Peptides For Skin: What Are They, Benefits, And Side Effects

CSerums, lotions, night creams, emulsionsⁱ  , or be it any other skin care product, you will find that peptides are one of the most commonly used cosmetic ingredients. Peptides for skin serve multiple purposes, and there are so many reasons why they are found in almost all products.

Peptides naturally occur in the skin and are crucial for collagen production and skin rejuvenation. In other words, applying peptides to your skin can help it make collagen, giving you a youthful skin texture and reducing fine lines. Sounds intriguing, right? Read on to learn more about the benefits of peptides, what else they can do for your skin, and how to use them.

Know Your Ingredient: Peptide

What Is It?
A short chain of amino acids.

What Are Its Benefits?
Improves overall skin health, boosts collagen production, and reduces inflammation and anti-aging signs.

Who Can Use It?
Suitable for all skin types.

How Often?
Once a day in the form of a serum.

Caution
Avoid using products with AHAs along with peptides. Perform a patch test on the skin before use.

 

What Are Peptides?

Peptides are chains of amino acids and building blocks of proteins in your body. When amino acids combine in various formations, they create a variety of peptides. And when peptides are formed in a certain way, they create specific proteins.

If you are wondering why this information is important, read on.

Proteins are the most basic building blocks of your skin, organs, and tissues. And collagen is one of the most important proteins in your body. About 75%-80% of your skin is made up of collagen protein. You get a natural glow without using chemicals when you take in the naturally occurring peptides for skin from various food sources.

That’s why when your collagen production is optimal, your skin looks beautiful. And this is where peptides can help you—by boosting your collagen production and reducing skin-aging factors. Let’s explore this in detail.

What Do Peptides Do For Your Skin?

With age, the collagen production declines. As a result, your skin sags and loses its elasticity, and you get wrinkles. Incorporating peptides into your skin care routine can help to a great extent as they aid in moisturization and boost the skin barrier function. You can use both topical and oral peptides (which we’ve discussed later). Here’s how peptides help your aging skin:

1. They Have An Anti-Wrinkle Effect On Your Skin

In a double-blindⁱ  clinical study, researchers studied 20 women between the ages of 40 and 62 years. They were given a formula containing 3% collagen-like peptide and 1% booster molecule. They applied the gel on their eye area for four weeks. The results showed a significant reduction in the surface as well as the depth of wrinkles (1).

2. They Help Reduce Erythema

Erythema or redness of the skin may occur due to a variety of reasons, including infection, inflammation, or increased blood flow in your superficial capillaries.

A six- month study on 20 subjects found that both Carnosine (a dipeptide molecule) and N- acetylcarnosine (related to the dipeptide Carnosine) can help reduce erythema when applied to the skin. The researchers also found that these two peptides had antioxidant properties (2).

3. It Improves Skin Firmness And Elasticity

In two separate studies, each examining the anti-wrinkle and anti-sagging effects of Trifluoroacetyl-tripeptide-2, it was found that this peptide improved skin firmness and elasticity and reduced skin sagging (2).

4. They Have Anti-Inflammatory Effects

According to a study, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 has anti-inflammatory effects on your skin. It suggests that this peptide reduces the secretion of IL-6, thus decreasing inflammation after UVB exposure. A blend of palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 and palmitoyl oligopeptide also improves the extracellular matrix structure (a network of extracellular macromoleculesⁱ  including glycoproteinsⁱ  , enzymes, and collagen that supports the cells) (2).

There are about hundreds of peptides out there. However, only a few are used for skin care. Here’s a breakdown.

Best Peptides For Your Skin

Topical peptides are mainly classified as:

1. Carrier Peptides

These are X-50 Myocept, Copper Peptides, etc.

Carrier peptides help in carrying stabilized trace elements like manganese and copper to your skin. These trace elements help in boosting collagen development, improve your skin elasticity, promote cellular renewal and aid in wound healing (2). This may aid dull and aging skin repair. Copper peptides are commonly used in anti-aging skin care.

2. Neurotransmitter Inhibitor Peptides

These are XEP-30, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-28 Argireline, Syn-Ake, etc.

Neurotransmitter inhibitor peptides inhibit your muscle contraction, giving your skin a botox-like effect and aiding the wrinkle reduction process. If your muscles do not contract, there is no scope for wrinkle formation. However, this peptide only works on the wrinkles formed by the expression lines and not the ones caused by pollution, sun exposure, and other factors (2).

3. Enzyme Inhibitor Peptides

These are Trylagen, Trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2, Silk fibroin peptides, Soybean peptides, etc.

These peptides inhibit all the enzymes that break down collagen in your skin. In this way, your skin ages slowly. Most of these peptides usually prohibit the functions of Matrix Metalloproteinases or MMPs. This is a group of enzymes that break down collagen when it develops rapidly (2).

4. Signal Peptides

These are Palmitoyl Oligopeptide-7, Copper Peptides, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Matrixyl-3000, etc.

As the name suggests, these peptides usually send signals to the skin to boost the production of elastin, collagen, and any other protein that the skin might need to stay fresh and young.

Various experts also list down a few other peptides such as palmitoyl peptides, matrixyl peptides, hexapeptides, pentapeptides, neuropeptides that possess great skin absorption properties and are extremely beneficial for skin health but the research is limited regarding these.

Quick Tip

While choosing skin care products containing peptides, pick those whose use involves prolonged contact with the skin, such as serums and moisturizers, for optimum benefits.

Now, the question is, how do you get these peptides? Here’s a list of foods you can include in your diet to increase the peptide content in your system.

1. Milk

Milk is one of the most abundant sources of dietary peptides. The bioactive peptides contained in milk were the first food-derived peptides that were widely studied. Milk is rich in whey protein and casein. After digestion, both these components can be processed into a number of peptides that have antimicrobial and therapeutic benefits (3). Just be careful as dairy consumption can cause inflammation. Choose organic and grass-fed varieties as much as possible.

Quick Tip

You can also use raw milk topically for skin care by applying it as a toner, an exfoliant, or a moisturizer.

2. Eggs

These are rich sources of dietary peptides. The peptides IRW and IQW have anti-inflammatory properties and also contain antioxidants.

3. Soybean

Soybean and many other beans contain peptides that are associated with numerous health benefits. A study claims that soybean peptides have antioxidant and anti-fatigue properties. It also claims that soybean peptide can increase Type I collagen in your body (4).

4. Fish And Meat

Fish, especially marine fish, is a rich source of essential peptides and proteins. The peptides in fish can prevent photoaging of the skin. The fish bones and skin are especially rich in collagen. Marine-derived collagen is mostly used in skin care products and is a very effective free radical scavenger (5).

Even meat, such as pork, beef, and chicken, is a rich source of bioactive peptides (6).

Nutrition is key to get healthy and glowing skin. Oral intake of peptides through food and supplements improves collagen synthesis and skin hydration levels and repairs your skin’s natural barrier (7).

Side Effects Of Peptides

When you start using peptide products, you may notice some side effects and symptoms. These include:

• Redness
• Inflammation
• Itching
• Rash

To avoid this, always make sure to do a patch test before using a product. Also, before using any peptide, make sure to find out whether you are allergic to it or not. It is better to consult a dermatologist before using any skin care product.

If you are wondering whether you can use retinol with topical peptides, then check out the section below.

Can You Use Peptides And Retinol Together?

Using peptides and retinol together in your skin care routine can be beneficial, but it is essential to do so carefully. Combining these ingredients may enhance their effectiveness in addressing various skin concerns, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and collagen production.

Research supporting the simultaneous use of peptides and retinol is limited, but anecdotal studies suggest positive outcomes. The key is to introduce them gradually into your skin care routine to minimize any potential irritation. Start with a lower concentration of retinol and observe how your skin responds. Always use sunscreen during the day after using retinol, as this ingredient may increase your skin’s sensitivity to UV rays. Consult a dermatologist for personalized guidance on incorporating peptides and retinol into your skin care regimen safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are peptides better than retinol?

According to anecdotal evidence, no. Retinol increases the turnover of skin cells, and its effectiveness is backed by scientific studies (8).

When should peptides be used on skin?

Apply a peptide-based skin product after an exfoliating toner and before face oils or moisturizers to enhance your skin’s youthful appearance. Peptide-containing serums and moisturizers can be helpful.

Can you use vitamin C and peptides together?

Yes. Vitamin C, niacinamideⁱ  , and antioxidants work well with peptides.

Which is better: ceramides or peptides?

Depends on individual preference. There is a lack of scientific evidence that suggests one product is better than the other. Both ceramides and peptides help boost the skin’s natural barrier and keep it hydrated.

Are peptides better than vitamin C?

Depends on personal preference. No scientific evidence supports the idea that one product is better than another. Both vitamin C and peptides help your skin look luminous and rejuvenated.