Creating a good skin care routine starts with understanding the ingredients that will benefit you the most. And when it comes to anti-aging goals, there are a few ingredients that can be especially effective. You may have heard of collagen peptides, which many skin care enthusiasts claim can provide a glowing complexion. But what are peptides in skin care, exactly? And what do collagen peptides do?
Read on to learn more about how peptides work in skin care products, how they can be used alongside other hero ingredients like ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid, and why you may want to add them to your everyday lineup.
What Are Peptides in Skin Care?
Peptides, or collagen peptides, are short chains of amino acids that help to build complexion-plumping proteins, like elastin and collagen.
When used topically in serums and moisturizers, peptides can help to strengthen your skin's barrier function and improve its texture. According to the Mayo Clinic, they do this by encouraging skin cells to build more collagen and elastin, which, in turn, helps your skin look and feel more youthful. This makes peptides a great tool for tackling signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of firmness, as well as soothing and improving overall hydration. They're also particularly beneficial to strengthen a compromised skin barrier.
While peptides are effective on their own, they work best when used in conjunction with other skin-strengthening ingredients, like soothing Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, and antioxidants. Peptides generally pair well with most skin care ingredients thanks to their hydrating and soothing nature. This makes them particularly good at counteracting the irritation caused by harsher ingredients. That said, peptides and alpha-hydroxy acids don't mix and can actually make peptides work less efficiently.
Can Peptides Be Used Every Day?
Peptides can be easily introduced into your daily skin care products and are generally safe for everyday use in your morning or nighttime routine. Peptides are often added to products to create a more skin-tolerant formula that keeps your dermis healthy and balanced. The EltaMD PM Therapy Facial Moisturizer uses small rice protein peptides to penetrate your skin and stimulate cell growth and collagen formation. At the same time, Niacinamide and antioxidants improve skin color and tone while encouraging nighttime skin repair. This advanced moisturizer uses ceramides to strengthen the skin's natural moisture barrier, keeping water in and bacteria and infection out. As a result, your skin brightens and wrinkles fade. Before bed, cleanse your face and slather on the moisturizer—and let it work its magic as you sleep.
If you're concerned about signs of aging around your eye area, you could also add the EltaMD Renew Eye Gel to your arsenal of trusted products. This soothing gel combines special peptides with the humectant Hyaluronic Acid to support your skin's matrix and help prevent loss of elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Now that you know more about collagen peptides and their benefits, you can make more confident and informed decisions about your skin care. This will also help you get and maintain the results you crave. So, what are you waiting for? Start using skin-boosting peptides today and enjoy supple, luminous skin in no time.
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