What do copper peptides do?
If you’ve been in this space for a while, you know that there are some powerful skincare ingredients that aren’t as well-known as household names like hyaluronic acid or vitamin C, but they actually play an important role in keeping your skin healthy. If you don’t know what copper peptides are and what they do, don’t panic because that’s exactly what we’re going to learn about today.
What are copper peptides?
Peptides occur naturally in the skin and are part of short chains of amino acids found in the lower layers of the skin. They support the production of collagen and elastin, which are responsible for skin tissue and ensure your complexion looks smoother, firmer, and more youthful. By stimulating the production of collagen and elastin, you can fight issues like fine lines, enlarged pores, and hyperpigmentation. Not to mention the added benefits you can expect for your hair when you incorporate copper peptides into your daily routine.
What are the main benefits of copper peptides for skin care?
Fights signs of aging – Increased collagen makes skin appear plumper and younger
Reduces pigmentation – Copper peptides are rich in antioxidants that fight pigmentation such as sun damage, dark spots, hyperpigmentation and age spots
Increases blood circulation – Increased blood flow causes superficial wounds to heal faster and hair follicles to be stimulated, promoting hair growth
How often should you use copper peptides?
Many skin care experts believe that copper peptides can be used daily. If your skin type allows, you can even use them twice a day. These peptides can be absorbed by the skin, which is beneficial for some skin types, but may cause unwanted side effects for sensitive and dry skin.
Therefore, it is best to combine copper peptides with other moisturizing and nourishing skin care products used daily.
Is it worth using copper peptides?
Yes, as long as you use them correctly and your skin does not show signs of irritation. Copper peptides are a powerful and versatile skin care ingredient that can be easily combined with other more effective skin care formulas. Many believe that the combination of these active ingredients will enhance your daily skin care routine and show impressive results quickly and effectively.
What do copper peptides do for the skin?
As surprising as it may sound, there is no clear evidence of exactly how copper peptides work on the skin. But there are many ways they can benefit the skin, as I mentioned earlier.
By increasing the production of collagen and elastin, you will see an impressive improvement in the overall appearance of your complexion. As for the antioxidant benefits, they can simultaneously repair skin damage while protecting the skin’s surface from further damage caused by free radicals. You will also find that those who often suffer from acne can regulate blemish-causing bacteria by increasing blood flow, which can lead to faster wound healing.
What can’t copper peptides be used for?
Although copper peptides are considered easy to incorporate into your daily skincare routine, there are some active ingredients that should not be used at the same time as copper peptides.
Vitamin C
Retinol
Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), such as glycolic acid
This is because copper peptides absorb so effectively into the skin, which can often cause irritation. To be clear, you can use these ingredients with copper peptide products. You just have to alternate between applying them, leaving enough time between applications to avoid unwanted reactions.
What can copper peptides be mixed with?
There are several skincare ingredients that can be mixed with copper peptides. The easiest way to figure out what works best is to look at hydrating and nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and rich face blending oils. As I mentioned before, it’s best not to use copper peptides directly with chemical peels, retinoids, and vitamin C.
If you’re concerned about introducing copper peptides into your routine, I recommend consulting a doctor or dermatologist to make sure you and your skin can benefit from them. And of course, don’t forget to do a 24-hour patch test before applying any product to your face.
Do peptides really work?
Yes, peptides do work, but the reasons for this are still a little unclear. Peptides are known to slow down the aging process in your skin, reduce signs of inflammation, and regulate your skin’s microbiome, reducing the risk of bacteria that cause frequent breakouts. Because the amino acids persist in your skin, peptides are a skincare ingredient that benefits all aspects of your complexion without the hype that comes with trendy ingredients.
How long does it take for peptides to work?
When used consistently with other proven, effective ingredients, your skin can see results after a few weeks. For an overall improvement in a smoother, more youthful complexion, it’ll take about three to six months.
So, you can learn more about the effects of copper peptides here. Once you’ve decided whether or not you should introduce these clever ingredients into your daily routine, all you need to do is find the product formula that works best for you.
When layering your skincare, you should start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest so that each ingredient can be absorbed into the skin. You’ll find peptides primarily in moisturizers and serums. This ensures that they can be easily combined with other ingredients and can be effectively absorbed into the skin and work their way down to the skin’s layers. If you have any questions, don’t forget to follow 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.
