What do peptide serums do?
It seems like everyone is talking about peptides right now. They’re the center of attention, but interestingly they’re not a new ingredient. In fact, peptides have been included in various formulas since the 1920s and have been praised for their many benefits to the skin. From anti-aging properties to ensuring a strong and functioning protective barrier.
Despite their effectiveness on the skin, peptides can only deliver certain skin care benefits at once. So with that in mind, let’s take a closer look at what peptide serums do, and what results you can expect when incorporating this powerful ingredient into your daily skincare routine.
How often should I use a peptide serum?
This largely depends on your daily routine and skin type. If you want my advice, consistency is key, so using a peptide serum as often as possible will quickly see results. You’ll find many different formulas that contain active peptides, including face washes, cleansers, moisturizers, masks, and serums. This is an advantage for many of us because it gives us the opportunity to decide which product is right for our skin type and fit it into our daily care routine as easily as possible. If you want to reap these benefits, many skin care experts recommend serums as the best formula because they stay on the skin longer and provide the best results.
Are peptides better than retinol?
Yes and no, it really depends on your skin type, which will determine the best ingredient for you. For those with dry skin types that tend to be sensitive, it’s best to avoid retinol. This is because it has an extremely drying effect on the skin and can cause severe irritation. However, if you have combination or oily skin, you can often effectively enhance your skin’s tolerance by combining peptides and retinol in your nighttime routine.
Keep in mind that if you are unfamiliar with either ingredient and have never tried a particular product before, you should consult a doctor or dermatologist.
Do I need peptides in my skin care routine?
Yes, it makes sense to incorporate them into your daily routine. With their unique ability to fight the signs of aging, they act like little messengers once they are applied topically to the skin. By communicating with skin cells in the subepidermal layer, they can boost collagen production, making the skin appear smoother, firmer, and more youthful.
Peptides are also very effective when combined with other active skin-strengthening ingredients. Many people find that they produce better results when used with other products than when used alone. How you use peptides is up to you and your established skin care routine.
Do peptides really work for the skin?
The short answer is: yes, peptides do work for the skin. The longer, more complex answer is: there are proven scientific studies that show how peptides support the skin. The skin feels firmer, smoother, and more hydrated, and the skin’s natural barrier is fully functional and able to protect itself from free radical damage. However, the effects of peptides on the skin are still relatively unknown. In short, peptides are a very unique skin ingredient with properties that work magic.
Can Vitamin C serums and peptides be used together?
Yes, you can, but be careful because Vitamin C is known for not working well with certain ingredients. Once you have performed a 24-hour patch test and determined that your skin is happy with the use of both Vitamin C and peptides, you can mix them. The cell-communicating properties of peptides combined with the antioxidants of Vitamin C provide you with a healthy and functioning skin barrier. Remember to closely monitor how your skin reacts to this two-potent combination, because even if you’ve been using it for a while, your skin may still suffer from unwanted side effects.
How long does it take for peptides to work?
This can vary from person to person, as everyone has different skin. Other factors, such as the percentage of active ingredients in the formula or the frequency of its use, also come into play. If you use peptide products regularly, you can expect to see results in 3 to 6 months. However, this doesn’t mean you won’t immediately notice the benefits of peptides, i.e. brighter, healthier, and more hydrated looking skin.
As I mentioned before, if you want fast results, you should opt for products that stay on the skin longer, like serums, moisturizers, and nighttime masks. Ideally, you should use peptide products twice a day, but if you only want to use them once, I recommend incorporating them into your evening routine. This allows the active ingredients to work on the skin undisturbed while you enjoy your beauty sleep, without being affected by free radicals.
Do peptides tighten the skin?
Yes, it is well known that peptides can tighten the skin. This is because they stimulate the production of collagen and elastin in the lower part of the skin. Over time, you’ll notice a reduction in signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles, a smoother-looking complexion, and a noticeable improvement in previously sagging skin.
You’ll also notice a noticeable difference in the appearance of enlarged pores. This is because the peptides that boost elastin production prevent pores from becoming larger and clogged with impurities, which can lead to breakouts and acne.
I hope I’ve answered some of your questions today about what a peptide serum does and what it can do for your skin. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram if you have any other skin care questions. See you then!
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.
