Hailey Bieber’s signature dewy, glowing and healthy skin is thanks to peptides, a class of skin care ingredients that are gaining huge popularity for their remarkable skin rejuvenation and anti-aging benefits. These short chains of amino acids serve as the building blocks of proteins necessary for healthy skin function.
Hailey’s affinity for peptides stems from their ability to deliver visible results in her skincare routine. Maintaining glowing and youthful skin is paramount as a model and public figure, and peptides offer a natural and effective solution. Bieber can achieve glowing skin by incorporating peptide-rich products into her regimen while fighting the effects of environmental stressors and aging.
With celebrities like Bieber and the support of skin care experts, peptides continue to take the skin care industry by storm with their transformative properties.
Dermatologists, scientists and estheticians often ask questions about peptides because of their effectiveness in treating various skin problems. HELLO! USA has reached out to top experts to learn more about peptides and how everyone can benefit from them.
What are peptides and what do they do?
“Peptides are short chains of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. In skin care, peptides play a key role in promoting skin health. They act as messengers, signaling skin cells to perform various functions, such as repairing damaged cells, increasing hydration and stimulating collagen production,” she says. Sarah AkramDior Beauty Skincare Expert & Ambassador and Founder of Sarah Akram Skincare.
How do peptides work in skin care?
“Peptides work by penetrating the skin and signaling cells to perform specific functions. For example, some peptides stimulate collagen production, which helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, while others promote skin hydration or repair damaged cells,” explains Akram. “Essentially, the peptides act as messengers, directing skin cells to behave in a specific way to improve the overall health and appearance of the skin.”
© GettyImages“Peptides provide the building blocks for proteins such as collagen and elastin, which are structural proteins that provide firmness and stiffness to the skin. Lack of collagen and elastin is associated with loose skin and signs of aging,” board-certified dermatologist and dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, Brendan CampMD, says HELLO! USA.
Are peptides safe?
“When used appropriately, peptides are generally safe for skin care. However, it’s important to ensure you’re using peptide-formulated products from reputable brands,” warns Sarah Akram.
While peptides in skin care are generally well tolerated, Dr. Camp suggests, “Whenever using a new product, consider doing a spot test first to see how you react to it.”
What are the benefits of using peptides?
“The benefits of using peptides in skin care are many,” assures Akram. “They can help improve skin texture, firmness and elasticity, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, promote a more youthful complexion and improve overall skin health.”
The experts also revealed that the peptides may help repair damaged cells and protect against environmental stressors. “They may also support wound healing,” says Dr. Camp.
What are the best antiaging peptides?
“For anti-aging purposes, peptides like Matrixyl, Argireline and Copper peptides are highly regarded,” says Akram. “These peptides are known for their ability to boost collagen production, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and improve skin firmness and elasticity.”
© GettyImagesDr. Camp adds, “Examples of peptides commonly found in skin care products include tridecapeptide-1, palmitoyldipeptide-10, and palmitoyl tripeptide-38.”
Barbara Greensaid a Senior Director of product innovation and facial category skin technology at Kenvue HELLO! USA that “the best peptide to support healthy skin is a peptide that will be able to be absorbed into the skin’s surface, so smaller peptides that are clinically proven are preferred. You want the peptide to be able to support the skin’s natural collagen and elastin, and it can’t do that if the peptide is sitting on top of the skin.”
What foods contain peptides?
According to Dr. Camp, “Bioactive peptides can be found in animal and plant sources such as meat, milk, eggs, legumes, soy and oats.” However, Sarah emphasizes that “the effectiveness of dietary peptide intake on skin health is still a subject of research.”
How do peptides affect collagen production?
“Peptides are the first step in building protein, and collagen is the most abundant structural protein in the skin. Peptides can support your skin’s natural collagen by providing collagen building blocks and providing a skin care environment,” explains Barbara Green.
Do peptides have side effects?
Any skin care product has the potential to cause skin sensitization, which can manifest as redness, peeling, itching and irritation. “Peptides can cause side effects such as irritation or allergic reactions in some people, especially those with sensitive skin or specific allergies. I recommend that everyone do a patch before using peptide based products and discontinue use if adverse reactions occur. Additionally, following recommended usage guidelines and choosing products from trusted brands can help minimize the risk of side effects,” says Akram.
“Always consult your doctor or skin care specialist when adding a new product or ingredient to your routine,” suggests Green.
Can peptides be taken orally?
Dr. Camp says that while peptides can be taken orally, they are usually not bioavailable because digestive enzymes break them down or are not well absorbed.
© GettyImages“Peptides can be taken orally as supplements, but their effectiveness in skin care is primarily through topical application. Oral supplements may have systemic benefits for overall health, but they may not directly target skin problems as effectively as topical formulations. Topical application allows the peptides to penetrate directly into the skin, where they can exert their effects more effectively. Peptides can also be seen in lip products to target dryness and leave lips plump and soft,” adds Sarah Akram.
How long does it take for the peptides to work?
According to Akram, the time it takes for peptides to work varies depending on composition, concentration and individual skin concerns. Generally, it takes several weeks to months of continuous use to notice visible improvements in skin texture, firmness, and overall appearance. Patience and consistent use are vital to experience the full benefits of peptides in skin care.
While Green says, “Results depend on the peptide, how it’s formulated and the intended benefit, but in general peptides can take 4-8 weeks to show noticeable results, which will improve further over time.” .
Dr. Brendan Camp added that skin care products should be used for at least 2-3 months before deciding whether they are helpful, which is why consistency is so important in skin care.
