Collagen is a protein made of long chains of amino acids. It gives skin structure, thickness and bounce. From around age 25 to 30, collagen production slowly declines, and skin becomes thinner and more prone to lines.
Peptides are much smaller than collagen and can act as messengers. Some signal skin cells to make more collagen and elastin. Others help soften the muscle tension behind expression lines, or support hydration and calm the skin.
There are many kinds of peptides, each with its own job. Examples include palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 for firmness, acetyl hexapeptide-8 for expression lines and copper peptides (copper tripeptide-1) for smoother, more resilient skin. Combining several types often gives broader results.
How to use: Peptides are gentle and suit every skin type. Use them morning and evening, ideally in a serum or cream. Results build over time, so use them consistently for a few weeks.
Good to know: Peptides pair well with most other actives, such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and retinol.
