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How to Use Peptides In Your Skincare Regimen to Optimize Your Health

How to Use Peptides In Your Skincare Regimen to Optimize Your Health
Peptides are much more than the latest skincare craze, they can be the real deal! Peptides are critical in regulating your biological processes and ensuring optimal cell function, which is why peptides can make such an incredible impact on your skin cells when applied topically. Keep reading to learn the answers to the most commonly asked questions, such as β€œWhat is a peptide?” and β€œHow can I incorporate peptides into my skincare regimen?”.
Peptides are much more than the latest skincare craze, they can be the real deal! Peptides are critical in regulating your biological processes and ensuring optimal cell function, which is why peptides can make such an incredible impact on your skin cells when applied topically. Keep reading to learn the answers to the most commonly asked questions, such as β€œWhat is a peptide?” and β€œHow can I incorporate peptides into my skincare regimen?”.
01

What are Peptides?

Peptides and proteins are both made of amino acids. Think of amino acids like the β€œbuilding blocks” of the peptides and proteins in your body. The differnece between peptides and proteins is their size and complexity. Peptides are generally short chains of two or more amino acids, while proteins are larger molecules made up of multiple peptide subunits. [1]There are many types of peptides, a few of which are llisted below: [1]
  • Carrier peptides to facilitate the transport of other molecules.
  • Signaling peptides to communicate in and between cells, often triggereing a biological response.
  • Enzymes to catalyze a biological reaction.
When linked together into longer chains, called polypeptides, peptides dictate a protein’s structure. Besides providing proteins with their basic form, peptides also help skin cells communicate by working as tiny messengers that trigger cellular functions. When the right peptides are applied topically, they can enhance the synthesis of collagen and elastin β€” compounds that give your skin its bounce and firmness. [1]The true power of a peptide argualbly stems from its size. Because it’s much smaller than a protein, peptides can penetrate into areas that larger proteins can’t reach. Where other skin care ingredients fail due to their limitations in size, tiny β€” but mighty β€” peptides can succeed.
01

What are Peptides?

Peptides and proteins are both made of amino acids. Think of amino acids like the β€œbuilding blocks” of the peptides and proteins in your body. The differnece between peptides and proteins is their size and complexity. Peptides are generally short chains of two or more amino acids, while proteins are larger molecules made up of multiple peptide subunits. [1]There are many types of peptides, a few of which are llisted below: [1]
  • Carrier peptides to facilitate the transport of other molecules.
  • Signaling peptides to communicate in and between cells, often triggereing a biological response.
  • Enzymes to catalyze a biological reaction.
When linked together into longer chains, called polypeptides, peptides dictate a protein’s structure. Besides providing proteins with their basic form, peptides also help skin cells communicate by working as tiny messengers that trigger cellular functions. When the right peptides are applied topically, they can enhance the synthesis of collagen and elastin β€” compounds that give your skin its bounce and firmness. [1]The true power of a peptide argualbly stems from its size. Because it’s much smaller than a protein, peptides can penetrate into areas that larger proteins can’t reach. Where other skin care ingredients fail due to their limitations in size, tiny β€” but mighty β€” peptides can succeed.
02

How should peptides be used as part of your skin care routine?

Considering the significant benefits of peptides and their ability to induce profound changes in your skin, incorporating sceintifically-backed peptides into regimen should be strongly considered. When navigating how to use peptides in skincare, it’s important to note that they can be incorporated into your routine through two different routes: orally or topically.
02

How should peptides be used as part of your skin care routine?

Considering the significant benefits of peptides and their ability to induce profound changes in your skin, incorporating sceintifically-backed peptides into regimen should be strongly considered. When navigating how to use peptides in skincare, it’s important to note that they can be incorporated into your routine through two different routes: orally or topically.
03

Oral Peptide Supplements

Nutrition plays a fundamental role in the health of all your bodily systems, including your integumentary system – your skin. Peptides, being the building blocks of all living things, are first and foremost present in foods, especially the following protein-heavy foods. [2]
  • Eggs
  • Meat
  • Fish and shellfish
  • Beans and lentils
  • Hemp seeds
  • Wheat
You can also augment the peptides you obtain from your diet through oral peptide/protein supplements. A 2021 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, found that oral peptide supplements. [3]
  • Increased skin hydration after 8 weeks
  • Enhanced collagen density in the skin after 4 weeks
  • Improvements remained even after 12 weeks of using peptide supplements
An oral peptide supplement delivers peptides via the digestive and circulatory system, but the gastrointestinal acids often degrade the peptide bonds into individual amino acids before circulation, then deliver those amino acids to all tissues in the body, not just skin.Fortunately, peptides are also effective when applied topically. This allows you to deliver peptides straight to the areas you need them the most.
03

Oral Peptide Supplements

Nutrition plays a fundamental role in the health of all your bodily systems, including your integumentary system – your skin. Peptides, being the building blocks of all living things, are first and foremost present in foods, especially the following protein-heavy foods. [2]
  • Eggs
  • Meat
  • Fish and shellfish
  • Beans and lentils
  • Hemp seeds
  • Wheat
You can also augment the peptides you obtain from your diet through oral peptide/protein supplements. A 2021 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, found that oral peptide supplements. [3]
  • Increased skin hydration after 8 weeks
  • Enhanced collagen density in the skin after 4 weeks
  • Improvements remained even after 12 weeks of using peptide supplements
An oral peptide supplement delivers peptides via the digestive and circulatory system, but the gastrointestinal acids often degrade the peptide bonds into individual amino acids before circulation, then deliver those amino acids to all tissues in the body, not just skin.Fortunately, peptides are also effective when applied topically. This allows you to deliver peptides straight to the areas you need them the most.
04

Topical Peptides

Because of their size, scientifically-proven peptides make excellent ingredients in topical skin care products. Their minute size enables them to penetrate the skin into areas where other ingredients would simply sit atop the skin barrier, whether in face wash, mask, cream, or serum form. Peptides can sink into the skin, encouraging the production of collagen and elastin in deeper layers. Numerous studies indicate that topical peptides can improve skin texture, strengthen skin barrier, prevent and target photodamage, and diminish scars. It’s important to note, however, that not all peptides are made equal and some are larger than others with diminished penetration abilities. Therefore, peptides contained in skin care products should be tested for their ability to penetrate the skin’s deepest layers, along withtheir impact on teh cellular and tissue levels. [4,5,6]
04

Topical Peptides

Because of their size, scientifically-proven peptides make excellent ingredients in topical skin care products. Their minute size enables them to penetrate the skin into areas where other ingredients would simply sit atop the skin barrier, whether in face wash, mask, cream, or serum form. Peptides can sink into the skin, encouraging the production of collagen and elastin in deeper layers. Numerous studies indicate that topical peptides can improve skin texture, strengthen skin barrier, prevent and target photodamage, and diminish scars. It’s important to note, however, that not all peptides are made equal and some are larger than others with diminished penetration abilities. Therefore, peptides contained in skin care products should be tested for their ability to penetrate the skin’s deepest layers, along withtheir impact on teh cellular and tissue levels. [4,5,6]
05

How often should you use topical peptides?

The recommended frequency of use for a topical peptide as part of your skin care routine ultimately depends on your preferences, the manufacturer’s directions, and your skin type. For gentle products like OneSkin's OS-01 Topical Supplements, a twice-a-day application works best, typically in the morning and at night. [4,5,6]
05

How often should you use topical peptides?

The recommended frequency of use for a topical peptide as part of your skin care routine ultimately depends on your preferences, the manufacturer’s directions, and your skin type. For gentle products like OneSkin's OS-01 Topical Supplements, a twice-a-day application works best, typically in the morning and at night. [4,5,6]
06

Do topical peptides pair well with other ingredients used in your skin care regimen?

You’ll be happy to hear that peptide products typically pair well with most other skin care products. Unlike other ingredients, peptides generally don’t strip the skin or neutralize other ingredients. Peptides tend to work excellently alongside other ingredients, like hyaluronic acids and vitamin C. Additionally, you may consider pairing harsh skin products, such as retinol, with the use of a peptide moisturizer scientifically-proven to build the skin’s barrier back up. If you are interested in learning how to use peptides in skin care, you can most likely add a peptide-containing product to your current routine to further optimize your skin health. There’s no need to worry about debating between incorporating peptides vs retinol into your routine - you can use them in tandem. But always note, that not all peptides are created equal and you should ensure that the peptides you apply topically have been well researched for their safety,a nd ideally their efficacy as well.
06

Do topical peptides pair well with other ingredients used in your skin care regimen?

You’ll be happy to hear that peptide products typically pair well with most other skin care products. Unlike other ingredients, peptides generally don’t strip the skin or neutralize other ingredients. Peptides tend to work excellently alongside other ingredients, like hyaluronic acids and vitamin C. Additionally, you may consider pairing harsh skin products, such as retinol, with the use of a peptide moisturizer scientifically-proven to build the skin’s barrier back up. If you are interested in learning how to use peptides in skin care, you can most likely add a peptide-containing product to your current routine to further optimize your skin health. There’s no need to worry about debating between incorporating peptides vs retinol into your routine - you can use them in tandem. But always note, that not all peptides are created equal and you should ensure that the peptides you apply topically have been well researched for their safety,a nd ideally their efficacy as well.
07

What should you avoid using peptides with?

Peptides can be paired with almost any other porduct and ingredient. As a rule of thumb, theproduct that you apply first in your skin care regiment will absorb the best into your skin. Therefore, order your skin care routine based on the products/ingredients you want the most benefit from. On this note, you likely won't receive much benefit from a peptide if you apply a mineral sunscreen to your skin first. That's because mineral sunscreens form a physical barrier on skin and don't allow much penetration.
07

What should you avoid using peptides with?

Peptides can be paired with almost any other porduct and ingredient. As a rule of thumb, theproduct that you apply first in your skin care regiment will absorb the best into your skin. Therefore, order your skin care routine based on the products/ingredients you want the most benefit from. On this note, you likely won't receive much benefit from a peptide if you apply a mineral sunscreen to your skin first. That's because mineral sunscreens form a physical barrier on skin and don't allow much penetration.
08

How can you determine which peptide product is best?

There are so many peptide products on the market these days that it’s hard to know which ones actually work. When searching for the right peptide product, pay attention to the product’s scientific credibility and ensure there are validated studies to support the peptide’s safety and efficacy.Penetration studies, in particular, are key studies that should be conducted on products containing peptides. These studies offer an evidence-based look at how well a topical ingredient will penetrate through the skin’s layers, ultimately determining how effective a peptide can be when applied topically. [7]OneSkin is one of a select few companies that use penetration studies to ensure product efficacy. We have performed extensive research in the lab on human skin samples to confirm the ability of our proprietary peptide, OS-01, to penetrate down to the dermal layer of skin. Additionally, our scientists have developed a body of data supporting OS-01’s ability to improve collagen and hyaluronic acid biomarkers, increase the skin’s epidermal thickness, and improve skin’s barrier function. [8] The OS-01 peptide is ideal for topical application due to its superior penetration capabilities and its positive and proven impacts on healthy skin function.
08

How can you determine which peptide product is best?

There are so many peptide products on the market these days that it’s hard to know which ones actually work. When searching for the right peptide product, pay attention to the product’s scientific credibility and ensure there are validated studies to support the peptide’s safety and efficacy.Penetration studies, in particular, are key studies that should be conducted on products containing peptides. These studies offer an evidence-based look at how well a topical ingredient will penetrate through the skin’s layers, ultimately determining how effective a peptide can be when applied topically. [7]OneSkin is one of a select few companies that use penetration studies to ensure product efficacy. We have performed extensive research in the lab on human skin samples to confirm the ability of our proprietary peptide, OS-01, to penetrate down to the dermal layer of skin. Additionally, our scientists have developed a body of data supporting OS-01’s ability to improve collagen and hyaluronic acid biomarkers, increase the skin’s epidermal thickness, and improve skin’s barrier function. [8] The OS-01 peptide is ideal for topical application due to its superior penetration capabilities and its positive and proven impacts on healthy skin function.
Key Takeaways:
  • Peptides are short chains of amino acids ( the β€œbuilding blocks” of the proteins in your body) connected together from end to end.
  • A peptide’s small size enables it to penetrate deep into skin tissues, effecting change that can lead to an improved skin barrier, skin damage repair, improved skin texture, and improved skin elasticity.
  • Oral peptides can be obtained either through your diet or through oral peptide supplements. However, oral peptides, including collagen, are easily broken down by digestive acids and not delivered locally, therefore topical peptide-containing supplements offer a superior delivery method for skin health improvements.
  • Not all peptide-products are made equal. Before using a peptide-containing product, it’s important to confirm the peptide’s scientific credibility and penetration capabilities.
  • OneSkin’s line of Topical Supplements have been scientifically tested and validated, including through extensive penetration studies, confirming the OS-01 peptide’s ability to reach the dermal layer of skin.
Key Takeaways:
  • Peptides are short chains of amino acids ( the β€œbuilding blocks” of the proteins in your body) connected together from end to end.
  • A peptide’s small size enables it to penetrate deep into skin tissues, effecting change that can lead to an improved skin barrier, skin damage repair, improved skin texture, and improved skin elasticity.
  • Oral peptides can be obtained either through your diet or through oral peptide supplements. However, oral peptides, including collagen, are easily broken down by digestive acids and not delivered locally, therefore topical peptide-containing supplements offer a superior delivery method for skin health improvements.
  • Not all peptide-products are made equal. Before using a peptide-containing product, it’s important to confirm the peptide’s scientific credibility and penetration capabilities.
  • OneSkin’s line of Topical Supplements have been scientifically tested and validated, including through extensive penetration studies, confirming the OS-01 peptide’s ability to reach the dermal layer of skin.

Last Updated February 26, 2025

Reviewed by

Alessandra Zonari

Alessandra Zonari

PhD, Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) and Co-Founder of OneSkin

Alessandra earned her Master’s degree in stem cell biology, and her PhD in skin regeneration and tissue engineering at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil in collaboration with the 3B’s Research Group in Portugal. Alessandra did a second post-doctoral at the University of Coimbra in Portugal. She is a co-inventor of three patents and has published 20 peer-reviewed papers in scientific journals.