Are Peptides Better Than Retinol?
When you hear the word retinol, it’s difficult to think of any other skin ingredient that can have a chance at coming close to competing with such a potent powerhouse. Having said that, peptides have recently had a flurry in popularity, with many of us choosing to reach for a blend of these skin restoring, amino acids instead of retinol. The question is, however, are peptides better than retinol? Let’s investigate and find out more!
Can peptides be used with retinol?
Yes, they can! Both are effective wrinkle-busting ingredients and each work on the skin in similar ways. When it comes to introducing both into your everyday skincare routine its considered best to start with using one for one or two, then introduce the second ingredient once the skin has built some tolerance. Due to the fact they are perfectly safe to use together, teaming peptides and retinol together will result in an impactful routine, with the potent anti-ageing benefits of retinoids combating fine lines and wrinkles and peptides providing an extra boost of nourishment to the skin surface.
The main difference between peptides and retinol is the number of studies, there is an extensive amount of knowledge about retinoids. As for peptides we are still unsure about how exactly they work on the skin. If you are looking for an anti-ageing ingredient that will remain gentle peptides have been known to provide the best results, especially if you are prone to dryness and sensitivity.
If you are wanting to know more about peptides, you can check out our blog post about what peptides are and what their skincare benefits are.
What do peptides do for face?
Peptides, also called polypeptides are naturally occurring in the skin, which probably explains why they are found in a vast selection of skincare products. With peptides being amino acids, they can make up the protein of the skin and stimulate the lower layers of the dermis to make collagen leading to firmer, younger looking skin. Even with peptides being present in the body, topical application is another effective way of boosting collagen production, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and improving the skin barrier.
Is there anything better than retinol?
Yes and no, when it comes to skincare ingredients that really pack a punch, you won’t find many more powerful than retinol. The trouble you may encounter is because retinol is one of the most potent skin ingredients it can often result in common side effects such as severe dryness, flaking patches of skin, redness, and irritation. Because of this, many who suffer from sensitive and dry skin find retinoids to be too harsh for the skin so instead opt for retinol alternatives, the most common being bakuchiol. This vegan, anti-ageing natural ingredient provides the same powerful benefits as retinol without the drying side effects.
There is a full dedicated blog post about bakuchiol over on our blog so check it out for more information.
What should you not use peptides with?
It is often considered that using peptides with acids, such as AHAs and BHAs can often lead to the potent acid breaking down the bonds of peptides rendering them useless. With the acids containing a low pH level the risk of oxidation on the skin can occur if the wrong combination of peptides and acids are layered. This doesn’t however mean you are not able to use acid and peptides in the same skincare routine, it would just be a case of alternating the time of day you apply them. If you wanted my advice, I would suggest using the peptides in the morning, followed with acids during your evening routine.
Are peptides good for anti-ageing?
Yes, they are, as I have already mentioned the way peptides work on the skin, they still deliver notable and effective results. This is because peptides are made up of short chains of amino acids that build the protein in the skin. They can penetrate the top layer of the skin and can communicate with the cells found in the lower layers of the skin telling them to boost the production of collagen. With the added benefit of collagen production, the surface of the skin will appear firmer, smoother, and more youthful looking.
What goes first peptides or retinol?
You should first apply retinol to the skin as this will allow it to speed up the skin cell turn over leaving you with a fresher more vibrant complexion. By layering a serum or moisturiser enriched with peptides on top will not only nourish the skin but will reenforce the anti-ageing benefits for the skin.
It is important that you build your skin’s tolerance so using peptide and retinol together should be a slow process, by using this powerful duo together this way will result in an overall improvement of the skin with minimal side effects.
When should I use peptides?
You should consider using peptides when you notice the following.
Fine lines and wrinkles on the surface of the skin
Weakened skin barrier that is prone to damage
Dehydrated and dry skin
Flare-ups in inflammations
The way in which peptides work are in three main ways; signal peptides, carrier peptides and those that contain nerve signals. With each of these categories acting as a bilingual messenger informing the skin cells to kick start the collagen production boosting the firmness of the skin. Here is an example of how some of the main skincare benefits you can expect to see when introducing peptides into your routine.
The skincare benefits of peptides Strengthen the skin barrier- the skin will have the ability to improve the skin barrier enabling it to protect itself from free radical aggressors. Boosts collagen production- with the cell communicating benefits of peptides collage production is boosted. Locks in hydration- as we age, we tend to become dehydrated more frequently which can often lead to the skin appearing older than it is. Contains anti-inflammatory properties- peptides are packed with antioxidants that can help calm and soothe the skin from any inflammation So, there you have a little more information about peptide and retinol and trying to figure out which is better. Luckily for us all they are in fact the perfect skin match and provide optimal results to a younger, healthier, and happier looking skin. Don’t forget if you have a questions do give us a follow on Instagram.
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.
