Beauty
The ultimate collagen-stimulating superstar.
Quite like fellow beauty herohyaluronic acid, peptides are naturally occurring in the skin.
Peptides are chains of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins, saysDr.
Jeannette Graf, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
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What Do Peptides Do For Skin?
At their essence, peptides help defend the skin against environmental aggressors and the physical effects of aging.
Graf echoes this, noting that peptides really shine in the anti-aging realm.
Whats more, theyre known toimprove the skins barrierwhile firming and refining it.
Peptides are messengers,Dr.
Peptides In Skin Care
Peptides are typically found in face creams, serums, and masks.
One perk worth noting is the ingredient is easy to fold into your current routine.
Peptides tend to be stable molecules that play nicely with others.
Lee agrees and notes that peptides are incredibly versatile and work well for all skin types.
Acne-prone skinshould opt for a lighter peptide cream serum, she says.
Dry skin typesshould watch for formulas that are alcohol-free and contain hyaluronic acid and/or ceramides.
This ensures that you have no missed areas, he tells Bustle.
Some skin care aficionados like to combine peptides with other hero ingredients, which is OK.
I get a lot of questions about layering skin care products, especially peptides andretinol, Lee says.
Its fine to use both in your routine, but apply the retinol first and only at night.
The formula also delivers soothingniacinamideand plumping hyaluronic acid, he adds, which keep your complexion calm and moisturized.
Experts:
Dr. Sandra Lee, M.D., aka Dr. Pimple Popper, board-certified dermatologist.
This article was originally published onNovember 8, 2021
