Every month, or rather every week, we’re introduced to a new fan favourite skincare ingredient; a buzzword that is hyped up to be the ‘next big thing’. Recently, all the chatter has been about polypeptides. Popularly known as peptides, they are chemical components found in collagen and work as essential building blocks of protein. Serums, moisturisers and even hair care staples are now promoting peptides as a miracle ingredient your routine needs to have. Why? Let’s do some digging –
What Are Polypeptides, And Why Are They Trendy?
Polypeptides used in skincare are fragmented pieces of protein that signal your skin to produce more collagen. They are easily absorbed by your skin and boost the natural collagen factor within. These days, collagen is a sought after ingredient that every skincare guru yearns for. It’s what makes the skin look supple, tight, and blemish-free. Collagen cannot be applied directly onto the skin, which is why many people opt for supplements and other ways of ingesting the ingredient. With polypeptides coming into the picture, topical products have come back into the game. They are leading the charge on the collagen invasion of skincare.
Benefits Of Peptides
The most significant benefits that peptides can offer you are –
1. Collagen Catalyst – Each year, the collagen production in your skin diminishes. When the collagen breaks down, peptides indicate the need for more of it, acting almost as a catalyst for collagen production, beating early signs of ageing.
2. Adios, Wrinkles & Fine Lines – Slowly but surely, peptides have the power of almost acting in a manner synonymous to botox, reducing the crinkles on your skin that come hand in hand with age and stress.
3. Hydro Lock In – A must-have for the winter season, peptides capture the moisture in your skin, beating the dryness that comes along with cold and harsh weather conditions.
4. Boosts Skin Firmness: Using peptides consistently and dedicatedly directly results in firmer skin, which is more supple and looks healthier overall.
5. Offers Healing Benefits – Peptides aid skin repair, healing layers of the skin which may be damaged, renewing your skin’s appearance. They also strengthen skin barriers and have anti-inflammatory properties.
How To Use Peptides In Skincare
Peptides can be found in OTC (over the counter) products in the form of face washes, serums, toners, and moisturisers. For optimum results, use peptides in the form of a product that stays on your skin for a long time, aka moisturisers or serums. Using peptides in these forms makes sure they have enough time to break through the layers of your skin.
The frequency of usage depends entirely on your skin type. But generally, they are safe to be used twice daily. Also, make sure you do not combine ingredients like niacinamide or any sort of AHAs (water-soluble acids) to not reduce the effect of the peptides.
Our Top Peptide Picks
1. Wishful Thirst Trap Juice HA3 & Peptide Serum
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Best for the winter season, this product provides the skin with an extra zest of hydration, leaving it supple, plump, and smooth.
2. Olay Face Cream: Regenerist Collagen Peptide 24 Moisturiser
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Filled with peptides, hyaluronic acid and vitamin B3, this lightweight moisturiser pushes for subtle improvements through consistent application.
3. Evolve Organic Beauty Multi-Peptide 360 Moisture Cream
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The antioxidants in this product protect already existing collagen, and the featherweight texture is a godsend for long workdays.
4. Cosmedix Peptide-Rich Defense Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen
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This age-defying, wrinkle freeing and SPF-infused moisturiser boasts several skin-loving agents like vitamins, minerals, & omegas. Restoring elasticity and protecting (while heightening) collagen production is what this product is best known for.
5. Dr Sheth’s Bakuchiol & Peptide Serum
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Boost the anti-ageing powers of your go-to serum with this hybrid beauty. It is safe for use in pregnant women and suits both AM and PM routines.
In conclusion, though peptides may not work half as fast as botox does, it is a slower and steadier process to garner similar results. So, are peptides worth the hype? We’d like to think so!
Photos: Instagram, Pexels
