Peptides may sound technical, but play a powerful role in modern skincare. These small molecules help improve firmness, smooth fine lines, and support skin repair. While ingredients like collagen and hyaluronic acid are “well known”, peptides are often less understood despite their impressive benefits.
At Face Dr, we focus on professional, medical-grade skincare and recommend only products we trust. Our Skin Experts help create personalised routines for lasting, visible results.
In this guide, we’ll explain what peptides are, how they work, and why they deserve a place in your skincare routine. You’ll also discover the trusted peptide-rich products we recommend to help strengthen the skin, reduce signs of ageing, and support a healthier, more resilient complexion.
In This Article:
- What Are Peptides in Skincare?
- How Do Peptides Help Your Skin?
- Types of Peptides in Skincare
- Peptides vs Other Anti-Ageing Ingredients
- Choosing the Right Peptide Product
- Who Should Use Peptides and When to Start
- Are There Any Downsides or Precautions with Peptides?
- The Best Peptide Products We Recommend
- Final Thoughts from Our Skin Experts
Want to skip the research and find out if peptides are right for you? Schedule a free online skincare consultation with one of our skin experts. They can analyse your skin, inquire about your concerns, and recommend the best niacinamide products for you or suggest a more suitable ingredient if needed.
We’ve shared our knowledge of many skincare ingredients before, including lactic acid, glycolic acid and niacinamide. Now, let’s get to peptides.
What Are Peptides in Skincare?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids, tiny fragments of proteins, that help keep your skin healthy. While larger proteins like collagen and elastin give skin its firmness and elasticity, peptides act as messengers, telling your skin to repair, renew, and produce more collagen.
They might sound complex, but peptides are a growing group of exciting ingredients with real benefits. From firming and smoothing to calming or brightening, different peptides target different concerns, making them a valuable part of any age-supporting routine.
How Do Peptides Help Your Skin?
Peptides play a key role in keeping skin firm, smooth, and resilient. As collagen levels naturally decline with age, peptides help by signalling the skin to repair and rebuild, improving elasticity and reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Some peptides also relax facial muscles to soften expression lines, while others support an even skin tone or help restore the skin barrier to boost hydration.
At Face Dr, our Skin Experts often recommend peptide-based serums, moisturisers, and eye creams as part of a targeted anti-ageing routine. Using the right peptide products can support your skin’s natural ability to stay firm, smooth, and radiant.
Types of Peptides in Skincare
Peptides come in many forms, each with its own function and benefit. To help you understand what to look for in your products, here’s a breakdown of the most common types used in skincare, and what they can do for your skin:
1. Signal Peptides
These peptides act as messengers, encouraging skin cells to produce more collagen, elastin, and other vital components. Signal peptides are some of the most widely studied and effective ingredients for supporting skin renewal and improving texture.
You’ll often find Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, and Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 in collagen-boosting serums and creams.
2. Carrier Peptides
Carrier peptides transport essential minerals, such as copper and magnesium, directly to skin cells. These minerals support enzymatic activity and aid in skin repair and regeneration.
Copper Tripeptide-1 is one of the most recognised peptides in this group. It’s often included in regenerating serums and moisturisers, thanks to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-repairing properties.
3. Enzyme-Inhibitor Peptides
This group works by inhibiting enzymes that break down collagen and other structural proteins in the skin. By slowing this breakdown, enzyme-inhibitor peptides help maintain skin strength and prevent premature ageing.
Look for ingredients like Oligopeptide-20, which may be included in firming creams or anti-ageing treatments for long-term skin support.
4. Neurotransmitter-Inhibitor Peptides
Often described as “muscle-relaxing peptides,” these reduce the contraction of facial muscles responsible for expression lines. By calming these muscles, they help smooth the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, offering a non-invasive way to soften expression-related creases.
A commonly used peptide in this group is Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, often found in products designed for forehead lines and crow’s feet.
5. Multifunctional Peptides
Some peptides offer multiple benefits in one. They might help reduce pigmentation by interfering with melanin production or transport, while also promoting skin healing and reducing inflammation.
For example, Tetrapeptide-30 and Oligopeptide-68 are used in brightening treatments to help fade dark spots by interfering with melanin production.
Peptides vs Other Anti-Ageing Ingredients
With so many anti-ageing ingredients available, it’s natural to wonder how peptides compare. The answer? Peptides work differently, and that’s exactly what makes them worth including.
Retinol
- Retinol speeds up cell turnover and stimulates collagen, but it can cause irritation or dryness. Peptides take a gentler approach, supporting collagen production by signalling skin cells, making them ideal for sensitive skin or for pairing with retinol to reduce side effects.
Vitamin C
- Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that brightens skin and supports collagen, but can be unstable or irritating. Peptides offer a more targeted, stable way to firm the skin and work well alongside vitamin C for combined firming and brightening benefits.
Hyaluronic Acid
- Hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps the skin’s surface but doesn’t affect collagen levels. Peptides complement it by working deeper, helping to improve firmness, reduce wrinkles, and strengthen the skin barrier.
The takeaway? Peptides don’t replace other actives; they enhance them. At Face Dr, we often recommend peptides alongside ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to build a well-rounded, effective routine.
Want to get an expert opinion on which skincare ingredients work best for your unique skin needs?
Book your free video consultation with a Skin Expert
Choosing the Right Peptide Product
Peptides can be found in a wide range of skincare products, but how do you know which format is best for you?
Peptide Serums deliver the highest concentration of peptides and are ideal for targeting wrinkles, dullness, or loss of firmness.
Peptide Moisturisers combine hydration with collagen support, making them great for dry or mature skin.
Peptide Eye creams help reduce puffiness and soften fine lines in this delicate area.
Our Skin Experts at Face Dr can guide you in choosing the right format and formula to suit your skin goals. Book your free online consultation to get personalised advice from our team.
Who Should Use Peptides and When to Start
Peptides are versatile ingredients that can benefit all skin types and ages. Whether you’re just starting to notice early signs of ageing or looking to maintain healthy skin, peptides can be a valuable addition to your routine.
When to start using peptides:
- Preventative (late 20s to early 30s): Begin using peptides early to support hydration, boost collagen production, and maintain skin resilience before signs of ageing appear.
- Restorative (mid-30s and beyond): If you notice fine lines, wrinkles, or loss of firmness, peptides can help restore elasticity and reduce visible signs of ageing.
- Targeted use: Peptides can also be used at any age to address specific concerns such as inflammation, breakouts, or promoting brow and lash growth.
Who can benefit from peptides?
Anyone with ageing concerns: Peptides support collagen production and help smooth wrinkles and fine lines.
Those with sensitive or acne-prone skin: Many peptides have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making them gentle and soothing.
Anyone looking to improve skin firmness and tone: Peptides help improve elasticity and overall skin texture for a youthful appearance.
With their wide range of benefits and excellent tolerability, peptides can easily become a long-term ally in keeping your skin firm, smooth, and healthy, whether you're preventing or addressing signs of ageing.
Are There Any Downsides or Precautions with Peptides?
Peptides are generally well-tolerated and safe for most skin types, making them a great choice for gentle yet effective anti-ageing care.
However, a few points are worth keeping in mind:
Patch test first: Although rare, some people may experience mild irritation or sensitivity when introducing new peptide products.
Not an instant fix: Peptides support your skin’s natural repair processes, but results take time, usually several weeks of consistent use before visible improvements appear.
Combine thoughtfully: Peptides work well with many ingredients, but it’s best to avoid layering them with highly acidic or exfoliating products in the same routine to prevent potential irritation.
Product quality matters: Since peptides are delicate molecules, product formulation and storage affect their effectiveness.
Choosing medical-grade products, like those recommended by Face Dr, ensures you get potent and stable peptides.
The Best Peptide Products We Recommend
At Face Dr, we only recommend high-quality, medical-grade skincare products that we personally use and trust. Our peptide selections are carefully chosen for their proven effectiveness, stable formulations, and ability to deliver visible results.
Here are some of our top expert-approved picks:
Peptide Serums
Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptide Concentrate
Key actives: Brightening Peptide Precursors
Firms, smooths, and revitalises the skin while reducing fine lines, improving elasticity, and supporting collagen production.
Best for: Ageing skin, fine lines, uneven texture, and loss of firmness
ZO Peptide Refining Concentrate
Key peptides: Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Refining Peptide Complex, Volumising Tripeptide.
Firms, tightens, and sculpts facial contours while reducing expression lines and improving elasticity.
Best for: Ageing skin, sagging, fine lines, and loss of volume
Clinical Skin Polypeptide Firming Serum
Key peptides: Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-28, Bis(tripeptide-1) Copper Acetate.
Firms, smooths, and supports skin repair while protecting against environmental damage.
Best for: Wrinkles, sagging, and loss of firmness
Clinical Skin Hyaluronic Acid + Peptide Serum
Key peptides: Tetrapeptide-21, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-28
Hydrating and collagen-boosting with added antioxidant protection.
Best for: Hydration, firmness, and smoother texture
Obagi Professional-C® Peptide Complex
Key peptide: SNAP-8
Brightens and protects with antioxidants while reducing the look of fine lines.
Best for: Dullness, fine lines, and antioxidant support
Clinical Skin Retinol + Peptide Refining Serum
Key peptide: Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38
Combines retinol and peptides to refine skin and improve tone.
Best for: Uneven texture and visible signs of ageing
Key peptide: Drone-Targeted Copper
Stimulates collagen production and supports the skin’s natural structure.
Best for: Smooth fine lines and rejuvenating the skin.
Peptide Eye Creams
Clinical Skin Ultra-Rich Eye Cream
Key peptides: Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Copper Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-12, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-8.
Targets dark circles, puffiness, and signs of ageing around the eyes.
Best for: Rejuvenating and brightening the eye area
Glytone Age Defying PHA+ Renewing Eye Cream
Key peptide: Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7.
Exfoliates and firms while reducing puffiness and smoothing fine lines.
Best for: Tired, textured, or ageing under-eyes
£68.00 – available exclusively through Face Dr in the UK
Final Thoughts from Our Skin Experts
Peptides can make a real difference in your fight against fine lines, sagging, and ageing skin. At Face Dr, our team of skincare experts is here to guide you in choosing the right peptide products for your unique needs.
If you’re unsure where to start or want personalised advice, don’t hesitate to book your free online consultation. We’re here to support you every step of the way on your journey to firmer, smoother, and healthier-looking skin.
