When we’re thinking about tackling fine lines or achieving plump, glowing skin there are a few workhorse ingredients that come to mind: vitamin C, retinol, and exfoliating acids. These powerhouses focus on resurfacing, brightening, and refining the complexion.
But if you’ve spent any time scrolling through TikTok in recent years, you’ve likely encountered another rising star: peptides.
Once reserved for hardcore skincare enthusiasts, peptides are now making their way into some of the most innovative and results-driven formulas and general beauty parlance, with good reason.
What Are Peptides, and Why Do They Matter?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids naturally found in the skin—specifically in collagen and elastin, two structural proteins considered the “building blocks” of the skin. They’re fabulous friends, which is why it’s a little sad that they decline as we age.
Many beauty treatments promise to restore collage with collagen, but while it’s an ingredient plastered over skincare labels collagen molecules are too large to effectively penetrate skin and make much a difference.
Fortunately, along with splitting the atom, science has found a solution to this skincare quandary with peptides.
Unlike collagen, peptides are small enough to be absorbed and act as messengers, signalling the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin production. Different peptides serve different purposes—some smooth expression lines, others boost elasticity, and all contribute to a stronger, more resilient complexion.
One of the biggest reasons peptides have become so popular? Their universality. They offer an effective anti-ageing solution for those with sensitive skin, especially individuals who struggle to incorporate resurfacing ingredients like retinol, retinal, retinaldehyde, exfoliating acids, and even vitamin C. While these actives are highly effective, they can also cause irritation.
Peptides work differently. Instead of resurfacing the skin, they stimulate repair and renewal from within, making them far less likely to sensitize (think of it as a complexion-boosting inside job).
The Science Behind Peptides in Skincare
The efficacy of peptides comes down to their molecular size and structure, which determine how deeply they penetrate the skin. Because different peptides work at different levels, many skincare routines involve layering multiple peptide-rich products to achieve optimal results.
Tridecapeptide-1, for example, is known for reducing the appearance of fine lines, while tetrapeptides stimulate collagen and elastin production for long-term firming benefits.
It’s understandably an area of skin science with beauty lovers and glowing skin enthusiasts restless with enthusiasm, and constant innovations are happening in the category.
Now, skincare brand Medik8, creators of the IYKYN beauty-girlie top-shelf Liquid Crystal Retinal range, have launched a new peptide innovation that has us leaping out of our seats.
The Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP Serum ($160) is designed to deliver both instant and long-term results, powered by groundbreaking (and patented) Dual MiniProteins. The formula features two patented peptides: Medik8 Expression Line MiniProtein, which targets dynamic expression lines for immediate smoothing, and Growth Factor MiniProtein, which works to stimulate collagen and elastin production for deep, lasting repair.
In an independent study, the serum visibly reduced the appearance of expression lines in just 10 minutes, while deeper wrinkles showed improvement after eight weeks.*
Beyond these cutting-edge peptides, the formula is stacked with complexion-boosting ingredients. Copper peptides help support skin repair and resilience, while Matrixyl 3000 is a well-established collagen-boosting complex. Microhyaluronic acid provides an instant plumping effect, leaving skin hydrated and refreshed, while a 1% prebiotic complex works to balance the skin’s microbiome.
Essentially? If you haven’t tried a peptide skincare product before, consider this a “buffet breakfast” introduction to the category.
Can You Use Peptides With Retinol?
Another reason peptides are a beauty-girlie essential? They play well with just about everything. Whether using retinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, or exfoliating ingredients, peptides work synergistically to enhance results without irritation, no matter if you have a two-step routine or an 11-step one.
How to Use Peptides:
For best results, apply peptides first in serum form to ensure maximum skin contact. Wait for the serum to fully absorb, then follow with the rest of your skincare routine.
*Proven via independent clinical study on Liquid Peptides Advanced MP tested on 34 participants over 8 weeks, with measurements at 10 minutes, 4 weeks and 8 weeks.
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