Can I use Hyaluronic Acid and Peptides Together?
The beauty of hyaluronic acid, is the fact it is one of the very few ingredients that can work with other ingredients without causing irritation, even those known for being potent and sometimes harsh on the skin. As for peptides, they are also a skincare ingredient that generally works effectively when teamed with other ingredients. The question, will the pair work well together? This is something that we will be investigating together in today’s blog post. Before we get stuck in, let’s have a quick refresh on the benefits of peptides and hyaluronic acid and how they keep the skin healthy and happy.
Skincare benefits of hyaluronic acid?
Humectant properties ensures water is locked into the skin keeping the protective barrier at its healthiest state.
Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Rejuvenates the skin ensuring the texture becomes smoother.
Stimulates skin cell regeneration helping the complexion look healthier.
Reduces signs of hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and acne scarring.
Improves the overall clarity of the complexion.
If you wanted to know more about hyaluronic acid, check out our dedicated blog post about this clever humectant.
Skincare benefits of peptides?
Improves the skin barrier helping to protect from exposure to free radical damage, such as pollution and UV rays.
Reduces the signs of wrinkles giving you a plumper, firmer looking skin.
Is antimicrobial meaning it can kill bacteria that causes acne.
Calms inflammation and repairs damage to the skin.
Promotes the collagen and elastin production in the lower layers.
There is much more to know about peptides, so don’t forget to read our more detailed blog post about the benefits you can expect to see.
Can you use hyaluronic acid and peptides together?
You can indeed, using hyaluronic acid and peptides together. The pair make a potent skin duo and can remain highly effective whilst ensuring the protective barrier remains healthy and in its happiest state. With the help from peptides working in the lower layers kick starting the collagen production ensuring the skin is plumped with a youthful bounce. You’ll also find that hyaluronic acid is able to benefit from being layered with a peptide serum as it will absorb the water found in the formulation and lock it into place.
What can you not mix with peptides?
There are a few skin ingredients that can be mixed with peptides, and some that should be avoided. Here are some examples of effective partnerships,
Don’t mix peptides and acids
Exfoliating acids, such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, and other members of the alpha hydroxy acids, as well as the popular beta hydroxy acid, salicylic acid, should not be mixed with peptides. This is due to these acids having the ability to breaking the bonds that make up the amino acid chains found in peptides. This results in them unable to deliver their benefits to the skin.
Do mix retinol and peptides
With its reputation for being highly potent, retinol is often limited with which ingredients it can be teamed with. Peptides, however, are an effective teammate and in fact help improve the penetration of retinoid formulas applied onto the skin surface. With the retinol absorbing into the skin rapidly as well as the nourishing results of peptides, you’ll find your complexion will look vibrant, plumped and with a youthful bounce.
Much like all skincare ingredients it is important to ensure you perform a patch test for 24 hours before applying any new formulas to the face. If you have further concerns it is considered best to consult with a doctor or medical professional to avoid any unwanted skin irritation.
What can you not mix with hyaluronic acid?
There is very few if any skincare ingredients that can’t be mixed with hyaluronic acid. You’ll often find that most over-the-counter product formulas contain a minimum of 2% of hyaluronic acid. This is a result of HA being able to work well with almost all ingredients, believe it or not the only ingredient that can cause hyaluronic acid to become ineffective is hyaluronic acid itself. This is because if too much HA is applied topically the humectant levels are too high and water begins to be drawn up from the lower layers of the skin which over time will cause dehydration.
How long does it take for peptides to work?
You’ll see a difference in the all over complexion when you first apply a peptide enriched serum to the skin. With continued use notable improvements in the texture, radiance, and signs of premature ageing are reduced with a boost in nourishing amino acids. After roughly 3-6 months you will begin to see the full benefits of peptides and how effective they are on the skin.
How do you incorporate peptides into your skin?
You can apply peptides twice a day on the skin, they are effective at hydrating the skin surface keeping the protective barrier remain at its healthiest state and able to protect itself from potential damage, such as exposure to UV rays, pollution, and other free radicals. You’ll often find that peptides are formulated into products, such as serums and moisturisers. The basic rule in skincare is to ensure you are applying your products in the right order, from thinnest to thickest consistency. This means you’ll apply these during the later stages of your daily routine as serums and moisturisers are thicker than cleansers, toners etc.
Do peptides tighten the skin?
Yes, peptides work in the lower layers of the skin and boost and stimulate collagen production. This over time leads to skin appearing tighter with signs of ageing, such as loss of elasticity resulting in the sagging of the skin, particularly around the jaw and cheek area are notably improved. Many skincare experts will recommend teaming your peptide products with others that contain retinol for a routine that can really pack a punch. When applying a product, it is also advised to ensure you always apply it in an upward motion and not down as this will counteract the effects of gravity to the skin.
There you have a little more information about using hyaluronic acid and peptides together. Don’t forget if you have any more skin related questions, you can come and find us 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.
