When it comes to boosting your beauty regimen, there are few things more effective than the right skincare ingredients. If you’re looking for a little extra kick, adding products that contain peptides is a great way to boost collagen production, diminish fine lines and wrinkles, and give skin an overall plumping effect. The best peptides are often found in serums, which can be applied morning and night before makeup or after cleansing and moisturizing. You can also find them in eye creams and facial masks, as well as in hair care products.
Aside from enhancing skin’s texture, firmness and resilience, peptides also act as moisture reservoirs — attracting and retaining essential oils to keep your complexion looking fresh and youthful. You can even find them in makeup, such as lipstick and foundations, ensuring your beauty products work harder for you.
Peptides are made up of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. When added to skincare, they encourage the production of new collagen, elastin and keratin. They’re particularly useful in anti-aging formulas, and they also help protect the skin against environmental stressors such as pollution, UV rays and blue light from smartphones and computers. They’re often found in serums, boosting the performance of other ingredients such as retinol and niacinamide, or by themselves as stand-alone treatments.
There are a wide variety of peptides on the market, and there are claims that they can be used to treat almost anything under the sun: libido, acne, bone health, sunless tans, erection issues, weight loss, Alzheimer’s – you name it. However, most of the peptides available to consumers aren’t backed by scientific evidence and are largely unregulated. This makes them unsuitable for those with sensitive or irritated skin, and it’s important to always check the label of any product you’re considering.
As a result of the buzz, it’s becoming increasingly popular to add peptides to your regular skincare routine, but where should you start? We turned to Dr Melissa Doft, a board-certified plastic surgeon at Doft Plastic Surgery in New York City. She gave us the lowdown on which peptides are best for skin, and recommended some of the best peptides uk vendors to shop.
Founded by two doctors, Core Peptides is a newly established vendor that offers over 78 peptides and blends on its online platform. Its initial customer feedback is encouraging, though it’s worth noting the lack of Certificates of Analysis (COA) for each product – a minor drawback that can be overcome in the long run. Their promise to provide COAs soon reflects their commitment to transparency and quality control.
This lightweight, vegan serum from Hailey Bieber’s Rhode brand combines a range of premium skin-boosting ingredients including peptides and amino acids to smooth out texture, hydrate and reduce fine lines. It’s also a hit with those who prefer sustainable beauty, as it’s 100 percent cruelty-free, vegan, and made without GMOs or gluten. best peptides uk