Can Copper Peptides Replace Retinol?
When it comes to using retinol in your skincare, you’ll be hard pressed to find another ingredient that is able to deliver the same level of results. Having said that, copper peptides have gained a reputation for several decades for their skin restoring benefits. It’s not been until recent years that the similarities between copper peptides and retinol have been noticed.
The main question today is, can copper peptides replace retinol? Let’s dive in and find out more about both these powerhouse ingredients and hopefully clear a few things up!
Can copper peptides replace retinol?
Yes, they can! Copper peptides are tripeptides which means they are short chains of amino acids. This makes them essential for maintaining the overall skin structure by boosting the production of collagen and elastin. They are also packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory copper peptides are an overall remarkable ingredient that provide many benefits.
You will also find that they do not exfoliate the skin, but instead work in a similar way to retinol by increasing the skin cell turnover resulting in an all over fresh, healthy, and glowing complexion. The main difference you’ll find is that they don’t have the same level of skin irritation as retinol, which is one of the common side effects you experience when you first introduce retinol into your skincare routine.
Which is better copper peptides or retinol?
The jury is still out on this debate, with many favouring copper peptides and others retinol. With both ingredients providing similar benefits for the skin, you’ll often find many prefer to use copper peptides and retinol together in their routine.
One of the main factors that help people determine which ingredient to use is the fact that unlike retinol, copper peptides are unable to improve the texture of the skin. If you are wanting to improve the smoothness of your skin, reduce the pigmentation of dark spots and hyperpigmentation then retinol is the ingredient for you. Another factor to consider is the fact that copper peptides are generally considered quite an expensive ingredient, resulting in the formulas they are blended in to come with a large price tag.
Skincare benefits of copper peptides
Soothe and calm irritation to the skin with anti-inflammatory properties
Promote the production of elastin and collagen in the lower layers of the skin
Helps to speed up the recovery of surface wounds and heal scars
Increase the speed of the natural skin cell cycle, revealing fresh, healthy skin cells
Skincare benefits of retinol
Reduce the signs of premature ageing, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity
Fades the pigmentation of dark spots and areas of hyperpigmentation
Speeds up the natural skin cell cycle revealing newer, brighter skin
Improves the overall skin texture making it appear smoother
There you have some examples of the main benefits of retinol and copper peptides. Deciding on which is better really boils down to you and your skin type. If you ever have any questions, there are a variety of skincare and medical experts that would clear up some of the confusion. I would also suggest you perform a patch test for 24 hours before applying any new product formulations on the skin.
Can copper peptides be used with retinoids? Yes, they can, but with caution, I would advise you to alternate their application to different evenings throughout the week. You can also opt for applying copper peptides in the morning, following your night-time routine with a retinol enriched product. The only problem you may encounter with this is the fact that this potent duo can be too harsh on the skin surface. To avoid this its best to consult with a doctor or dermatologist to ensure you are using your products correctly. Are peptides as effective as retinol? Yes and no, this really depends on the needs you have and areas of concern you are wanting to target. There’s no denying that retinol is one skin ingredient that can have quite the impact on your skin. Peptides however are far less aggressive on the skin and provide anti-ageing results from making the skin feel firmer and fine lines being smoothed out. It’s no wonder that many beauty brands are making the decision to include copper peptides in their formulas instead of retinol. The bonus of peptides in formulations is the fact that those with a sensitive skin have the opportunity to experience similar benefits as retinol. Something they would have missed out on previously due to the potent vitamin A being too harsh on the skin. Peptides are easily tolerated by other ingredients and so including them into your daily routine is a much simpler task, this probably explains why many are making the switch from retinol enriched products to those containing peptides. How often should I use copper peptides? You can use copper peptides twice a day in your skincare routine. Although they deliver a few effective skin results single handily, many skincare experts suggest you use them in conjunction with other formulas, such as moisturisers and hydrating serums, especially if they are enriched in ingredients such as hyaluronic acid. When teaming this cocktail of ingredients together you are strengthening the protective skin barrier, ensuring it is able to combat any exposure to free radical damage. What goes on first peptides or retinol? If you are wanting the best out this collagen boosting skin duo many opt to team them together during their evening routine. First you should apply your retinol product and allow 30 minutes for it to absorb into the skin. This will also ensure the pH levels of the skin will become balanced and prepared for the application of your peptide enriched moisturiser. By using retinol first and following it with peptides you’ll find the skin is able to combat signs of ageing and uneven skin tone without the severe dryness often caused by retinol because of the calming properties of copper peptides. Don’t forget to follow this in the morning with an SPF of 30 and above to keep the skin protected. There you have it, hopefully you now have a better understanding of copper peptides and whether they can replace retinol. Don’t forget you can find out more over on our Instagram, so come and give us a follow!
DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
