Dermatologist explains why peptides are needed in your anti-aging routine

You can know everything about hyaluronic acidand you may have imagined chemical exfoliators - like AHA and BHA to your skin care routine, but even with this level of knowledge, you may not know about peptides yet. The ingredient has been used in anti aging creams for years, but lately it's been garnering a lot of attention, appearing in everything from eye creams to serums. We spoke with Dr. Erin Gilbert, a New York-based consulting Vichy dermatologist, on what peptides are, how to use them, and when to include them in your daily routine. 

What are peptides in skin care?

Peptides are compounds made up of amino acids. “They are smaller than protein and are found in every cell and tissue in the human body,” says Dr. Gilbert. Peptides send signals to your cells to produce more collagen, which is one of the main building blocks of your skin. 

Why should you add peptides to your skin care?

Wrinkles, dehydration, discoloration, loss of firmness and a dull complexion can be caused by the loss of collagen production that decreases with age. That's why peptides are key. “Peptides help keep skin looking youthful, no matter what skin type you have,” says Dr. Gilbert. 

While peptides are beneficial for all skin types, you should pay attention to the consistency in which they are supplied. “This detail is important and applies to all kinds of skin care products for every skin type,” says Dr. Gilbert. "You may have to change that as the seasons change." This means you can use a light, gel-like peptide product in the summer and a creamy, heavy version in the winter. 

How to add peptides to your skin care

Peptides can be found in a wide variety of skin care products, from serums to eye creams and more. We like Vichy Liftactiv Peptide-C Anti-Aging Moisturizer, which contains vitamin C and mineralizing water in addition to peptides. This anti-ageing moisturizer helps strengthen skin's moisture barrier function, while naturally derived phytopeptides from green peas help visibly lift skin, and vitamin C helps brighten skin and reduce signs of skin aging. Doctor Gilbert.

Another option is to use an eye cream with peptides, such as SkinCeuticals AGE Eye Complex. This formula is created with a synergistic peptide complex and blueberry extract to help improve the appearance of crepe and sagging around the eyes. Regardless of which peptide product it is, Dr. Gilbert's best advice is to be consistent with your application. “Healthy, youthful-looking skin requires daily attention,” she says.

If you would like to incorporate peptides into your nightly routine, we suggest using Youth To The People Cream of the future with polypeptide-121. Thanks to vegetable proteins and ceramides, as well as peptides in the formula, the cream has an ultra-moisturizing effect, strengthens the skin barrier and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. As a serum we recommend Kiehl's Micro-Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum with Ceramides & Peptides. The combination of key ingredients - retinol, peptides and ceramides - helps to gently resurface the skin, so you wake up younger. Releasing a microdose of retinol means you can use it every night without worrying it will aggravate your skin like some retinol formulas can.