5 Questions About Peptides Answered

Peptides are superstars of skin care, productivity powerhouses for collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, and essential ingredients in some of the most high-performance products. But what exactly are these little wonders and how do they help in achieving healthy, youthful, resilient skin?

What are peptides?

Peptides are small chain amino acids that are the building blocks of protein. These all-important cell signaling agents are responsible for cellular communication, cell proliferation, and cell migration. Their top job is keeping your skin looking firm, toned, and resilient by alerting your body to produce collagen and elastin.

Are peptides natural?

The peptides you see on the ingredients list in skin care products are synthesized to mimic the body’s natural stores. They are modeled on natural repair signaling sequences to repair and regenerate healthy skin. As a messenger for collagen renewal, peptides are comparable to the action of retinoic acid (Retin-A®) without the irritation.

Can peptides penetrate the skin?

At first glance, the answer would be no. Peptides have a relatively large molecular structure. To overcome this handicap, peptides are coupled with a lipophilic fatty acid to increase stability and penetration into the skin. Serums and light creams are the best delivery systems for peptides because they allow peptides to get under the surface where they can activate dermal metabolism. Heavy creams will occlude and keep peptides sitting on the surface.

What do peptides do?

Peptides trigger a signaling cascade that sets off the stimulators of hyaluronic acid, collagen, elastin, and essential components of connective tissue (proteoglycan, glycosaminoglycan, and fibronectin). Skin elasticity increases, fine lines and wrinkles are reduced, and skin appears smoother and firmer. Peptides also have a calming, anti-inflammatory effect that makes them an excellent choice for treating rosacea, redness, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation caused by acne breakouts. And peptides will increase the life of fillers.

What should I look for?

There are different types of peptides. Vivant formulates with oligopeptides, which have been shown to significantly stimulate collagen production resulting in visibly firmer skin when used twice daily for about six months.

Our Top Peptide Picks

Rejuv Rx Peptide Concentrate pairs peptides with gently exfoliating lactic acid and nourishing niacinamide to relax wrinkles, reduce redness, and reactivate skin’s youthful appearance.

Derm-A-Renew is a potent cocktail of peptides, vitamin A, lactic and kojic acid to smooth, firm, and brighten.

Wink Eye Rejuvenation Cream is a high performance, antioxidant- and peptide-rich formula for brightening, lifting and firming the delicate eye area. Also great for neck and décolletage.

Shop Vivant’s entire peptide collection.