Peptides and retinol are two of the biggest players in the skin space with much of their celebrity status coming from their use in the βanti-agingβ industry. But how promising is each active ingredient for skin longevity and which one β if not both β should you integrate into your skin health routine?Wondering, what is a peptide? Or, what do retinoids do? Letβs start with the basics:
Peptides and retinol are two of the biggest players in the skin space with much of their celebrity status coming from their use in the βanti-agingβ industry. But how promising is each active ingredient for skin longevity and which one β if not both β should you integrate into your skin health routine?Wondering, what is a peptide? Or, what do retinoids do? Letβs start with the basics:
01
What is a peptide?
Peptides are small biological molecules containing two or more amino acids arranged in a chain-like fashion. Peptides that are linked together naturally become arranged in complex structures to form proteins (aka βpolypeptidesβ), which are the molecules responsible for nearly every cell function. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and is vital to skin health and longevity. The dermis (middle) layer of the skin is particularly important for skin longevity as this is where collagen-producing fibroblast cells reside. Itβs widely accepted that collagen synthesis and subsequent collagen levels in the skin decrease with age, leading to changes in skin, such as fragility, increased fine lines and wrinkles, sagging, and loss of elasticity. [1]Peptide research and discovery is an exciting space for cutting-edge skincare. But, not all peptides are created equal. As direct supplementation of collagen to skin is difficult, skincare science has cleverly developed peptides that can promote collagen synthesis on a genetic level to rejuvenate skin from the inside out.Here are a few big players that are gaining attention for their collagen-boosting properties.
- Copper peptides are a type of carrier peptide that work together with antioxidant enzymes in the skin to protect collagen. This active ingredient also fights reactive oxygen species that can wreak havoc on other important molecules like DNA. [2]
- Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 is another popular peptide to hit the market. Professionally known as Matrixyl, this ingredient has been shown to reduce wrinkles and increase skin elasticity in several biologically-relevant experiments. [3]
- OS-01 is a novel peptide that was originally developed in the OneSkin lab. This peptide is the first of its kind to reduce the level of cellular senescence in skin (which would otherwise result in the accumulation of βzombieβ cells directly shown to cause skin damage and aging). The OS-01 peptide has been scientifically proven to increase key biomarkers associated with collagen and hyaluronic acid production. It also decreases biomarkers associated with aging and inflammation. [4]
01
What is a peptide?
Peptides are small biological molecules containing two or more amino acids arranged in a chain-like fashion. Peptides that are linked together naturally become arranged in complex structures to form proteins (aka βpolypeptidesβ), which are the molecules responsible for nearly every cell function. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and is vital to skin health and longevity. The dermis (middle) layer of the skin is particularly important for skin longevity as this is where collagen-producing fibroblast cells reside. Itβs widely accepted that collagen synthesis and subsequent collagen levels in the skin decrease with age, leading to changes in skin, such as fragility, increased fine lines and wrinkles, sagging, and loss of elasticity. [1]Peptide research and discovery is an exciting space for cutting-edge skincare. But, not all peptides are created equal. As direct supplementation of collagen to skin is difficult, skincare science has cleverly developed peptides that can promote collagen synthesis on a genetic level to rejuvenate skin from the inside out.Here are a few big players that are gaining attention for their collagen-boosting properties.
- Copper peptides are a type of carrier peptide that work together with antioxidant enzymes in the skin to protect collagen. This active ingredient also fights reactive oxygen species that can wreak havoc on other important molecules like DNA. [2]
- Palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 is another popular peptide to hit the market. Professionally known as Matrixyl, this ingredient has been shown to reduce wrinkles and increase skin elasticity in several biologically-relevant experiments. [3]
- OS-01 is a novel peptide that was originally developed in the OneSkin lab. This peptide is the first of its kind to reduce the level of cellular senescence in skin (which would otherwise result in the accumulation of βzombieβ cells directly shown to cause skin damage and aging). The OS-01 peptide has been scientifically proven to increase key biomarkers associated with collagen and hyaluronic acid production. It also decreases biomarkers associated with aging and inflammation. [4]
02
What is Retinol?
Retinol is a modified form of vitamin A, also known as retinoic acid. Vitamin A is crucial for central nervous system and immune system homeostasis, and even has antioxidant properties. [5] Retinoids can be broadly found on ingredients list as tretinoin, retinol, retinal, retinyl palmitate, or retinyl acetate β and depending on their concentration β they may induce negative side effects on your skin. Retinoids work by stimulating skin cell turnover and boosting collagen synthesis. By using retinol, dead skin cells at the surface of the skin are replaced with younger cells. Unfortunately, this rapid cell turnover can weaken the skin barrier temporarily after each use, leaving your skin and body vulnerable for a brief period of time, so proper skin care following use of retinol is critical for allowing the skin barrier to recover.Some stronger retinoids are prescription strength; only given by dermatologists to treat more stubborn skin conditions such as severe acne, fine lines, and/or dark spots to even out skin tone and improve overall skin texture. However, retinoid use can also (commonly) result in, skin irritation, skin dryness, skin sensitivity, skin flaking, and increased sensitivity to the sun, especially in the acute phase after initial use.
02
What is Retinol?
Retinol is a modified form of vitamin A, also known as retinoic acid. Vitamin A is crucial for central nervous system and immune system homeostasis, and even has antioxidant properties. [5] Retinoids can be broadly found on ingredients list as tretinoin, retinol, retinal, retinyl palmitate, or retinyl acetate β and depending on their concentration β they may induce negative side effects on your skin. Retinoids work by stimulating skin cell turnover and boosting collagen synthesis. By using retinol, dead skin cells at the surface of the skin are replaced with younger cells. Unfortunately, this rapid cell turnover can weaken the skin barrier temporarily after each use, leaving your skin and body vulnerable for a brief period of time, so proper skin care following use of retinol is critical for allowing the skin barrier to recover.Some stronger retinoids are prescription strength; only given by dermatologists to treat more stubborn skin conditions such as severe acne, fine lines, and/or dark spots to even out skin tone and improve overall skin texture. However, retinoid use can also (commonly) result in, skin irritation, skin dryness, skin sensitivity, skin flaking, and increased sensitivity to the sun, especially in the acute phase after initial use.
03
Are peptides better for certain skin types?
Given retinolβs harsh effects, certain skin types (especially sensitive skin) may not work well with any vitamin A derivatives. Additionally, you should avoid using retinol products if your skin is consistently exposed to the sun.Peptides, on the other hand, are often suitable for any skin type.
03
Are peptides better for certain skin types?
Given retinolβs harsh effects, certain skin types (especially sensitive skin) may not work well with any vitamin A derivatives. Additionally, you should avoid using retinol products if your skin is consistently exposed to the sun.Peptides, on the other hand, are often suitable for any skin type.
04
Do peptides and retinol serve a similar purpose?
The benefits of peptides can be remarkably similar to those of retinol in terms of collagen synthesis and skin rejuvenation, and often with little to no negative side effects. Therefore, if you want the rejuvenation benefits of retinol without the negative side effects, a peptide moisturizer may be your answer.
04
Do peptides and retinol serve a similar purpose?
The benefits of peptides can be remarkably similar to those of retinol in terms of collagen synthesis and skin rejuvenation, and often with little to no negative side effects. Therefore, if you want the rejuvenation benefits of retinol without the negative side effects, a peptide moisturizer may be your answer.
05
Are peptides better than retinol and why?
OneSkinβs proprietary peptide, OS-01, has been studied against retinol and found to induce similar benefits with none of the harsh side effects. In fact, when tested against retinol on human skin samples in the OneSkin lab, the OS-01 peptide increased a key biomarker associated with collagen production similar to the level induced by retinol. Perhaps more important, retinol significantly increased biomarkers associated with aging and inflammation, while the OS-01 peptide reliably decreased the activity of those same biomarkers. [4] It should be noted, however, that these effects were seen in skin after 5 days of treatment, therefore they represent the acute effects of each product. If you are concerned about the side effects that come with retinol use and their impact on your skin health, but still want the rejuvenation benefits of improved collagen production, consider using OneSkin's OS-01 FACE. Additionally, OS-01 FACE can be used as a complement to retinol, as it is clinically validated to boost barrier function and skin hydration, helping to counteract the harsh effects of retinol. [5]
05
Are peptides better than retinol and why?
OneSkinβs proprietary peptide, OS-01, has been studied against retinol and found to induce similar benefits with none of the harsh side effects. In fact, when tested against retinol on human skin samples in the OneSkin lab, the OS-01 peptide increased a key biomarker associated with collagen production similar to the level induced by retinol. Perhaps more important, retinol significantly increased biomarkers associated with aging and inflammation, while the OS-01 peptide reliably decreased the activity of those same biomarkers. [4] It should be noted, however, that these effects were seen in skin after 5 days of treatment, therefore they represent the acute effects of each product. If you are concerned about the side effects that come with retinol use and their impact on your skin health, but still want the rejuvenation benefits of improved collagen production, consider using OneSkin's OS-01 FACE. Additionally, OS-01 FACE can be used as a complement to retinol, as it is clinically validated to boost barrier function and skin hydration, helping to counteract the harsh effects of retinol. [5]
07
Are peptides or Vitamin A a better ingredient for healthy skin longevity?
So who wins in the skin longevity showdown? The jury is still out, but the scientists at OneSkin have shown that the OS-01 peptide may provide similar benefits with less downside.Retinol can be unsuitable for those with sensitive or reactive skin. In contrast, OneSkinβs OS-01 peptide reliability improves internal and external skin health markers, even on sensitive skin. Additionally, the OS-01 peptide is the first peptide proven to decrease skinβs biological age, thereby extending the length of time that skin is healthy and functional. [4]
07
Are peptides or Vitamin A a better ingredient for healthy skin longevity?
So who wins in the skin longevity showdown? The jury is still out, but the scientists at OneSkin have shown that the OS-01 peptide may provide similar benefits with less downside.Retinol can be unsuitable for those with sensitive or reactive skin. In contrast, OneSkinβs OS-01 peptide reliability improves internal and external skin health markers, even on sensitive skin. Additionally, the OS-01 peptide is the first peptide proven to decrease skinβs biological age, thereby extending the length of time that skin is healthy and functional. [4]
08
Can peptides replace retinol and everyday use?
Both retinol and peptides have been shown to fight the signs of skin aging. But choosing one skin care ingredient over the other depends on what skin concern you are trying to treat.Peptides still have a ways to go in terms of testing en masse compared to numerous, published scientific studies performed with retinol. That being said, peptides are more skin-friendly than retinol by a long shot, due to their more moisturizing nature. This can make them more amenable to everyday use. On the other hand, retinol can be quite effective (yet harsh!) at treating acne, evening skin tone, and lessening the appearance of dark spots. Can peptides and retinol be used in conjunction?Peptide-based products that are scientifically backed, such as OS-01βs Topical Supplements, will pair well with retinol as it can counteract some of retinolβs negative side effects.
08
Can peptides replace retinol and everyday use?
Both retinol and peptides have been shown to fight the signs of skin aging. But choosing one skin care ingredient over the other depends on what skin concern you are trying to treat.Peptides still have a ways to go in terms of testing en masse compared to numerous, published scientific studies performed with retinol. That being said, peptides are more skin-friendly than retinol by a long shot, due to their more moisturizing nature. This can make them more amenable to everyday use. On the other hand, retinol can be quite effective (yet harsh!) at treating acne, evening skin tone, and lessening the appearance of dark spots. Can peptides and retinol be used in conjunction?Peptide-based products that are scientifically backed, such as OS-01βs Topical Supplements, will pair well with retinol as it can counteract some of retinolβs negative side effects.
Key Takeaways:
- Age-associated decrease in collagen levels in the skin causes visible signs of aging, including loss of elasticity and fine lines/wrinkles.
- Peptidesβ anti-aging benefits come from their ability to promote collagen synthesis, among other benefits depending on the peptide
- Retinol improves collagen synthesis in skin, but often at the expense of skin dryness, inflammation, and sun sensitivity.
- Peptides are generally more gentle and moisturizing than retinol and therefore a better choice for those with a more sensitive skin type.
- The OS-01 peptide is the first peptide scientifically proven to reduce skinβs biological age.
Key Takeaways:
- Age-associated decrease in collagen levels in the skin causes visible signs of aging, including loss of elasticity and fine lines/wrinkles.
- Peptidesβ anti-aging benefits come from their ability to promote collagen synthesis, among other benefits depending on the peptide
- Retinol improves collagen synthesis in skin, but often at the expense of skin dryness, inflammation, and sun sensitivity.
- Peptides are generally more gentle and moisturizing than retinol and therefore a better choice for those with a more sensitive skin type.
- The OS-01 peptide is the first peptide scientifically proven to reduce skinβs biological age.
