Everything you need to know about this anti-aging ingredient.

With so many <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/wellness/anti-aging-skin-habits" target="_blank" rel="noopener">anti-aging</a> products saturating the skincare market, it can be hard to differentiate between what&rsquo;s a fad and what isn&rsquo;t. Peptides, however, are an essential ingredient that is proven to <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.4161/derm.22804" target="_blank" rel="noopener">aid with collagen production</a>. While this oft-mentioned ingredient has promising benefits, it&rsquo;s important to know what it actually is and how it works. Here, L&rsquo;OFFICIEL breaks down everything you need to know about this anti-aging powerhouse.

What are peptides?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as building blocks for essential proteins found in your skin, such as <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/benefits-collagen-skincare-beauty" target="_blank" rel="noopener">collagen</a> and elastin fibers. They act as a messenger by signaling cells to produce more collagen. Simply put, when applied topically as a moisturizer or serum, you are essentially telling your body to produce more collagen.
You&rsquo;re probably wondering, why can&rsquo;t we just apply collagen topically then? Collagen is a complete, non-fragmented protein, meaning it cannot be absorbed directly on top of the skin. However, peptides are fragmented portions of proteins, so these smaller fragments can penetrate our skin at a cellular level.

Benefits of Peptides

As you age, collagen production decreases, causing dehydration, loss of skin elasticity and firmness, discoloration, and an overall dull complexion. Therefore, incorporating peptides into your skincare routine is a great preventative measure. Peptides for your skin can help diminish the appearance of fine lines, strengthen the skin barrier, and lock in hydration. In addition, <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/fsn3.1710" target="_blank" rel="noopener">studies</a> have found that the <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/caviar-skin-benefits" target="_blank" rel="noopener">antioxidants</a> found in peptides can ease inflammation like acne and <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/how-to-use-enzymes-skincare-exfoliation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">redness</a>.&nbsp;

How to Use It

Peptide-infused skincare can range from topical moisturizers and serums to masks. While it&rsquo;s safe to use twice daily, it&rsquo;s important to note that optimizing the efficacy of peptide-infused products would mean taking proper care of your skin in other aspects, like applying <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/beauty/best-reef-safe-sunscreen-ingredients-brands" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sunscreen</a> regularly.

Paula's Choice Skincare Peptide Booster, $39, <a href="https://fave.co/3kWzYRl" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Paula's Choice</a>

Paula's Choice

111 Skin Celestial Black Diamond Neck &amp; D&eacute;colletage Serum, $400, <a href="https://fave.co/3wV3vOc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">111 Skin</a>

111 Skin

Drunk Elephant Protini&trade; Polypeptide Moisturizer, $68, <a href="https://fave.co/3jvjKyk" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sephora</a>

Drunk Elephant

Peach &amp; Lily Glass Skin Refining Serum, $39, <a href="https://fave.co/3JX24qn" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Peach &amp; Lily</a>

Peach & Lily

SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex, $105, <a href="https://fave.co/3HzJlOI" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SkinCeuticals</a>

SkinCeuticals

The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum, $31, <a href="https://fave.co/3HVyvnj" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Ordinary</a>

The Ordinary Buffet, $15

The Ordinary

MIZON Peptide 500, $18, <a href="https://fave.co/3Hwg1IM" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yes Style</a>

Mizon

HydroPeptide Face Lift Advanced Ultra-Light Moisturizer, $79, <a href="https://fave.co/3YeeVIu" target="_blank" rel="noopener">HydroPeptide</a>

HydroPeptide

Dr. Loretta Micro Peel Peptide Pads, $60, <a href="https://fave.co/3wSSCwf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dr. Loretta</a>

Dr. Loretta Micro Peel Peptide Pads, $60

Dr. Loretta

L'OFFICIEL USA may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if products are purchased through our links.

Why You Should Add Peptides to Your Skincare Routine

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