Peptides And What They Can Do For Your Skin
At COSMEDIX, we know that clean ingredients can make a big difference in skincare formulas. Buzz words and end-all-be-all ingredients rise and fall, but evidence is mounting about benefits that peptides may have for skin’s tone and firmness. Over at Vogue UK, consultant dermatologist Dr. Mary Sommerlad says that “There is good evidence that signal and carrier peptides can make skin look firmer and plumper, with a smoother texture… ”
What Are Peptides?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that can help build proteins and help skin produce more collagen. Skincare professionals and dermatologists divide peptides into a few categories, but carrier and signal peptides are most commonly used in non-injectable skincare treatments. Not just any product with a peptide ingredient is going to be your best skin solution, though. Read on for tips on best peptide practices, and for some of our favorite peptide-infused COSMEDIX skincare products.
Best Practices for Peptides
The Right Routine… the one that’s right for you, of course
The placement of a peptide in your skincare routine is going to impact its effectiveness. A cleanser with peptides, which gets washed off after use, might not do as much for your skin as it could. Instead, choose a peptide-infused product that soaks into the skin over time. Opt. for an AM/PM serum that stays on your skin all day or all night—we’ll discuss several of our COSMEDIX favorites, like Peptide Rich Defense AM/PM and Affirm Antioxidant Firming Serum, later on.
Peptide Ingredient Collabs
Peptides can work even more effectively to restore a plumper, firmer appearance to skin when they’re used in combination with other active ingredients. Vitamin C, Niacinamide, or Hyaluronic Acid can help peptides with less chance of irritating the skin. Carrier peptides are also quite effective when combined with a Copper Complex. Choose a serum that’s formulated with a combination of a peptide and another powerful ingredient that may address your particular skincare concerns.
Peptide-Rich COSMEDIX Products
If you’re looking to help improve your skin’s firmness and elasticity, here are some of our favorite COSMEDIX serum and hydrator skincare products to add to your routine plus a rundown of their key ingredients.
Peptide Rich Defense AM/PM Moisturizer with Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen
Lightweight and protective of the skin, this hydrating SPF 50 moisturizer is enriched with an Age-Defying Peptide, Trehalose, amino acids, and natural botanical extracts that help smooth the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Squalane works to instantly hydrate and sooth the skin while Trehalose locks in moisture for lasting hydration. This AM/PM Moisturizer is also a Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen, so it helps to defend your skin from UV Rays as well.
Affirm Antioxidant Firming Serum AM/PM
Peptides work well in combination with antioxidants, and our bestselling, supercharged Affirm Antioxidant Firming Serum is packed with powerful actives like Spin Trap Resveratrol and Vitamin E. The age-defying peptides in Affirm help to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles for softer, smoother-looking skin.
Lumi Crystal Liquid Crystal Lip Hydrator AM/PM
Peptides don’t just work on facial skin—they also help improve the look of lips! This opalescent Lip Hydrator is infused with Portulaca Pilosa Extract & Palmitotyl Tripeptide-38 that helps soften, plump, and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles on the lips. A blend of advanced technology and natural botanicals, this luxe, iridescent gloss delivers its unprecedented hydration with Liquid Crystal Technology and Brassica Alba Sprout Extract.
Cell ID Nutritive Defense Serum AM/PM
A powerful blend of peptides like Acetyl Tetrapeptide-22 and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 help rejuvenate, smooth, and firm the look of skin in this restorative Nutritive Defense System. Use Cell ID to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a more healthy-looking complexion.
Radiance Age Restorative Serum AM/PM
Another age-defying option for your morning or evening routine, Radiance is formulated with a blend of peptides as well as Spin Trap, which helps condition and protect skin from environmental stressors, and Alpha Lipoic Acid, which helps reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. COSMEDIX customers love Radiance, and many say that this powerhouse serum has been part of their skincare routine for years!
Meshell W. says “Another FAVORITE that I’ve been using for several years. It makes my skin so soft and supple. Works great under make-up. I’ve received many compliments on my skin since I started using Radiance… It’s a must-have in my morning skin routine. I’m 61 years old.”
Reboot Overnight Hydration Complex PM
With Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and Aloe to help soothe sensitive skin, this luxurious, lightweight serum absorbs quickly into the skin as it assists in smoothing skin’s texture. Reboot blends power-packed probiotics with peptides to help restore a radiant, healthy-looking complexion.