You’ve probably heard of the new and trending “pro-aging movement”. But do you know about its featured ingredient: peptides? What are they exactly? How do they benefit the skin? And above all, are they effective? Here, we’ll help you understand why everyone’s raving about peptides in skincare and find the most revolutionary peptide-based cosmetics out there.

What are peptides in skincare?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins in the human body. These proteins are then responsible for creating collagen, elastin, and keratin – all which help the skin maintain its firmness and youthful appearance. In addition to preserving skin health, peptides contribute to forming bones, cartilage, muscles, hair, and more.

In short, these naturally occurring molecules are crucial to the proper functioning of our bodies.

And guess what? There are also plant-based peptides! This vegan option shares the same composition as the primary amino acids and replaces animal collagen in some beauty products, like these all new vegan skincare products.

Why use peptides in skincare?

Because your skin deserves a boost! As a devoted shield, it protects you from external elements your entire life. But as you age, your skin cells naturally lose their efficiency, and rebuilding their moisture barrier becomes increasingly harder. Some damage is caused by biological factors, some is caused by exposure to elemental factors such as pollution, UV rays, or smoke. All of them lead to wrinkles, fine lines, spots, and dryness.¹.

For several years now, beauty products designed to reduce the signs of aging have multiplied, along with their key ingredients! So why should you specifically choose peptides in skincare? Because they’re effective, they don’t pose a health risk, according to EWG² and they’re suitable for all skin types. Peptides penetrate the epidermis and stimulate the production of collagen. The result is a revitalized skin with a smooth sensation of freshness.

Peptides or retinol?

What if we said that you don’t have to make a choice? Despite their different effects on the skin, these two pro-aging ingredients are complementary. While retinol increases the production of collagen and elastin, protects the skin from external factors and evens out skin tone, peptides in skincare can do the same and more!

They boost the production of collagen, hyaluronic acid, and other key skin components. Plus, both substances help reduce the signs of aging, but peptides are gentler and safer for sensitive skin.

What are the benefits of peptides in skincare?

The reason why peptides are becoming increasingly popular in the world of beauty products is simple: they’re a real gem! They’re like the bricks of the skin’s foundation and provide multiple benefits:

1. They replenish the skin’s moisture barrier

   Peptides are known for their moisturizing and nourishing properties. In fact, peptides in skincare help strengthen the barrier that protects your skin from elemental factors like UV rays, pollution, and other chemical elements that can accelerate skin aging.




2. They reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

   According to a study by the National Library of Medicine, after only two weeks of using a peptide-based treatment, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, particularly the frown lines, are reduced³.
   
   Combine peptides with phytoglycogen, another phenomenal naturally occurring substance, and you have an ultra-powerful and super-potent cocktail. Furthermore, after testing phytoglycogen – the star ingredient of the PHYTO-AGE serum and creams from the Oceanly line –, the participants of a clinical study saw their frown lines decrease by 75% and their skin’s moisture increase by 60% after seven hours.⁴.




3. They boost the production of collagen

   Peptides in skincare products promote the production of collagen and other proteins that help the epidermis retain its firmness, suppleness, and moisture. This results in smoother, younger-looking skin.

How to use peptides?

Peptides are among the most coveted pro-aging ingredients. Applied topically, they reveal remarkable results: revitalized skin that is stronger and more resistant. Since they are photostable, peptides can be used at any time of the day without affecting the results.

For maximum efficiency, it is recommended to use them morning and evening. An exfoliation treatment before applying can also help the peptides better penetrate the skin.

Which peptide-based skincare should you choose?

Even though peptides are a naturally occurring ingredient, that doesn’t mean they’re not, sometimes, combined with other substances that are deemed of concern by EWG. Therefore, make sure you always choose skincare that is EWG VERIFIED™ and relies on the fusion of powerful and clean ingredients.

Here are four – all from the first completely solid and plastic-free facial care line, Oceanly – to add to your beauty routine right now. Almost forgot to mention, they also come in sets!

1. PHYTO-AGE serum – Solid formula that combines phytoglycogen, peptides, and watercress extract to give the skin a youthful boost.
2. PHYTO-AGE day cream – Solid day cream that combines phytoglycogen, peptides and watercress extract to revive dull-looking skin.
3. PHYTO-AGE night cream – Solid night cream that combines evening primrose oil, peptides, phytoglycogen, and watercress extract to moisture the skin, leaving it feeling fresh and renewed every morning.
4. PHYTO-AGE eye cream – Solid eye cream that combines phytoglycogen, Ecklonia cava extract, and peptides to help reduce wrinkles in this delicate area of the face.

Odourless and easy to apply, PHYTO-AGE face care is a great example of peptides in skincare that is suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive!