I’m continuing my series on skincare ingredient information so that you’ll know more the next time you make a purchase. Today, I want to explain why peptides are important.

Peptides are fragments of proteins which create a foundation for our skin.  Without them, skin loses firmness and bounce, wrinkles appear and skin texture changes.  Not only can peptides help bolster how skin looks, they also remind skin how it behaved before the age of 25.

With this restorative effect in mind, it’s worth noting that this is not an ingredient from which you will see immediate results.  Peptides are a great addition to any skincare routine, however their work on enhancing cell performance means that it is a slow and steady approach rather than a quick and easy win. We can't expect immediate results from peptides. And while we live in a world of immediate gratification, I’m willing to have patience for peptides.

If you’re looking to add peptides to your routine, you’re most likely to find them in a comprehensive skincare product because they do their best work in a group.  Peptides need the encouragement of antioxidants (ie, vitamins A, C and E), replenishers (ie, hyaluronic acid) and restorers (ie, retinol and niacinamide) to achieve their performance goals.

My personal favourite peptide use is through my eye cream: Environ’s Vita-Peptide Eye Gel, which contains three peptides to stimulate collagen and elastin, moisturise and relax facial tension to diminish the appearance of lines and wrinkles.  Other skincare with peptide support includes: Paula’s Choice Peptide Booster and Intensive Repair Cream as well as this Olay Regenerist Serum.

Has this piqued your interest to learn more about ingredients?  Read up in my previous posts, including: vitamins A and C, azelaic acid, collagen, ferulic acid, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, resveratrol, retinol and squalane.