Can I use Hyaluronic Acid and Peptides Together?

The beauty of hyaluronic acid, is the fact it is one of the very few ingredients that can work with other ingredients without causing irritation, even those known for being potent and sometimes harsh on the skin. As for peptides, they are also a skincare ingredient that generally works effectively when teamed with other ingredients. The question, will the pair work well together? This is something that we will be investigating together in today’s blog post. Before we get stuck in, let’s have a quick refresh on the benefits of peptides and hyaluronic acid and how they keep the skin healthy and happy.

Skincare benefits of hyaluronic acid?

• Humectant properties ensures water is locked into the skin keeping the protective barrier at its healthiest state.
• Helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Rejuvenates the skin ensuring the texture becomes smoother.
• Stimulates skin cell regeneration helping the complexion look healthier.
• Reduces signs of hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and acne scarring.
• Improves the overall clarity of the complexion.

If you wanted to know more about hyaluronic acid, check out our dedicated blog post about this clever humectant.

Skincare benefits of peptides?

• Improves the skin barrier helping to protect from exposure to free radical damage, such as pollution and UV rays.
• Reduces the signs of wrinkles giving you a plumper, firmer looking skin.
• Is antimicrobial meaning it can kill bacteria that causes acne.
• Calms inflammation and repairs damage to the skin.
• Promotes the collagen and elastin production in the lower layers.

There is much more to know about peptides, so don’t forget to read our more detailed blog post about the benefits you can expect to see.

Can you use hyaluronic acid and peptides together?

You can indeed, using hyaluronic acid and peptides together. The pair make a potent skin duo and can remain highly effective whilst ensuring the protective barrier remains healthy and in its happiest state. With the help from peptides working in the lower layers kick starting the collagen production ensuring the skin is plumped with a youthful bounce. You’ll also find that hyaluronic acid is able to benefit from being layered with a peptide serum as it will absorb the water found in the formulation and lock it into place.

What can you not mix with peptides? 

There are a few skin ingredients that can be mixed with peptides, and some that should be avoided. Here are some examples of effective partnerships,

• Don’t mix peptides and acids

Exfoliating acids, such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, and other members of the alpha hydroxy acids, as well as the popular beta hydroxy acid, salicylic acid, should not be mixed with peptides. This is due to these acids having the ability to breaking the bonds that make up the amino acid chains found in peptides. This results in them unable to deliver their benefits to the skin.

• Do mix retinol and peptides

With its reputation for being highly potent, retinol is often limited with which ingredients it can be teamed with. Peptides, however, are an effective teammate and in fact help improve the penetration of retinoid formulas applied onto the skin surface. With the retinol absorbing into the skin rapidly as well as the nourishing results of peptides, you’ll find your complexion will look vibrant, plumped and with a youthful bounce.

Much like all skincare ingredients it is important to ensure you perform a patch test for 24 hours before applying any new formulas to the face. If you have further concerns it is considered best to consult with a doctor or medical professional to avoid any unwanted skin irritation.

What can you not mix with hyaluronic acid?

There is very few if any skincare ingredients that can’t be mixed with hyaluronic acid. You’ll often find that most over-the-counter product formulas contain a minimum of 2% of hyaluronic acid. This is a result of HA being able to work well with almost all ingredients, believe it or not the only ingredient that can cause hyaluronic acid to become ineffective is hyaluronic acid itself. This is because if too much HA is applied topically the humectant levels are too high and water begins to be drawn up from the lower layers of the skin which over time will cause dehydration.

How long does it take for peptides to work?

You’ll see a difference in the all over complexion when you first apply a peptide enriched serum to the skin. With continued use notable improvements in the texture, radiance, and signs of premature ageing are reduced with a boost in nourishing amino acids. After roughly 3-6 months you will begin to see the full benefits of peptides and how effective they are on the skin.

How do you incorporate peptides into your skin?

You can apply peptides twice a day on the skin, they are effective at hydrating the skin surface keeping the protective barrier remain at its healthiest state and able to protect itself from potential damage, such as exposure to UV rays, pollution, and other free radicals.  You’ll often find that peptides are formulated into products, such as serums and moisturisers. The basic rule in skincare is to ensure you are applying your products in the right order, from thinnest to thickest consistency. This means you’ll apply these during the later stages of your daily routine as serums and moisturisers are thicker than cleansers, toners etc.

Do peptides tighten the skin?

Yes, peptides work in the lower layers of the skin and boost and stimulate collagen production. This over time leads to skin appearing tighter with signs of ageing, such as loss of elasticity resulting in the sagging of the skin, particularly around the jaw and cheek area are notably improved. Many skincare experts will recommend teaming your peptide products with others that contain retinol for a routine that can really pack a punch. When applying a product, it is also advised to ensure you always apply it in an upward motion and not down as this will counteract the effects of gravity to the skin.

There you have a little more information about using hyaluronic acid and peptides together. Don’t forget if you have any more skin related questions, you can come and find us on Instagram.