Can Hyaluronic Acid and Peptides Work Together?
The beauty of hyaluronic acid is that it’s one of the very few ingredients that can work synergistically with other ingredients without causing irritation, even those known strong ingredients that can sometimes irritate the skin.
Peptides are also skincare ingredients that often work well when combined with other ingredients. The question is: do the pair work well together?
We’re going to explore just that in today’s blog post. Before we dive in, let’s take a quick look at the benefits of peptides and hyaluronic acid and how they work to keep your skin healthy and happy.
What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid for skin care?
The moisturizing properties ensure that the skin retains moisture and the protective barrier remains as healthy as possible.
Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Rejuvenates the skin and provides a smoother texture. Stimulates skin cell regeneration for a healthier complexion. Reduces signs of hyperpigmentation, dark spots and acne scars. Improves overall skin clarity. If you’d like to learn more about hyaluronic acid, check out our dedicated blog post on this clever moisturizer. What are the benefits of peptides for skin care? Improves the skin barrier and protects against damage caused by free radicals such as pollution and UV rays. Signs of wrinkles are reduced and skin looks plumper and firmer. It has antimicrobial properties, which means it kills acne-causing bacteria. It relieves inflammation and repairs skin damage. It stimulates the production of underlying collagen and elastin. There is a lot more to know about peptides. So don’t forget to read our more detailed blog post on what to expect. Can Hyaluronic Acid and Peptides Be Used Together? Yes, hyaluronic acid and peptides can be used together. The two form a potent combination that keeps the skin working effectively while ensuring that the protective barrier remains healthy and in optimal condition.
With the help of peptides working on the underlying layers, collagen production is boosted and ensures plump, youthful skin. You will also find that using a peptide serum can benefit hyaluronic acid as it attracts the moisture present in the formula and holds it in place.
What Not to Mix with Peptides?
There are some skin-friendly ingredients that can be mixed with peptides, but others should be avoided. Here are some examples of effective partnerships:
Don’t mix peptides and acids. Exfoliating acids, such as glycolic, lactic, and other alpha hydroxy acids, as well as the popular beta hydroxy acid salicylic acid, should not be mixed with peptides. This is because these acids can break the bonds that make up the amino acid chains in the peptides. As a result, they are unable to transfer their benefits to the skin.
Retinol and Peptide Blends. Since retinol is known for its high potency, only a few ingredients can typically be combined with it. However, peptides are an effective partner that actually helps improve the penetration of retinoid formulations when applied to the skin’s surface.
Because retinol is quickly absorbed into the skin and the nourishing effects of the peptides take effect, your complexion looks revitalized, plumper, and more youthful.
As with all skincare ingredients, it is important to perform a 24-hour patch test before applying any new formula to your face. If you have additional concerns, it is best to consult a doctor or healthcare professional to avoid unnecessary skin irritation.
What should not be taken with hyaluronic acid?
There are very few skincare ingredients that cannot be mixed with hyaluronic acid. Most over-the-counter products typically contain at least 2% hyaluronic acid in their formulas. That’s because HA works well with almost all ingredients.
Believe it or not, the only ingredient that can interfere with the effectiveness of HA is HA itself, as applying too much topically can lead to overdosing your moisturizer and causing moisture loss from your skin.
The layers underneath can pull in the skin, which can cause dry skin over time.
How long does it take for peptides to work?
The first time you try a peptide-rich product, you’ll notice a change in your overall complexion. Apply a serum to your skin.
With continued use, texture and radiance are noticeably improved, and signs of premature aging are reduced with a rich, nourishing amino acid. After about 3-6 months, you’ll see the full benefits of the peptides and their effects on your skin.
How do peptides work with your skin?
You can apply peptides to your skin twice a day. They effectively moisturize the surface of your skin, ensuring that the protective barrier remains as healthy as possible and can protect itself from possible damage.
Examples include exposure to UV rays, pollution, and other free radicals. Peptides are often found in products like serums and moisturizers. A basic rule of thumb for skin care is to make sure you apply products in the correct order, from thinnest to thickest. This means applying these products later in your routine, as serums and moisturizers are thicker than cleansers, toners, etc.
Do peptides tighten your skin?
Yes, peptides work in the lower layers of the skin to increase and stimulate collagen production. Over time, this can cause skin to appear tighter and show signs of aging, such as wrinkles. b.
Loss of elasticity, causing the skin to sag, especially around the chin and cheek areas. Many skin care experts recommend layering peptide products with other products containing retinol for a truly effective routine. Be careful when applying
Make sure to always apply the product upwards, not downwards, as this counteracts the effects of gravity on the skin.
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.
