SKINCARE SCHOOL: WHAT ARE PEPTIDES?

Peptides. We hear this word a lot when it comes to beauty advertising but what exactly are they and what do they do for our skin?

WHAT IS A PEPTIDE?

Peptides naturally occur in the body. They’re short chains of amino acids (the building blocks of proteins) such as collagen, elastin and keratin. These proteins are the foundations of your skin and are responsible for its texture, strength and ‘bounce’. As we age, peptide levels deplete, so the amount of collagen and elastin being produced by the body gradually decreases. Without peptides, skin is less intact, which can lead to a loss of firmness, the appearance of wrinkles, a change in texture and less ‘bounce’.

When applied topically via creams or serums, peptides act as little messengers, triggering skin cells to build collagen and elastin, firming, soothing and hydrating, prompting it to get into rejuvenation mode, helping skin to look and act younger.

Peptides are special, but they are not enough to transform your skin as an isolated ingredient. When combined with another, that’s where the magic really happens. Choosing leave-on products, such as serums and moisturisers, rather than anything that rinses off, so that there is time for the peptides to act upon the skin is the key.

THE PEPTIDE EDIT

1: Medik8 Clarity Peptides, £45

Combined with 10% Niacinimide; this milky serum is ideal for those with irritated, blotchy skin or blemishes.

2: Drunk Elephant Protini Powerpeptide Serum, £74 (code thisismothership makes it £58)

An ultra-concentrated blend of 11 proteins combined with lactic acid makes for a dramatic improvement in the appearance of skin’s texture, tone, radiance and plumpness.

3: Elizabeth Arden Retinol and HPR Ceramide Rapid Skin Renewing Water Cream, £75 (code thisismothership makes it £59)

the latest high-tech launch in the anti-aging sphere combines peptides and retinol – all the anti-aging benefits with none of the flakiness traditionally associated. Ideal for sensitive skins.

4: Elemis Peptide4 Eye Recovery Cream, £39 (code thisismothership makes it £30)

This super silky eye cream softens lines and wrinkles and knocks out puffiness from the under the eyes.

5: Paulas Choice Pro Collagen Multi Peptide Booster, £55

A cutting-edge cocktail that targets key proteins in the skin “waking them up” for visible anti-ageing results in 15 minutes and lasting results after just 4 weeks.

6: Naturium Multi Peptide Eye Cream, £18

Formulated with a multi-peptide blend that includes the famous Matrixyl 3000, this eye cream works to support the skin’s natural collagen helping to smooth the look of fine lines which in turn brightens dark circles.

7: Medik8 Liquid Peptides, £49 (code thisismothership makes it £38)

Drone-targeted copper peptides specifically target the appearance of expression lines and deeper set wrinkles. Often called ‘botox in a bottle.’