Let's Talk Peptides, The New Marvel Of Skincare

Often eclipsed by the sexier actives (vitamin c, retinol, hyaluronic acid), the benefits of peptides are bountiful and play a key role in improving the elasticity and plumpness of your skin. here are the reasons you need to give peptides a role in your ritual.

So what exactly are Peptides?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids, peptides form the 'building blocks' of skin-essential proteins such as collagen, keratin and elastin - in other words, the crucial bits responsible for keeping skin bouncy, resilient and firm. Once these proteins begin to deteriorate - a privilege of growing older - you might start to notice some crêpey-ness, crow's feet and compromised volume but, peptides can help to extend this inevitable, beautiful process. 

What do peptides do for skin?
While they are found naturally within skin, when applied topically, peptides can trigger skin cells to perform specific functions. These include stimulating the production of collagen and elastin-two proteins that serve as skin's scaffolding, keeping it smooth and taut-as well as encouraging hyaluronic acid synthesis and regulating pigmentation production. In other words, depending on the peptide in question, it may help to firm skin, boost hydration, or even out skin tone.

Where to start?
We've cherry-picked 5 of our favourite peptide products, so it's time to find out what the hype's all about…

Ole Henriksen Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturizer
A daily moisturiser—made with peptides, amino acids, ceramides and collagen—that instantly doubles hydration, boosts elasticity and improves the look of fine lines and wrinkles, while also reinforcing your skin’s moisture barrier all day.

Elemis Peptide4 Overnight Radiance Peel
This ultra light serum has been enriched with AHAs, peptides and hyaluronic acid to help intensely hydrate the skin while softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving the complexion feeling smooth and protected with moisture.

Peter Thomas Roth Peptide 21 Wrinkle Resist Serum
This peptide and neuropeptide complex treats and transforms every area of the face and neck, helping to visibly reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. It is also formulated with gamma proteins to improve the look of elasticity, radiance, uneven skin tone, and texture. It is also Infused with squalane and vitamins A, C, and E.

Drunk Elephant Protini Powerpeptide Resurf Serum
Refining and retexturising, this serum marries peptides with lactic acid, to gently resurface and nourish your skin. A brightening, smoothing and dew-boosting powerhouse, this triggers renewal with its proprietary 'Signal Peptide Complex' - a cocktail of 11 signal peptides that initiate skin-essential scaffolding to keep things firm and supple.

IS Clinical Reparative Moisture Emulsion
This intensive, rejuvenating moisturiser is formulated with pharmaceutical-grade botanicals, peptides and powerful antioxidants. Reparative Moisture Emulsion helps keep your skin looking and feeling healthy, smooth and protected.

Eminence Arctic Berry Peptide Radiance Cream
This ultra-light age defying moisturiser nourishes and hydrates skin. A powerful daily moisturiser formulated to target collagen loss, dehydration and inflammation. Peptides gently relax muscles and reduce wrinkle depth to provide a botox-like effect boosting collagen naturally.