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 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.
