This Beauty Ingredient Has Been Called “Botox in a Bottle”—A Derm Explains the Hype

All your beauty questions answered. Our resident dermatologist, Dr. Geddes Bruce, discusses the biggest beauty topics, from hair loss to Botox and everything in between. Send us a DM @camillestyles with your burning question and we may address it in a future column.

Peptides are everywhere. Buzzy, in whipped moisturizer, celeb-approved lip treatmentand in serum And skin milk, Skin care trends often come and go quickly, but sometimes, hero ingredients emerge and become top-shelf staples. For so long, they have been ignored and misrepresented. Now, they are included in even the most streamlined skin care routines. Are we seeing the birth of a skincare star with peptides for the skin? This science-backed, dermatologist-approved ingredient is having a real moment. And this moment is set to last.

If you’re wondering what using peptides for skin care would be like, you’re not alone. I vaguely remember hearing about them in science class, but I can’t be trusted to remember anything other than: “Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell.” Now that peptides for skin care have taken over the labels of all my favorite brands, I thought it was time to dive into this new skin care hero with the help of a skin care expert.

Peptides for skin: everything to know about this anti-aging ingredient

Over the past year or so, I’ve noticed a number of brands introducing peptide-based products. I’ve seen them in every type of skin care product, but what do they do? (And what exactly are they?) Can you share information about how to integrate peptides into our skin care routines and which products might be best? – Kristen S.

I’m not the only one to be curious but rather overwhelmed by the sudden revelation that, apparently, we all need to flood our skin with peptides. We may all have been shown the same social media ads. Or maybe they’re ready to take over like holy-grail material niacinamide And ceramides as the next big thing in beauty. To learn the secrets of the beauty universe, we called on board-certified dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce, MD, to explain what’s going on with peptides.

Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce, MD

Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce, MD is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon specializing in the practice of both cosmetic and medical dermatology. She views cosmetic dermatology as synergistic to a happier, healthier lifestyle and regularly counsels her patients on a balanced, natural approach to both cosmetic and medical dermatology.

What are peptides?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids, which are the building blocks that make up proteins. If amino acids are bricks, then peptides are the brick wall, and the entire building is a protein. Different combinations of amino acids form peptides with widely varying functions ranging from cell signaling microbiome Defense and much more.

Peptides may benefit your skin by increasing hydration, stimulating collagenand elastin production is decreasing Swellingand promoting wound healing.

Benefits of using peptides for skin

Peptides for skin care address the following:

• fine lines and wrinkles
• Improved skin firmness and elasticity
• redness reduced
• Improve hyperpigmentation
• Can also help protect the skin from the environment Loss

Almost everyone can benefit from the use of peptides, and most are easily tolerated. There are formulations to address many issues. The real question is: how effective is the product? Have there been any scientific studies to support the claims?

Note that products containing peptides can be expensive. Before buying, ask: Does the cost justify the degree of improvement?

Ingredients to Use with Peptides

Peptides pair really well hyaluronic acid And ceramides, ingredients that work to promote skin hydration and moisturization. You can also find peptides in products containing Antioxidant, acid, and retinol. However, it is important that they are formulated correctly as harsh ingredients can interact and cause peptide degradation.

Best Peptides Products with Hyaluronic Acid:

How to Choose Peptide Products for Your Skin

Ideally your product will have a high concentration of peptides and be from a reputable brand that has clinical studies to support its efficacy. It will be packaged in a way to preserve the integrity of the peptides, which can be hypersensitive to environmental factors such as high temperatures and air.

The specific sequence of amino acids in a peptide is important for its function. With the possibility of countless combinations, it’s exciting to think that we’ve only scratched the surface of what can be accomplished.

The Best Peptide Products According to a Derm

elastin skincare

I love elastin skincare products with Trihex technology, which contains peptides to facilitate the removal of old damaged collagen and elastin and promote new ones. their Nectar Helps my patients recover quickly and achieve incredible results after procedures. and their eye cream My personal favorite.

Revision Skin Care

Revision Skincare also includes an incredible selection of peptide-containing products Revox 7 It minimizes expression lines (I’ve heard it called “Botox in a bottle”) as well as the cult-favorite Nectar It contains peptides that work to tighten the loose skin of your neck.

ordinary

The Ordinary Brand is an affordable skincare line that also includes some peptide fan favorites Copper Peptides Serum (for firming) and argiline solution (To target dynamic fine lines).