Can Peptides Give You Plump, Youthful-Looking Skin?

As skin care continues to innovate, something new has been filling the shelves. But they’re not just in serums and moisturizers, they’re even in powders and coffee creamers; we’re talking about collagen peptides!

While collagen peptides are found in our own bodies, emerging research on their benefits is still quite recent. So, how do collagen peptides support healthy skin, and how can we use them? Most importantly, do collagen peptides really give you plump, youthful-looking skin? Let’s find out!

Just when it seems beauty buzzwords are not dropping as fast as viral memes, another one is trending before it even hits your ‘gram or ‘For You’ page. This scroll around, we have peptides, and wait until you hear what these anti-aging powerhouses can do for your skin!

You have probably heard of peptides or perhaps you've seen them listed on countless ads or product packages, but you may have no idea what they actually are and what these short chain of amino acids do – until now!

What Are Peptides?
Peptides, also known as collagen peptides, are tiny pieces of protein from collagen. More specifically, peptides are a type of amino acid that builds up collagen with three polypeptide chains. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, including keratin, elastin, and, mostly, collagen.

What Do Peptides Do?
Collagen is one of the most important materials in our skin. Think of it as the building blocks of our skin and body; hair, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. In our skin specifically, it keeps things plump and firm while preventing sagging.

Think of peptides as tiny couriers to our skin cells, sending messages that enable them to communicate more efficiently. These messages direct skin cells to hold their horses on the signs of aging and to encourage layers of skin to act younger for plumper, rejuvenated-looking skin. Let’s keep these messengers around!

Where Are Peptides Found?
Our bodies produce collagen naturally. However, the production slows as we age over time. That leads to fine lines, wrinkles, and a reduction in bounciness. While aging is a perfectly natural process that’s a privilege to experience, it’s certainly valid to want to age gracefully. Collagen peptides may be able to help with this.

These tiny but mighty ingredients also promote cellular repair, hydrate the skin, and provide antioxidant protection. Plant peptides are widely used in skin care, and are a popular option for vegan-friendly formulas. They can be found in peas, oat kernels, yeast, and more.

How do collagen peptides work, and why should we use them in the first place? As mentioned above, collagen production in our skin slows down over time. But how do peptides help?

To put it simply, peptides are a bit tricky. They’re not going to replenish collagen in the body the way a moisturizer helps replenish dry skin. Instead, peptides work a bit more like “signals” which alert your skin to trigger the healing process. And when the skin heals itself, it’s going to create more collagen for making repairs.

Typically, peptides are depleted by the classic aging factors in our environment. These include UV damage, stress, smoking, and free radicals. For those with premature aging in the skin, peptides can help alert it to create more collagen (and possibly hyaluronic acid). That can help restore the skin barrier and promote plumpness.

Here’s another twist: not all peptides are created equal. In fact, there are hundreds of different peptides, and certain types of peptides are more effective for the skin.

For example, some peptides specialize in delivering minerals to the skin. Those are known as “carrier” peptides. On the other hand, “enzyme inhibitor” peptides slow down the skin’s collagen breakdown process.

Then, there are “signal” peptides. Those work to promote the building of proteins like collagen and elastin. Finally, “neurotransmitter” peptides block the chemical reactions known to cause muscle contractions in the face which lead to wrinkles.

According to experts, peptides can actually be quite effective in skin care, specifically for promoting plumper, more youthful skin. In one Korean clinical trial in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22 healthy women ages 40-60 were given a peptide complex treatment. During that time, their face and neck wrinkles were assessed and proteins in the skin were tracked over two weeks.

From this trial, it was confirmed that peptide complexes are effective as an anti-wrinkle cosmetic ingredient. Wrinkles faded noticeably in the subjects. However, it’s important to choose the right peptide skin care. This means considering a few factors.

First, make sure you’re choosing a product that stays on the skin. Consider a serum or moisturizer over a cleanser, which just rinses off. It’s also important to consider any additional ingredients in the product alongside the peptides. This is because peptides tend to work well alongside ingredients like vitamin C, niacinamide, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acid. However, AHAs can actually weaken their effects.

Additionally, it may be worth going for products that contain copper peptides specifically. That’s because they help to not only boost collagen production but may even help maintain collagen over time.

Aside from peptide skin care, there’s a good chance you’ve seen at least one supplement brand offer collagen peptides you can ingest. They may have been gummies, a powder, or even a coffee creamer. But what are peptides in food and do they work if you ingest them?

When we ask these questions, there are several factors to consider. Some of them almost conflict with each other.

For instance, collagen peptides absorb fairly easily into the body, especially when compared to collagen supplements. This is because while both are made of the same amino acids, peptides consist of shorter chains. That makes them more digestible. However, experts are still not certain as to how much of a collagen peptide product is actually absorbed into the bloodstream.

As for the research, there have been studies indicating that collagen supplements can promote elasticity in the skin. However, many of these have been funded by private companies selling them. That calls the studies into question for bias.

Even still, one 2019 review from the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology found that collagen could increase elasticity and moisture, as data showed in a few double-blind placebo-controlled studies. In short, it’s still up for debate whether collagen peptides work as a supplement.

Nonetheless, dermatologists consider collagen peptides to be a safe skin care ingredient. While it’s still uncertain whether edible peptides work, the research behind topical peptides is promising.

Ultimately, the products best for your own daily regimen will depend on your skin type. Still, there are a few skin care staples everyone should try – and peptides are one of them!

Here are the best three daily products to boost your skin care routine. They all contain quinoa peptides, which improve skin resilience and firmness.

#1 100% PURE Mushroom Peptide Serum
We know their medicinal properties and as culinary delights – but as a skin care ingredient with peptides!? Yes, mushrooms and peppy peptides are setting off a ‘shroom boom in our Mushroom Peptide Serum! Concentrated with 11 different skin beneficial, medicinal mushrooms, this serum features quinoa peptides that increase firmness and elasticity by triggering skin to produce more collagen and elastin.

#2 Puristry Flower Water Toner
We all know a rose is the flower of love, but it’s also an amazing skin care ingredient known for hydrating, skin-soothing benefits. This face toner employs undiluted floral ingredients like rose hydrosol, calendula hydrosol, and witch hazel to calm and clarify skin for a healthy glow. Quinoa peptides quench thirsty skin cells , while hyaluronic acid replenishes supple hydration while delivering nutrients deep into skin.

#3 Puristry Seaberry Moisturizer
If you’ve ever wanted a silky smooth facial moisturizer that doubles as a complexion booster, here’s your answer! This anti-aging formula is non-greasy and easily absorbable and flaunts a phytonutrient-rich anti-aging resume. Its star ingredients, seaberry, packs a heavy dose of many omegas and 12 times more vitamin C than an orange for a more radiant, youthful complexion, plus quinoa peptides help to increase the vitality, health and radiance of your complexion.

Hopefully, we've painted a picture of just how powerful peptides can be! While we know, peptides are essential throughout the body for biological functions, they can actually be quite effective in skin care, especially if you're looking to improve your skin's firmness.

However, it’s important to choose where peptides will work best in your skin care regimen. Start with natural formulas (hint, hint). Then, gradually move into more peptide-infused skin care for promoting plumper, more youthful skin all-around.

What exactly are peptides, and how do they work in skincare?

Peptides are essentially short chains of amino acids, which are the fundamental building blocks of proteins such as collagen, elastin, and keratin. These proteins are crucial for your skin's health, giving it elasticity, strength, and resilience. In skincare, peptides function as messengers, signaling skin cells to perform specific tasks like producing more collagen. This signal becomes important as we age since collagen production naturally decreases over time, leading to more noticeable signs of aging. By applying peptides topically through skincare products, they trick the skin into thinking there's a collagen breakdown or skin injury happening, therefore boosting its collagen production, and in turn, leading to firmer, smoother, and more youthful-looking skin.

Can peptides really make the skin look more youthful?

Absolutely. Peptides are recognized for their role in enhancing skin's youthful appearance. By stimulating the production of collagen, peptides can significantly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, which are key signs of aging. Additionally, the increase in collagen helps improve skin texture, making it smoother and firmer. Furthermore, peptides also help in skin healing and repair, thus contributing to an overall youthful radiance. Regular use of peptide-infused skincare products can result in skin that not only looks younger but is also healthier and more resilient against environmental stressors.

How effective are peptides compared to other anti-aging ingredients?

Peptides are one of the most effective anti-aging ingredients, particularly known for their ability to boost collagen production. While they work through a different mechanism than other anti-aging heroes like retinoids (which accelerate skin renewal and collagen production) and vitamin C (an antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals and helps in collagen synthesis), peptides can complement these ingredients well. Incorporating peptides into a skincare routine that already includes retinoids and antioxidants can provide a more holistic approach to tackling signs of aging. Each ingredient targets different aging concerns, and when used together, they can enhance each other’s benefits, leading to more comprehensive anti-aging results.

What types of peptides are used in skincare, and are some types more effective?

There are several types of peptides used in skincare, each serving different functions. Signal peptides, for instance, send messages to cells to produce more collagen and elastin. Carrier peptides deliver trace minerals to the skin to boost collagen, and enzyme inhibitor peptides work to slow down the skin's natural breakdown of collagen. Finally, neurotransmitter inhibitor peptides help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by inhibiting muscle contractions. The effectiveness of each type of peptide can vary depending on the specific skin concern being addressed. For instance, signal peptides are especially effective for overall anti-aging and skin firmness, whereas neurotransmitter inhibitor peptides are more targeted towards reducing expression lines and wrinkles.

Can peptides help with skin concerns other than aging, such as dryness or acne?

Yes, peptides are versatile and can address a range of skin concerns beyond just aging. Some peptides are known for their hydrating properties, making them excellent for treating dry skin. They work by enhancing the skin's natural moisture-retention processes, helping to keep it hydrated and plump. In terms of acne, certain peptides have antimicrobial properties, making them beneficial in combating acne-causing bacteria, reducing inflammation, and promoting healing. Moreover, because of their ability to boost collagen and strengthen the skin barrier, peptides can also help in the repair and maintenance of acne-damaged skin, reducing the appearance of acne scars and improving skin texture.