Peptidesare chains of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins that are essential for the skin. In addition to being naturally produced by the body, peptides are also used in topical skin care products like serums, moisturizers, sunscreens, and more, plus oral supplements.
They are marketed for a variety of potential skin-related benefits, including combating wrinkles, protecting the skin from ultraviolet (UV) damage, treating acne, and healing wounds.
1. Smoothes Fine Lines and Wrinkles
With age, the collagen (a structural protein) in your skin and other parts of your body declines, which can lead to weak andthinning skinthat is not as firm or smooth as it once was.
Peptides help the skin increase collagen production—stimulating cellular repair, improving skin elasticity, and combating signs of aging.
For example, a small 2019 study found that using peptides on the face and neck for two weeks in people ages 40 and older helped reduce the appearance of aging skin. Other research suggests that the use of some peptides on the skin can treat fine lines and create a smooth, relaxed, effect, almost like Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) does.
2. May Protect Against UV Damage
Your skin serves as a barrier that protects you from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays and exposure to other harmful elements. Over time, the collagen and elastin in your skin can be damaged by UV exposure, known as photoaging. This leads to premature skin aging and is characterized by fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging.
Initial studies suggest that using peptides can help support the skin barrier, protecting against premature the aging UV damage causes. Though this is promising, additional evidence is necessary to confirm the potential role peptides may play in protection against sun damage.
3. Might Treat Acne
Acne develops when dirt, oil, and bacteria clog the pores on your skin.Certain peptides might help combat the formation of acne breakouts, thanks to their antimicrobial properties.
Studies have shown that antimicrobial peptides can reduce the presence of microorganisms on the skin—preventing bacteria from clogging pores. In addition, the anti-inflammatory effect of peptides could support acne treatment by calming down swelling and evening out skin texture.
4. Promotes Wound Healing
Collagen is a part of the skin's wound-healing process. Because peptides support the production of collagen, peptide-based products may help to heal minor wounds and injuries. Additionally, the antimicrobial properties of certain peptides may preventbacterial infections while also aiding in skin repair.
Although additional research is necessary to confirm these benefits, some experts theorize that the potential healing properties of peptides are particularly beneficial for individuals with diabetes or other health conditions when wound healing is impaired.
How to Use Peptides in Your Skin Care Routine
You can use peptides in various ways in your skin care routine.
Many anti-aging skin care products contain peptides. Dermatologists generally recommend peptide products to specifically target loose or sagging skin, along with retinoids, growth factors, and in-office procedures.
For example, some peptide-containing anti-aging products may also include hyaluronic acid—which hydrates the outer layer of the skin to improve skin texture—or vitamin C, which serves as an antioxidant that can help prevent sun damage.
You can add options like these to your current routine in the form of a moisturizer or serum, which helps trap extra moisture in your skin to smooth out fine lines and brighten your complexion.
Whatever you choose, experts recommend allowing new peptide products time to take effect. Though a moisturizer can visibly plump fine lines within a few days, most products require at least six weeks to work. You'll need to continue using the products consistently to maintain the results.
How Do Peptides Work on the Skin?
Peptides—which are short chains of amino acids—trigger your skin cells to produce more collagen and elastin.
When applied topically, they can penetrate the outer layer of the skin. After sinking into the skin, peptides encourage collagen and elastin production (which improves skin firmness) by sending signals to other skin cells.
Depending on the product, peptides can also support other skin processes to function optimally, like maintaining hyaluronic acid production (boosting hydration) and managing pigmentation generation (evening out skin tone).
Comparing Peptide Formulations
Peptides are a popular skin care ingredient and are available in a variety of different formulations. Here's what to keep in mind when looking for a product:
- Select an effective topical formula: Because topical peptides sink into the skin in order to work, select a product that maintains contact with the skin—like a moisturizer, serum, or cream—instead of a product that involves temporary exposure, like a cleanser you rinse off.
- Be aware of other ingredients: Peptides are complementary to many different anti-aging skin care ingredients, like vitamin C, hyaluronic acids, antioxidants, and niacinamide. But they may not be as effective when combined with acids, like alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) or retinol (more on that below).
- Check the label for efficacy: To select the products that are more likely to offer results, check the label to ensure it lists peptides near the top of the ingredients.
- Educate yourself on oral supplements: Generally, supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the same manner as medications. Plus, researchers are still looking into the bioavailability (how well the body absorbs a particular nutrient or compound) of oral peptides in humans, so it's a good idea to be mindful of any peptide supplement's claims before you try it.
Which Acids Don't Mix With Peptides?
Though peptides seem to agree with many other skin care ingredients, they may not be effective when used with skin-resurfacing acids—like alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) and beta-hydroxy acid (BHA). These acids may cause a chemical reaction that interferes with the way that peptides bond, which might reduce how effective peptides are in offering the reported skin benefits.
To keep peptide use fully away from all active skin care ingredients, you may also want to use retinol or AHAs at night and stick with peptides in the morning to ensure each product has enough time to work properly.
Are Peptides Safe for All Skin Types?
Peptides are generally considered safe for most or all skin types. That said, though research findings are promising, additional research on the efficacy of this skin care ingredient is still necessary.
While trying peptides, keep in mind that topical products in general (like moisturizers and serums) can't reduce all signs of skin aging alone. However, this doesn't necessarily mean that the product is unsafe or ineffective.
If you have an underlying skin condition, such as psoriasis or acne, consult a healthcare provider before trying any new skin care products on your own.
When to Ask a Dermatologist
Adermatologist(a healthcare provider who specializes in skin, hair, and nail conditions) can help answer any questions you may have about peptides or skin care in general.
Consider seeing a dermatologist if:
- You're unsure about a peptide product's actual ingredients or are interested in product recommendations.
- You aren't seeing noticeable results after incorporating peptide products into your skin care routine on your own.
- You have any other questions about your skin and anti-aging strategies.
During an office visit, a dermatologist can examine your skin with an expert eye and discuss a treatment plan for any skin issues you may be experiencing.
Summary
Peptides are strings of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. They help encourage the skin's production of collagen and elastin, which can help smooth wrinkles and fine lines.
Initial research also suggests that peptides may be promising for other skin benefits, like treating acne, healing wounds, and protecting against sun damage, though more studies are necessary to expand on these findings.
Before trying peptides for yourself, consider seeing a healthcare provider if you have any questions about product recommendations or if you have an underlying skin condition.
