Are Peptides Better Than Retinol?

When you hear the word retinol, it’s difficult to think of any other skin ingredient that can have a chance at coming close to competing with such a potent powerhouse. Having said that, peptides have recently had a flurry in popularity, with many of us choosing to reach for a blend of these skin restoring, amino acids instead of retinol. The question is, however, are peptides better than retinol? Let’s investigate and find out more!

Can peptides be used with retinol?

Yes, they can! Both are effective wrinkle-busting ingredients and each work on the skin in similar ways. When it comes to introducing both into your everyday skincare routine its considered best to start with using one for one or two, then introduce the second ingredient once the skin has built some tolerance. Due to the fact they are perfectly safe to use together, teaming peptides and retinol together will result in an impactful routine, with the potent anti-ageing benefits of retinoids combating fine lines and wrinkles and peptides providing an extra boost of nourishment to the skin surface.

The main difference between peptides and retinol is the number of studies, there is an extensive amount of knowledge about retinoids. As for peptides we are still unsure about how exactly they work on the skin. If you are looking for an anti-ageing ingredient that will remain gentle peptides have been known to provide the best results, especially if you are prone to dryness and sensitivity.

If you are wanting to know more about peptides, you can check out our blog post about what peptides are and what their skincare benefits are.

What do peptides do for face?

Peptides, also called polypeptides are naturally occurring in the skin, which probably explains why they are found in a vast selection of skincare products. With peptides being amino acids, they can make up the protein of the skin and stimulate the lower layers of the dermis to make collagen leading to firmer, younger looking skin. Even with peptides being present in the body, topical application is another effective way of boosting collagen production, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and improving the skin barrier.

Is there anything better than retinol?

Yes and no, when it comes to skincare ingredients that really pack a punch, you won’t find many more powerful than retinol. The trouble you may encounter is because retinol is one of the most potent skin ingredients it can often result in common side effects such as severe dryness, flaking patches of skin, redness, and irritation. Because of this, many who suffer from sensitive and dry skin find retinoids to be too harsh for the skin so instead opt for retinol alternatives, the most common being bakuchiol. This vegan, anti-ageing natural ingredient provides the same powerful benefits as retinol without the drying side effects.

There is a full dedicated blog post about bakuchiol over on our blog so check it out for more information.

What should you not use peptides with?

It is often considered that using peptides with acids, such as AHAs and BHAs can often lead to the potent acid breaking down the bonds of peptides rendering them useless. With the acids containing a low pH level the risk of oxidation on the skin can occur if the wrong combination of peptides and acids are layered. This doesn’t however mean you are not able to use acid and peptides in the same skincare routine, it would just be a case of alternating the time of day you apply them. If you wanted my advice, I would suggest using the peptides in the morning, followed with acids during your evening routine.

Are peptides good for anti-ageing?

Yes, they are, as I have already mentioned the way peptides work on the skin, they still deliver notable and effective results. This is because peptides are made up of short chains of amino acids that build the protein in the skin. They can penetrate the top layer of the skin and can communicate with the cells found in the lower layers of the skin telling them to boost the production of collagen. With the added benefit of collagen production, the surface of the skin will appear firmer, smoother, and more youthful looking.

What goes first peptides or retinol?

You should first apply retinol to the skin as this will allow it to speed up the skin cell turn over leaving you with a fresher more vibrant complexion. By layering a serum or moisturiser enriched with peptides on top will not only nourish the skin but will reenforce the anti-ageing benefits for the skin.

It is important that you build your skin’s tolerance so using peptide and retinol together should be a slow process, by using this powerful duo together this way will result in an overall improvement of the skin with minimal side effects.

When should I use peptides?

You should consider using peptides when you notice the following.

• Fine lines and wrinkles on the surface of the skin
• Weakened skin barrier that is prone to damage
• Dehydrated and dry skin
• Flare-ups in inflammations

The way in which peptides work are in three main ways; signal peptides, carrier peptides and those that contain nerve signals. With each of these categories acting as a bilingual messenger informing the skin cells to kick start the collagen production boosting the firmness of the skin. Here is an example of how some of the main skincare benefits you can expect to see when introducing peptides into your routine.

The skincare benefits of peptides

• Strengthen the skin barrier- the skin will have the ability to improve the skin barrier enabling it to protect itself from free radical aggressors.
• Boosts collagen production- with the cell communicating benefits of peptides collage production is boosted.
• Locks in hydration- as we age, we tend to become dehydrated more frequently which can often lead to the skin appearing older than it is.
• Contains anti-inflammatory properties- peptides are packed with antioxidants that can help calm and soothe the skin from any inflammation

So, there you have a little more information about peptide and retinol and trying to figure out which is better. Luckily for us all they are in fact the perfect skin match and provide optimal results to a younger, healthier, and happier looking skin. Don’t forget if you have a questions do give us a follow on Instagram.