Peptides

A peptide is a small chain of amino acids linked by a chemical bond called a peptide bond. Peptides and proteins are very similar. Amino acids are not only the building blocks of peptides, but also protein. The primary difference between them is their size. Proteins are considered larger versions of peptides and are able to form more complex structures.

Proteins are a crucial part of the makeup of your skin, including your skin’s protective barrier. The middle layer of your skin, also known as the dermis, is made up of collagen proteins. Your skin’s protective barrier, or what is scientifically known as the epidermis, is made up of keratin protein. Amino acids form peptides and polypeptide chains to build these essential proteins. This means that peptides play an important role in maintaining a healthy skin barrier.

Peptides in skincare are often found in topical products, including moisturizers and eye creams. They help fight signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, as well as help the appearance of fatigued skin. Your body produces less collagen as you get older, which can lead to the appearance of aging skin. Many peptides for skin are able to trigger a repairing signal that tells your skin to produce more collagen and elastin where you need it most. When these peptides are applied topically, they can help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity, and help skin appear smoother and firmer, making it an effective anti-aging ingredient.

Yes, CeraVe’s peptide skincare formulas are suitable for use by all skin types. If you are unsure how best to incorporate peptides for skin into your skincare routine, seek the advice of a board-certified dermatologist.

Incorporating peptides into your skincare routine is as simple as choosing a gentle product formulated with peptides that’s suitable for your skin type and concerns. For a face moisturizer option, we recommend CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream—a hydrating and rejuvenating night cream formulated with biomimetic peptides, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides. This night cream helps improve the appearance of fatigued skin, locks in skin’s moisture, and helps restore your skin barrier overnight.

And for an anti-aging eye cream option, we recommend CeraVe Skin Renewing Eye Cream. This lightweight and deeply hydrating skincare formula for tired-looking eyes features a peptide complex, along with caffeine and niacinamide. It’s formulated to help fight tired-looking eyes and reduce the appearance of fine lines and crow’s feet wrinkles. With continued use twice daily as part of a complete skincare routine, skin feels softer and looks smoother, while the look of eye bag puffiness and dark circles appears reduced.

1. Ganceviciene, Ruta, et al. “Skin Anti-Aging Strategies.” Dermato-Endocrinology, vol. 4, no. 3, 2012, pp. 308–19. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.4161/derm.22804.
2. Jeong, Sekyoo, et al. “Anti-Wrinkle Benefits of Peptides Complex Stimulating Skin Basement Membrane Proteins Expression.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 21, no. 1, 2019, p. 73. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21010073.