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Peptides are the silent powerhouse of skincare, says Mark Curry, co-founder of The Inkey List.
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They work beneath the skins surface to strengthen, repair, and rejuvenate your skin.
When used correctly, they can be transformative.
Theyre officially the ingredient of the moment, but what exactly are they?
And how do they work?Voguespoke to the experts to find out.
What are peptides?
And what do they do for the skin?
These proteins keep your skin firm, smooth, and resilient.
There are different kinds of peptides and they do different things for the skin.
Heres a quick rundown:
Signal peptides:These tell skincare cells to do something different.
For example, matrixyl 3000 stimulates collagen and elastin production, to reduce fine lines and improve skin elasticity.
Carrier peptides:Act as delivery vehicles.
Neurotransmitter-inhibiting peptides:Marketers love advertising their Botox in a bottle effects.
These peptides interact with the nervous system, telling facial muscles to relax to soften the appearance of wrinkles.
The peptide named argireline is a good example of one of these.
For his part, Thompson recommends heptapeptide-6 to reduce redness, and acetyl hexpapetide-1 to brighten and boost glow.
Do peptides work for every skin jot down?
How should you incorporate peptides into your skincare routine?
His number one rule?
Consistency is key, he says.
Peptides work over time, so using them regularly is essential.
Theyre not a quick fix, but an investment in long-term skin health.
