Are peptides safe for skin? Explained

Are peptides safe for skin? Explained

Peptides might sound very science-fiction but they’re not alien to your skin. These short chains of amino acids are part of its natural structure as they make up the building blocks of collagen, and elastin, the proteins that give your skin its strength, bounce and resilience.

So, when you use a peptide packed skincare product, you’re feeding the skin something it already recognises and helping it to rebuild, and repair. Hence why peptides tend to be so well tolerated, even for those with sensitive skin.

Peptides explained

“Peptides serve as messengers that signal the skin to produce more of the skin’s structural proteins, helping to improve elasticity, texture, and overall resilience,” explains aesthetic doctor Raquel Amado.

Over time, our natural collagen levels decline, and that’s where peptides come in. When used in skincare, they encourage collagen, and elastin production as well as help “repair damage and strengthen the skin barrier,” shares aesthetic doctor Emmaline Ashley.

Not all peptides behave in the same way, and formulators have discovered that different types of peptides send different signals which is what makes them so versatile when it comes to treating the skin.

• Tripeptides support cellular repair and boost collagen for smoother skin.
• Hexapeptides help relax expression lines.
• Copper peptides encourage wound healing and improve elasticity.
• Acetyl tetrapeptides hydrate and support the skin’s resilience

Why peptides are considered safe

Unlike other gold standard actives, think retinoids and acids, peptides rarely cause irritation. They are so well tolerated by the skin that, “generally, peptides are considered safe for use in pregnancy,” says aesthetic doctor and HydroPeptide expert Lauren Jamieson. “They can be very helpful to help manage some of the changes seen in skin as a result of hormonal shifts, such as dryness, sensitivity, and pigmentation.”

When it comes to safety, the only real consideration is how you layer your peptides. Acids like glycolic or salicylic, and high concentrations of vitamin C can change the pH of your skin which then breaks down peptide bonds. This makes it best to use them on alternate daysif they haven’t been specially formulated together in one product.  

Matching peptides to your skin concerns

Whether your skin is dry, oily, sensitive, acne prone, hyperpigmented or showing signs of ageing, peptides can slot into your routine and support your goals. Here’s how they can help treat common skin concerns, and the HydroPeptide products to try.

Acne-prone skin

Peptides calm inflammation, support healing and work well alongside other acne-bustingingredients.

Try: HydroPeptide Spot Correction. A sophisticated peptide spot treatment that not only targets acne, but also rids the complexion of dullness and dead skin cells. Apply the blend of niacinamide, lactic acid, peptides and sulphur on spots at night and wake up to a clearer complexion.

Ageing skin

Peptides help firm, smooth and soften the look of fine lines by supporting collagen production.
Try: HydroPeptide Power Serum. This delivers high-performance peptide complexes and collagen-boosting antioxidants that work in synergy to radically repair and improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles for a firmer, more youthful appearance. 

Dark circles

Strengthening the delicate under-eye area can make a visible difference when it comes to dark circles and peptides can help thicken and firm the skin.
Try: HydroPeptide Eye Authority. Firming and brightening peptides penetrate beneath the surface of the skin to reduce the look of expression lines, wrinkles and dark circles.

Dry skin

When skin is dry moisture retention and barrier repair are a must, which makes peptides one of the best actives to reach for as they can help strengthen the skin barrier.

Try: HydroPeptide Moisture Reset. Peptides and twelve precious oils combine to make up this nutrient-rich, fast-absorbing facial oil. It locks in moisture and reinforces the natural lipid barrier of your skin, to keep skin well-nourished and hydrated.

Hyperpigmentation

By supporting renewal and strengthening the barrier, peptides can help brighten uneven tone.
Try: Micro-dose Glow Booster. This peptide-infused retinol serum is formulated with the 0.25% universal tri-retinol complex and patented CellRenew-16 to reverse signs of skin damage including hyperpigmentation. Skin is left luminous and more even in tone.

Oily skin

Peptides can balance oil production and reduce the excess sebum that results in shiny complexions. They also have calming properties that can quell the inflammation often linked to oily skin.

Try: HydroPeptide Aquaboost. Thoughtfully formulated for oily skin, this peptide moisturiser helps absorb excess oil, calms redness and delivers necessary hydration to keep your complexion balanced and clear. 

Sensitive skin

Because they mimic what your skin already knows, peptides are ideal for calming and supporting reactive skin.
Try: HydroPeptide Barrier Builder. A ceramide barrier repair cream for damaged skin that’s been consciously formulated to calm inflammation and irritation. The rich, nourishing cream penetrates deep into the epidermis, delivering a potent blend of clinically proven ingredients that repair, hydrate, and fortify skin.

Redness

By easing inflammation and supporting barrier repair, peptides help reduce visible redness over time.
Try: HydroPeptide Soothing Serum. Formulated with soothing peptides and a botanical stem cell extract to quell redness, this multi-faceted anti-wrinkle serum simultaneously soothes irritation while smoothing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

What to expect from peptide packed skincare

“Peptides do not provide immediate results; instead, they gradually condition the skin into a new epigenetic state that maximises the production of key structural proteins,” saysHydroPeptide cosmetic chemist, Ian Vitek. This makes peptides one of the most dependableingredients on the market but, “consistent use is essential to properly condition your skin for the desired benefits,” adds Vitek.

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