In the world of beauty, it can sometimes seem like a lot of jargon and buzzwords get thrown around like they’re the greatest thing in the world, when most of us don’t really know what they mean. Some things, however, are worth learning about and peptides are one of them. It’s a word we see on several of our products so we thought we’d give you an insight into what peptides are and why they’re in your face cream:

What Are They?

Peptides, in very short terms, are proteins. In longer terms, peptides are “short chains of amino acid monomers linked by peptide (amide) bonds”^[1] Still as clear as mud? Don’t worry, it is for us, too! To make it a bit simpler, collagen is a protein comprised of long segments of amino acids arranged like a chain. When collagen breaks down, short segments of amino acids are formed. These are the tiny proteins and active molecules known as peptides. Peptides in skin care can provide significant anti-aging benefits.

What Do They Do?

As mentioned above, the main use for peptides in skincare is for their anti-ageing benefits. As we age, the skin loses its ability to form collagen which means that the skin literally starts to lose the building blocks which keeps it firm and plum. By using peptides, the skin is encouraged to start producing collagen again, which makes the skin look younger with fewer fine lines, a tighter appearance and more of a youthful glow.

Which of Our Products Contain Peptides?

Jan Marini Age Intervention Peptide Extreme

This powerful serum from Jan Marini uses a concentrated blend of targeted peptides to which have extraordinary skin rebuilding properties encourage the increased production of collagen and elastin. It contains antioxidants which target inflammatory responses and offers immediate hydration and suppleness.

Decleor Lift and Firm Eye Cream

This product from Decleor uses peptides to target the eye area, one of the place where the signs of ageing are perhaps most obvious. Natural Eye Tech Peptide help combat signs of ageing by re-energising the support fibres and reactivating the microcirculation, reducing puffiness and smoothing wrinkles.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Overnight Matrix

We can understand Elemis using the word ‘matrix’ on the product as it’s every bit as futuristic as it sounds! The blurb says “Drone Peptide Technology: Acts as a targeted delivery system, bringing stressed skin a much-needed boost of hydration and anti-aging actives. With encapsulated Peptide4 and Hetra-Peptide, this dual action formulation works both to protect the delivery of the actives and to help with the penetration into the skin’s surface.”