If there’s one thing certain in life, it’s that we can’t stop the passing of time. However, with advantages in beauty technology there are dozens of products on the market that claim to be able to ‘reverse’ the signs of ageing - or at the very least, prevent it.
But how do you find out which skincare products are actually effective in anti-ageing when there are so many active ingredients, buzzwords and technical terms to navigate?
Sometimes it can feel like you need a science degree to understand what you’re putting on your face, but we’re hoping to tackle that as we introduce you to one of the most effective anti-ageing agents to look out for on the back of your bottles.
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Peptides are one of the most talked-about ingredients in the field of anti-aging skincare and any skin type can benefit from them.
Peptides are found naturally in the skin, but after the age of 30 natural production starts to drop considerably, which is why skin sometimes needs a helping hand in the form of products..
Our latest skincare guide will give you the lowdown on what they are, their benefits, debunk myths and recommend some of our favourite peptide-powered skincare products you can buy, starting from as little as £13.
We’ve spoken to the Paula’s Choice UK Education Team and here is why you should incorporate more peptides into your skincare routine.
What are peptides and where do they come from?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as 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 resilience.
Peptides are naturally present in the human body but can also be applied through the use of skincare to strengthen the skin's natural proteins. The ones used in skincare are synthetically made to perform very specific tasks.
What benefits do they have in skin care?
Research shows they can smooth wrinkles, smooth irritated skin, restore elasticity, strengthen the barrier, increase hydration and firm the skin. But peptides do not possess magical properties, as some brands claim.
In fact, there is no single ingredient that will address all signs of skin ageing. While it’s clear that peptides are special, they are not enough to transform your skin as an isolated ingredient. This means every skincare product should also contain other effective ingredients, such as antioxidants and skin-repairing ingredients.
How can peptides be integrated to a skin care routine?
For slow-ageing benefits a moisturiser, SPF and eye cream containing peptides is a good first choice. For addressing advanced skin concerns, such as fine lines, loss of firmness and wrinkles, targeted boosters or treatments with peptides are a more effective option.
So, if you’re looking for a new peptide product to trial, which one should you choose? Here are some of our top recommendations:
Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Multi-Peptide Booster
Recently launched into the UK market the new Pro-Collagen Multi-Peptide Booster harnesses newly researched peptide technology. The cutting-edge serum goes beyond the surface level of the skin to rebuild and lift the skin’s deeper dermal-epidermal junction. Hydrating hyaluronic acid and strengthening amino acids simultaneously plump the skin and maintain overall skin health. The Power Peptide Complex not only delivers visible results within 15 minutes, but results that last up to four weeks.
Over time users can expect to see dramatically diminished appearance of wrinkle depth and volume for a remarkably younger appearance overall, reduced crow’s feet within 28 days, redefined facial contours for a lifted look, enhanced skin resilience and supported tensile strength.
RRP £55.00 at paulaschoice.co.uk
Lancome Renergie H.P.N 300-Peptide Cream
The Lancome Renergie Cream concentrates over 300 types of peptides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide in one unique cream. The peptides in the cream work together to allow the skin to regenerate faster, making wrinkles appear reduced.
Improving the smoothness of the skin, and targeting dark spots specifically, the cream utilises H.P.N. 300 - Lancome's complex of 300 peptides - in order to allow the face and neck to feel lifted.
Additionally, the cream shows proven results to increase radiance, extend tone evenness, and correct discolourations.
RRP £83.00 at Escentual
Antipodes Lime Caviar Collagen-Rich Firming Cream
An AHA-powered moisturiser ideal for mature and dry skin types, the Antipodes Lime Caviar Firming Day Cream promotes the illusion of a collagen-rich complexion. The certified organic formula utilises Sepilift - a pioneering peptide compound - to help improve the look of skin elasticity.
Lipid-rich avocado oil sets to work to smooth the appearance of fine lines, while lime caviar extract refines the skin for a visibly radiant finish. Scented with a refreshing floral fruity fragrance, the day cream is a luxurious addition to your skincare routine.
It is also now certified organic and vegan, and suited to all skin types, especially dry and mature, with anti-ageing benefits in mind.
RRP £35.00 at LookFantastic
Eucerin Hyaluron Filler + Volume Lift Night Cream
This is for all skin types but it is specially targeted to more mature skin which is starting to sag and lose definition. The cream is powered by peptides in order to revitalise facial definition.
Eucerin has developed a range of skincare specifically aimed at redefining the facial contours as well as smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles.
Oligo peptides, extracted from the fruit and seeds of the anise plant, help the skin’s connective tissue to become stronger and more stable. The moisturiser is specifically designed to work while you sleep, and utilises hyaluronic acid to help smooth lines caused by dryness , making your skin look younger, refreshed and revitalised.
RRP £25.00 at Escentual
Vichy LiftActiv Collagen Specialist SPF25
Vichy’s Liftactiv Collagen Specialist SPF25 is the first SPF offering in Vichy’s anti-ageing range, formulated with key dermatological ingredients including hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and bio-peptides to target signs of collagen loss, whilst providing broad-spectrum SPF25 protection.
The lightweight formula provides hydration that lasts for up to 24 hours – skin looks firmer, plumper and more radiant.
Its ultra-lightweight and fluid texture will glide across the skin effortlessly, leaving it unified, luminous and comfortably moisturised for up to 24 hours.
RRP £38.95 at Boots
The Ordinary Aloe 2% + NAG 2% Solution
The Ordinary serum is powered by peptide technology (palmitoyl pentapeptide-4) which targets the feel of textural irregularities, while offering effective barrier support for blemish prone and mature skin.
The peptide formulation also allows the skin to rejuvenate without disturbing its barrier, so you don't have to worry about irritation or redness left behind by breakouts.
The soothing water-based serum smooths skin and refines pores by boosting skin hydration. The lightweight formula drenches your skin in calming hydration with aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder.
RRP £12.90 at Escentual
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