincare routine can help encourage the skin to appear younger.

2. Improve skin’s hydration and plumpness

The youth-boosting properties of some peptides enable the skin to appear firmer, plumper, and more hydrated-looking. To further enhance hydration and the plumping effect of peptides, team your peptide containing products with an SPF daily and a night cream in the evenings.

3. Help to protect and maintain good skin condition

Exposure to the sun, pollution and even poor sleep can harm your skin’s natural defences and lead to an acceleration of the signs of ageing. Peptides can assist with protecting your skin, whilst maintaining it’s condition - helping to lessen the impact of environmental damage. Discover the other benefits of a regular routine .

4. Reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation

Hyperpigmentation may be treated using specialised peptides. These peptides work by minimising the appearance of dark spots and helping to even out skin in order to help achieve a complexion that is healthy-looking and radiant.

How to select the right peptides

Navigating the abundance of peptide-infused products available in today's skincare market can feel overwhelming. To help streamline your selection process, here are some guidelines for choosing peptide products.

1. Select the Right Formulation:

Opt for products that have prolonged contact with your skin, such as serums or moisturisers, to maximise the benefits of peptides. While cleansers may contain peptides, their efficacy is limited as they are rinsed off relatively quickly.

2. Consider Complementary Ingredients:

Peptides work in synergy with various other skincare ingredients, enhancing their effectiveness. Look for products that combine peptides alongside ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acid for comprehensive skincare benefits. Alternatively, layer your peptide products with other skincare that contains the above ingredients. Ensure to avoid pairing peptides with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), as this combination may diminish the peptides' efficacy.

3. Examine the Ingredient List:

When assessing peptide products, prioritise those where peptides are listed near the top of the ingredient list. Additionally, peptides may be listed under specific names such as "palmitoyl," indicating their presence in the formulation. By following these tips, you can make informed decisions when selecting peptide skincare products that align with your skincare goals and preferences.

How to spot peptides on ingredient labels

The peptides used in skincare can have many different long, complicated names. However, a lot of them contain ‘peptide’ somewhere in the name. If they don’t contain ‘peptide,’ ‘palmitoyl’ is also common.

Clarins luxury skincare range, Precious, contains three peptides in its ingredients: