What if we told you that people are having surgery-free facelifts? The fabled, filter-free, photo-editing-free, late-night televised, wrinkle-erasing ingredients exist—and they’re called peptides!
As skin experts, there’s no denying that peptides have to be the most magical, lesser-known anti-aging tools available today in skincare, seeing as how they defy gravity. Here is what they are, how they exist, what they do, and where you can get your hands on these powerful wrinkle weapons!
Peptides, by definition, are amino acids that make up the building blocks of some of the skin’s proteins. Just as “like” attracts to ”like,” these wonderfully supportive amino acids help support the production of collagen and elastin, skin’s two best friends, resulting in the gravity-defying mentioned above, lasting lifting and lifting and firming effects. We’re guessing skepticism might have already taken hold of you. We know what you must be thinking right about now. “This sounds too good to be true.” “How do you know they work?” “Did Sir Isaac Newton know about this when he formulated the gravitational theory in 1665?” (Ok, that last one could have just been us asking).
We know they work because of the thousands of studies and research proving their efficacy and safety. In other words, we have science to thank, yet again, for these magical gifts to skin. Next!
“But are they ‘natural?”
That is another excellent question. Although we know labs aren’t precisely often associated with “clean” or “natural” skincare, the truth of the matter is that the impact peptides have made in the world of skincare has only been made possible because of Green Chemistry, a process that focuses on designing products that are effective and minimize the use and generation of hazardous substances—a place where science meets nature!
“Do results last? I heard all skincare was just ‘temporary.”
This is another common misconception about peptides. The short answer is yes and no. First, look at the more invasive anti-aging alternatives—facelifts, Botox, fillers, etc. These procedures are also, technically, “temporary.” As long as the world keeps spinning, cells keep aging, and Sir Isaac Newton’s gravitational theory remains unchallenged, there will never be a “one and done” solution for anti-aging. Bummer, we know, but our best advice is to think of skincare as an ongoing work in progress. Next, let’s look at “Cinderella” peptides. These are effective for shorter, 12–18-hour windows and are often referred to as such. Regarding the other peptides we will be focusing on today, the results are about as “temporary” as an actual surgical facelift. See? Not all doom and gloom, after all.
And now for the best part! Here are some of our top recommended products, each containing some of our favorite, proven effective MVP peptides!
MVP peptide: Matrixyl 3000
A collagen-stimulating peptide complex known for its dramatic ability to visibly lift, firm, and tighten the look of aging skin.
AMAZON Silk Super Serum INCANTA
MVP peptides: Sepilift® DPHP
A triple firming agent, and SYN®-COLL, a collagen-stimulating peptide, both designed to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Glowbiotics Probiotic Firming + Replenishing Lotion
MVP peptide: GHK
A copper peptide known for regenerating collagen and Oligopeptides, or smaller chain peptides that help improve the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles.
Simpure Smooth & Silky Argireline Facial Serum
MVP peptide: Arctic
Peptides are found in marine environments. They protect skin from cold, increasing collagen and softening the look of fine lines.
Free + True Mama Pacha Moisture Infusion Cream
MVP peptide: Seaweed
Peptides can facilitate the skin’s natural abilities to repair and rebuild collagen and elastin proteins. Additionally, they provide added brightening benefits as they decrease the look of discoloration or unevenness.