Peptides may be the buzz word in anti-aging at the moment but with good reason. In the early ’90s, scientists and researchers discovered that peptides, small proteins with very specific amino acid sequences, are beneficial for the skin. “They stimulate collagen production and help restore a healthy, youthful structure to the skin,” says Manhattan Beach, CA, dermatologist Ashley Magovern, MD. Peptide-infused products can also help hydrate and heal the skin.
“It doesn’t matter which vehicle you choose, as long as the formulation allows the peptides to do their work,” says Dr. Magovern. “The peptides need to be formulated with a mix of ingredients that allow it to get to where it needs to go, resist breakdown and stimulate collagen production.”
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10 Must-Try Peptide Products
1 / 10
Hydropeptide Polish & Plump Face Peel, $78
A two-step treatment aimed at removing dull skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, this plumping peel features high-performing peptides that leave the skin looking smoother and more youthful.
3 / 10
Kinerase C8 Peptide Intensive Treatment, $150
Formulated with potent neuropeptide SNAP-8, this intensive treatment utilizes advanced technology to reduce the depth and appearance of wrinkles caused by repetitive facial expressions. The “C” in C8 represents the vitamin C that’s included and the “8” denotes the eight amino acids in SNAP-8.
4 / 10
Kate Somerville Peptide K8™ Power Cream, $150
An exclusive blend of age-fighting ingredients including advanced ceramide-infused peptide and olisopeptide give this cream the power to hydrate the skin and increase the look of firmness while diminishing the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
6 / 10
NuFace Smoother (S2) Powerhouse Peptide Serum, $84
Six potent peptides join together in this efficacious anti-aging serum that helps smooth existing fine lines and wrinkles and firm the skin while preventing future signs of aging from appearing.
7 / 10
Perricone MD OVM, $165
Designed around an innovative ingredient choice, eggshell membrane, this super-charged cream helps transform thing, age-ridden skin into a plumper, radiant and more youthful version of itself without causing inflammation or irritation.
8 / 10
Peter Thomas Roth FIRMx Firming Night Moisturizer, $125
Formulated to restore and repair your skin while you sleep, this youth-inducing moisturizer puts peptides to work to help enhance firmness and definition in order to reveal more youthful-looking contours.
9 / 10
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream, $22
A reformulated version of the brand’s cult favorite, this anti-aging powerhouse features the brand’s highest concentration of amino-peptide complex coupled with Skin Energizing Technology to help boost surface skin turnover, increase brightness and progressively “micro-sculpt” areas that are prone to sagging.
