Peptides may not have the same hype as ingredients like Retinol or Niacinamide, but they’re major players when it comes to improving skin health, facilitating repair and correcting signs of ageing.
But what exactly are they and how do they work? Most importantly, should we be using them? The short answer is yes, and we’ve compiled everything you need to know about Peptides for skin health right here – because we’re helpful like that.
Scroll on for the skintel…
What Are Peptides?
Peptides are made up of short- or long-term Amino Acids, which form the ‘building blocks’ of protein. Our skin is made primarily of protein, specifically Keratin, so when formulated correctly, Peptides in skincare have been shown to deliver significant benefits.
Amino Acids also bind together to form collagen proteins, or the supportive network that gives our complexion firmness and bounce.
Put it this way: without protein – including Peptides – our skin would sag, wrinkle and lose its structure.
It’s worth noting that Peptides exist elsewhere in the body, delivering important instructions to cells: they help regulate processes like growth, digestion, and immunity, and act as a communication tool for overall health.
What Do Peptides Do For The Skin?
Peptides are already present in our body, so what use are they in skincare? It all comes down to ageing. As we get older, our collagen stores gradually deplete at the rate of one per cent per year. Initially, this looks like fine lines, before progressing to deeper folds and wrinkles.
Skincare Peptides function as ‘messengers’, encouraging the production of our collagen proteins. Essentially, they help the skin shift into self-improvement mode, ensuring youthful bounce and improved complexion health in general.
Should I Be Using Them?
If you want to firm, plump, or prevent signs of ageing, Peptides are a smart choice. Almost any skin type can use peptides – to smooth the skin's surface and support repair mechanisms – but because of their collagen-boosting abilities, they’re especially useful for wrinkles and fine lines.
Enter Expert Reset Skin-Firming Peptide Serum. This clinically backed formula is proven to increase firmness and elasticity (in fact, clinical trials revealed it reduces wrinkle depth by 29 per cent in just five days). The hero ingredient is our signature Firma-Peptide Complex, which supports the formation of both Type I and Type 2 collagen fibres.
Niacinamide is also in there, to support barrier function, plus Panthenol and Hyaluronic Acid to increase surface hydration (the former two are humectants, which means they pull water into the skin). There’s native Kakadu Plum for an antioxidant boost, as well.
So, if you want moisture, glow and long-term anti-ageing benefits you can see in one pretty purple bottle, this is a top serum to try.
Expert Reset Skin-Firming Peptide Serum can be used on clean skin every single day, morning or evening – we love it as a final step before moisturiser and a good night’s sleep. The lightweight formula sinks in quickly but, thanks to the nourishing ingredient profile, leaves the skin cushiony-soft. Bonus points if you lock it in with Expert Restore Niacinamide Replenishing Cream. The buttery formula contains barrier-boosting Niacinamide, as well as Beta-glucan, Hyaluronic Acid and natural oils to soften the skin while preventing water loss.
The result? Skin that’s smooth, plush, comfortable and future-proofed against unnecessary signs of ageing. Yes please!