Can Copper Peptides Replace Retinol?
When you use retinol in your skincare routine, you’ll be hard-pressed to find another ingredient that achieves the same results. For decades, however, copper peptides have gained a reputation for their skin-repairing properties.
The similarity between copper peptides and retinol was not noticed until the last few years. The main question today: Can Copper Peptides Replace Retinol? Let’s dive in to learn more about these two powerful ingredients and
hopefully clear things up!
Can Copper Peptides Replace Retinol?
Yes, you can! Copper peptides are tripeptides, which means they are short chains of amino acids. This makes them essential for maintaining overall skin structure by boosting collagen and elastin production.
They’re also rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory copper peptides, an overall remarkable ingredient with many benefits. You’ll also find that instead of exfoliating the skin, they work in a similar way to retinol, by
increasing skin cell turnover for an overall fresh, healthy and radiant complexion.
The main difference is that they don’t have the same level of skin irritation as retinol, one of the most common side effects when first incorporating retinol into your skincare routine. Which is better, copper peptides or
retinol?
The discussion of this debate continues, with many preferring copper peptides to other retinols. Since both ingredients have similar skin benefits, you’ll often find that many people prefer to use both copper peptides and
retinol in their daily routine.
One of the main factors that help people decide which ingredient to use is that, unlike retinol, copper peptides do not improve skin texture. If you’re looking to improve the smoothness of your skin and reduce dark spot
hyperpigmentation and hyperpigmentation, retinol is the ingredient for you.
Another factor to consider is that copper peptides are generally considered a rather expensive ingredient, meaning that recipes that incorporate them carry a hefty price tag. Skin care benefits of copper peptides
Increases the speed of skin’s natural cell cycle to reveal fresh, healthy skin cells. Skincare Benefits of Retinol. Reduces signs of premature aging such as fine lines, wrinkles and loss of elasticity. Lightens hyperpigmentation
in dark spots and hyperpigmented areas
Accelerates skin’s natural cell cycle to reveal renewed, more radiant skin. Improves overall skin texture for a smoother appearance. Here are some examples of key benefits of retinol and copper peptides. Deciding which is better
really depends on you and your skin type.
If you have any questions, many skin care and medical experts are available to answer your questions. I also recommend that you do a 24-hour patch test before applying any new product formulation to your skin.
Can copper peptides be used with retinoids?
Yes, it’s possible, but I’d recommend prudently rotating your application on different nights of the week.
You also have the option of applying copper peptides in the morning, followed by a retinol-rich product in the evening after your daily regimen. The only problem you might have is that this mighty duo can be too rough on the
skin’s surface.
To avoid this, it is best to consult a doctor or dermatologist to make sure you are using the product correctly. Are peptides as effective as retinol? Yes or no, it really depends on your needs and the problem domain you want
to solve.
There’s no denying that retinol is one skin ingredient that has a remarkable impact on the skin. Peptides, however, are much less irritating to the skin and may provide anti-aging benefits by tightening the skin and smoothing
fine lines. It’s no wonder many beauty brands have decided to add copper peptides to their formulas instead of retinol.
The advantage of the peptides in the formula is that people with sensitive skin have the opportunity to experience benefits similar to those of retinol. They may have missed something before because the powerful vitamin A was
too harsh on the skin.
Peptides are easily tolerated by other ingredients, making it easier to incorporate them into your daily routine. This may explain why many people switch from retinol-rich products to those containing peptides.
How often should I use Copper Peptides?
You can use copper peptides twice a day in your skin care routine. While they can produce some potent skin benefits in the blink of an eye, many skincare experts recommend combining them with other formulas like moisturizers
and moisturizing serums, especially when they’re fortified with ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
By combining this blend of ingredients, you strengthen your skin’s protective barrier and ensure it can counteract any free radical stress.
What belongs to the first peptide or retinol?
When looking to get the most out of this collagen-boosting skin duo, many choose to combine them in their evening routine.
First, you should apply a retinol product and leave it on for 30 minutes to allow it to absorb into the skin. This will also ensure that the pH of the skin is balanced and preps it for a peptide-rich moisturizer.
If you start with the retinol and then add the peptides, you’ll find that, thanks to the soothing properties of the copper peptides, the skin is able to fight signs of aging and uneven skin tone without the severe dryness that
retinol often causes. Don’t forget to protect your skin with SPF 30 or higher sunscreen in the morning.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
