How often should I use a peptide serum?
Okay, you’ve learned about AHAs and BHAs, you’ve learned what retinol is and how it benefits your skin, and you’ve added hyaluronic acid to your routine. But now we have peptides, yes, the must-have skin ingredient you didn’t know you needed!
What are peptides?
The main benefit of peptides is their ability to boost collagen production, which helps skin look plump and youthful, with visibly reduced fine lines and wrinkles and a smoother complexion. They can do this because they are amino acids, the building blocks of protein in your skin. Peptides are also cell-communicating ingredients, which means they tell your skin to produce more collagen. They’re often found in serums and moisturizers, as well as aftercare products and exfoliants, to restore balance to your skin.
Key benefits of peptides for skin care:
Reduces the appearance of fine lines
Helps strengthen the natural skin barrier
Fights signs of skin inflammation
Bound moisture to the skin’s surface
Repairs skin damage
Boosts collagen production
Gives you a smoother, firmer complexion
If you want to learn more about peptides, their benefits for skin, and how to incorporate them into your daily routine, check out our blog post.
When should you use a peptide serum?
Using your skin care products correctly has a huge impact on the effectiveness of your daily regimen. I’ve already explained to you that the best way to apply products is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest.
Best order to apply skin care products
Cleanser/face wash
Exfoliating toner
Serum
Facial oil (best)
Moisturizer
SPF (daytime only)
Overnight mask (nighttime only)
The best time to use a peptide serum is after using an exfoliating toner and before using a facial oil or moisturizer. This allows the lightweight serum to reach the desired areas without having to overcome the physical barriers created by thicker formulas.
What do peptide serums do?
Peptides are widely praised for their many benefits for the skin, including boosting collagen, elastin, and keratin. Using a peptide serum can revitalize, brighten, and strengthen your complexion, leaving you looking and feeling healthy. While peptides are highly effective at helping the skin, they can’t match the results that other, more potent ingredients can produce. For this reason, many people combine peptides with other skin ingredients in their skincare routine.
How long does it take for a peptide serum to work?
This depends on how consistently you use the peptide serum. Immediately after use, you’ll notice that your skin looks more plump, hydrated, and full of color. Many people say that in terms of long-term results, they’ve noticed a noticeable difference in their skin after just three to four weeks.
Everyone’s skin is different, and various supplemental ingredients you can use in your daily routine can counteract or enhance the benefits of peptides. If you have concerns about certain skin ingredients, it’s best to consult with your doctor or dermatologist beforehand to avoid a possible allergic reaction.
Can Vitamin C serums and peptides be used together?
Actually, yes, because as I mentioned before, peptides can effectively boost collagen production. But if you want to get the most out of them, combine them with a powerful ingredient like vitamin C for a powerful powerhouse combo. Vitamin C’s antioxidant properties protect against damage to the skin caused by free radicals and other environmental pollutants. All of these can break down collagen in the skin, leading to signs of aging, such as loss of firmness, fine lines, and more noticeable wrinkles. Vitamin C and peptides work synergistically, with vitamin C fighting free radicals and preventing damage to existing collagen, while peptides boost collagen production. The result is a firmer, more radiant complexion that exudes a healthy glow and minimizes signs of aging.
Which is better, peptides or retinol?
Both retinol and peptides are great ingredients to incorporate into your skincare routine. Both can work on their own for the skin, but when used in combination, you’ll be amazed at the results. You can use both in your evening routine, or alternate between using peptides in the morning and retinol at night.
One of the main benefits of retinol is its ability to speed up skin cell turnover, revealing a radiant, healthy complexion. As you know, peptides boost collagen production. Since each ingredient works on a different part, you don’t have to worry about damaging your skin with a mixture that’s too irritating.
Do peptides really work?
Yes and no, as complicated as it sounds, there are several studies underway to investigate exactly how peptides work on the skin. How peptides work on the skin is still a mystery, but what we do know is that the effects they deliver are impressive. As I mentioned before, peptides are clever cell-communicating ingredients, which means they can mimic any skin cell without having to go deep into the skin. This means that peptides can work on all levels of the skin, from the epidermis to the dermis of the skin.
What are the side effects of peptides?
Some side effects of peptide-rich topical creams and preparations may occur, such as skin sensitivity, rashes, and itching. This is fairly rare; however, I strongly recommend that you seek the advice of your doctor before using any new products on your skin. I also mentioned that it’s a good idea to do a 24-hour patch test. To do this, apply a 10p-sized amount of the product to the inside of your arm and leave it on overnight. If you see no signs of irritation, you can apply it to your face.
So here you can get more information and get some of your questions about peptides answered. It’s not as confusing as you first thought, is it? If you still have any questions, please get in touch with us on Instagram.
