Peptides are building blocks for skin youth proteins, such as collagen and elastin. We like to think of peptides as wholesome skin food! By feeding collagen and elastin, peptides plump and firm the skin. And unlike most raw collagen and elastin creams, which have larger-than-useful molecules, peptides are actually small enough to be absorbed into the skin and do some good. In addition to anti-aging benefits, some peptides clear breakouts their their intrinsic anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
Peptides do have a break-in period, so start small with a gentler formulation. And while you can use peptides in conjunction with vitamin C, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, or niacinamide, using peptides with other types of acids (alpha hydroxy, lactic, mandelic, beta, and salicyclic) will reduce the effectiveness.
The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA
A triple combination of Matrixyl, Matrixyl 3000, and Matrixyl synthe’6 reduces the appearance of both static and dynamic wrinkles. The hyaluronic acid superficially plumps the skin by drawing in moisture while the key peptides stimulate collagen for a more youthful appearance in as little as four weeks.
THe Ordinary Argilerine 10% Solution
Also known as “liquid botox,” argilerine is a new player in the topical anti-wrinkle market. This unique peptide helps control excessive movement and folding on the forehead, neck, and mouth. Use every morning on dynamic expression areas on the face and then be patient—it takes at least six months to see visible results.
Hylamide SubQ Skin
A highly active concentrate of advanced hyaluronic complexes, next-generation peptides and biotechnologies to target re-hydration, while improving the look of lines, wrinkles and textural damage. These ingredients are a mouthful, but they do the job: copper lysinate/prolinate, nonapeptide-3 retino complex, and palmitoyl tripeptide-38. The icing on the cake is an unprecedented five forms of hyaluronic acids, including very-low-molecular HA for near instant absorption.
The Ordinary Buffet
Peptides can cause irritation, so it’s always best to start with a simpler formula like The Ordinary Matrixyl. Once you’re fully acclimated and ready to graduate to more powerful stuff, we highly recommend this “buffet” solution. It contains Matrixyl 3000, Matrixyl synthe’6, SYN-AKE, and ARGILEROX peptides all wrapped into a probiotic and amino acid base.
The Ordinary Buffet + Copper Peptides 1%
This buffet is beyond extra with even more copper peptides that target overall skin health. The total composition is GHK-Cu, Matrixyl 3000, Matrixyl synthe’6, SYN-AKE, and ARGILEROX in a probiotic, hyaluronic base with eleven beneficial amino acids. The addition of copper peptides gives the serum a natural blue tint which doesn’t fully absorb into the skin, so we recommend application only in the evening or around the house.
