What are Peptides?
Discover the incredible world of peptides and unlock the secret to radiant, youthful skin. Peptides, those tiny but powerful molecules, are the unsung heroes of skincare. With their remarkable ability to boost collagen production, improve skin firmness, and reduce the signs of aging, peptides are your skin’s best friend. Say hello to a smoother, firmer, and more radiant complexion with the magic of peptides. It’s time to embrace the awesomeness of peptides and revitalize your skin like never before.
What role do Peptides play in our Daily Skin Routine?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that can have various benefits for the skin. They can:
- Boost collagen production: Certain peptides can stimulate collagen synthesis, which can help improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
- Enhance skin firmness: Peptides can promote firmer skin by increasing skin density and reducing sagging.
- Aid in wound healing: Some peptides have wound-healing properties and can help repair damaged skin.
- Moisturize the skin: Peptides can have hydrating properties, helping to keep the skin well moisturized.
- Reduce inflammation: Certain peptides can have anti-inflammatory effects, which can be beneficial for those with sensitive or irritated skin.
- Brighten the complexion: Peptides can assist in minimizing pigmentation irregularities, leading to a more even skin tone.
My Favorite Peptides and their Functions
There are several peptides used in skincare, each with its unique benefits. Here are some of the best-known peptides for the skin and their functions:
| Peptide Type | Examples | Common Name | Collagen Types Induced | Mechanisms | Benefits |
| Collagen-boosting | Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 | Matrixyl | Types I & III | Stimulates fibroblast activity | Enhances skin elasticity and firmness |
| Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 | Argireline | General | Inhibits collagenase | Reduces wrinkles and fine lines |
| Oligopeptide-1 | Types I & III | Promotes fibroblast proliferation | Improves skin regeneration and tone |
| Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 | Matrixyl 3000 | Types I & III | Activates TGF-beta signaling for collagen production | Supports skin density and youthfulness |
| Hydrolyzed Collagen | Types I & III | Provides amino acids for collagen formation | Improves skin hydration and elasticity |
| Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9 | General | Enhances synthesis of extracellular matrix components | Promotes skin texture improvement |
| Collagen Tripeptide | Types I & III | Provides building blocks for collagen synthesis | Supports skin repair and reduces sagging |
| Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 | Types I & III | Stimulates collagen and hyaluronic acid synthesis | Improves skin volume and smoothness |
| Palmitoyl Tripeptide-39 | Matrixyl Morphomics | Types I, II & III | Modulates collagen production and enhances skin texture | Promotes overall skin resilience and youthfulness |
| Muscle-relaxing/Neuropeptides | Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 | Argireline | General | Reduces muscle contractions | Softens expression lines |
| Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate | General | Mimics the effects of Botox | Reduces dynamic wrinkles |
| Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 | General | Inhibits neurotransmitter release | Reduces muscle contractions, minimizing wrinkles |
| Pentapeptide-18 | General | Reduces muscle contraction | Softens facial lines |
| Hexapeptide-10 | General | Inhibits muscle contractions and reduces wrinkle formation | Promotes a smoother appearance |
| Moisturizing | Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 | General | Stimulates hyaluronic acid synthesis | Improves skin hydration and plumpness |
| Pentapeptide-4 | General | Enhances skin barrier function | Increases moisture retention |
| Anti-inflammatory | Tripeptide-1 | General | Modulates inflammatory response | Calms irritated skin and promotes healing |
| Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 | General | Decreases inflammatory markers | Promotes skin healing and reduces redness |
| Skin Repair | Copper Peptides (GHK-Cu) | General | Stimulates wound healing and collagen synthesis | Enhances skin regeneration and reduces scarring |
| Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9 | General | Promotes fibroblast activity | Improves skin texture and resilience |
| Skin Firming | Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5 | General | Increases skin elasticity | Firms and tightens sagging skin |
| Palmitoyl Oligopeptide | General | Enhances firmness and elasticity | Reduces sagging and improves overall appearance |
| Barrier Strengthening | Hexapeptide-7 | General | Strengthens the skin barrier | Enhances protection against environmental stressors |
| Skin Brightening | Oligopeptide-68 | General | Inhibits melanin production | Reduces hyperpigmentation and evens skin tone |
Key Collagen Types:
- Collagen Type I: Most abundant, providing tensile strength and structure.
- Collagen Type II: Found primarily in cartilage; important for joint health.
- Collagen Type III: Provides elasticity, often found alongside Type I in young skin.
Specific Mechanisms:
- Fibroblast Activation: Many peptides promote the proliferation and activity of fibroblasts, which are essential for collagen production.
- Collagenase Inhibition: Certain peptides can inhibit enzymes that degrade collagen, helping to preserve existing collagen levels.
- TGF-beta Signaling: Some peptides activate TGF-beta pathways, crucial for collagen synthesis and tissue repair.
The choice of peptide depends on your specific skincare goals. Many anti-aging and skin-repairing products contain a combination of these peptides to address various skin concerns. When selecting skincare products, look for those that include peptides that align with your skin’s needs, and consider consulting a dermatologist for personalized recommendations.
What to AVOID in order to maximize Peptide effectiveness
When using skincare products containing peptides, there are a few considerations to keep in mind to maximize their effectiveness and minimize any potential issues:
- Avoid Harsh Ingredients: Some skincare ingredients can be harsh or irritating, particularly when combined with peptides. Avoid using products that contain ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), Vitamin C, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Retinoids… basically anything that is exfoliating your skin (STRONG ACIDS) in the same routine, as they can potentially interact negatively with peptides or cause excessive skin sensitivity.
- Limit Sun Exposure: While peptides themselves are generally safe, they may not offer protection against UV radiation. Always use sunscreen during the day when using peptide-based products, as UV exposure can compromise the effectiveness of peptides and increase the risk of skin damage.
Links to my Favorite Peptide Products (of course starting with my favorites)
| Product | Peptides | Where to Buy | Potential Irritants/Comedogenic Ingredients (Irr, Com) 1-least 5- max | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medik 8 | Liquid Peptides | Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Tetrapeptide-21, Pentapeptide-18, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-7, Copper Palmitoyl Heptapeptide-14, Heptapeptide-15 Palmitate | Medik8 | ||
| NUFACE | Fix Line Smoothing Serum | Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-52, Palmitoyl Heptapeptide-18, N-Prolyl Palmitoyl Tripeptide-56 Acetate | Anthropologie | Amazon.ca | Tocopherol (0-3,0-3) Vitamin E |
| Depology | Matrixyl 3000 | Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 | Depology | Coconut Oil (0,4) Stearic Acid (0,2-3) | |
| Depology | Peptide Complex 10% Argiriline Peptide Serum | Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Hexapeptide-9 | Depology | Tocopherol (0-3,0-3) Vitamin E Lavender Oil Linalool | |
| DERMAQUEST | Advanced Peptide Line Corrector | Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Dipeptide-2, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Dipeptide Diaminobyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Acetyl Hexapeptide-30, N-Prolyl Palmitoyl Tripeptide-56 Acetate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-37, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-19, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2, Tetrapeptide-30 | Dermstore | Hexylene Glycol (0-1,0-2) Steareth-20 (1,2) Alcohol | |
| Maelove | Peptide Squad Collagen Renewal Serum | Copper Tripeptide-1, Acetyle Hexapeptide-8, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-1 | Maelove | Jojobal Seed Oil (0,2) Alcohol & Denatured Alcohol (last ingredients) | |
| Medi-Peel| Peptide 9 Volume Bio Tox Amoule | Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Copper Tripeptide-1, Oligopeptide-29, Oligopeptide-32, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 | Stylevana | Hydrogenated Polyisobutene (2,1) Sorbitan Laurate (1-2, 1-2) Alcohol (second last ingredient) Fragrance (last ingredient) | |
| REVISION SKINCARE | Revox Line Relaxer | Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-28, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Acetyl Hexapeptide-1, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-19, N-Prolyl Palmitoyl Tripeptide-56 Acetate | Dermstore | Amazon.ca | Arnica Montana Flower Extract Steareth-20 (1,2) Tocopherol (0-3,0-3) Vitamin E |
| Beautycounter | Countertime Tripeptide Radiance Serum | N-Prolyl Palmitoyl Tripeptide-56 Acetate | Ulta | ||
| Timeless | Matrixyl 3000 | Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 | Timeless | Amazon.ca | |
| Timeless | Hydrating Eye Cream | Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 | Timeless | Amazon.ca | |
| Timeless | Matrixyl Synth 6 Serum | Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 | Timeless | Amazon.ca | |
| The Ordinary | Matrixyl 10% + HA | Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3 | The Ordinary | Amazon.ca | |
| The Ordinary | Argireline Solution 10% | Acetyle Hexapeptide-8 | The Ordinary | ||
| Peach & Lily | Copper Peptide Pro Firming Serum | Copper Tripeptide-1, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Tetrapeptide021, Tetrapeptide-30, Heptasodiu m Hexacarboyxymethyl Dipeptide-12, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Dipeptide-2, Tripeptide-1, Hexapeptide-9, Nonapeptide-1 | Ulta | ||
| Scinic | Peptide Ampoule 95 | Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 | Amazon.ca | Sweet Almond Oil (0,1-3) Triethanolamine (0,2) Fragrance | |
| Eva Naturals | Matrixyl 3000 Argireline Vitamin C Serum | Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 | Amazon.ca | ||
| Good Molecules | Super Peptide Serum | Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Copper Tripeptide-1 | Ulta | Berbamot Fruit Oil | |
| MANYO | Bifida Biome Complex Ampoule | Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Copper Tripeptide-1 | Sokoglam | Amazon.ca | |
| Clinique | Smart Wrinkle Correcting Serum | Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12 | Ulta |
My Night Time Skin Care Routine with Peptides
Feel free to reach out if you want to chat about other skin care ingredients!
Love Jojo ❤️
Skin and Permanent Makeup Specialists 
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