Okay, WTF Do Peptides Really Do for Your Skin?!

Fine lines, wrinkles, lack of firmness, rough texture...these are very normal things that happen to our skin as we age. If you're noticing any of them on your face and are indifferent to their existence, feel free to stop reading this story and move on with your life. Otherwise, if you're like me and want to minimize their appearance, you're in the right place. Today, we're talking about all things peptides—an ingredient loved by skincare experts for its ability to smooth, plump, and firm skin without causing irritation. Ahead, everything you need to know about peptides for skin, including how exactly they work and the 15 best peptide skincare products to try right now.

Meet the experts:

• Melissa Doft, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon at Doft Plastic Surgery in New York City who specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive treatments.
• Corey L. Hartman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, AL.
• Elizabeth Grace Hand is a licensed esthetician and founder of Stalle Studios in New York City.

What do peptides do for skin?

Peptides are made of amino acid chains, the building blocks of protein in our skin, says plastic surgeon Melissa Doft, MD. "These peptides signal your skin to enter repair mode and produce more collagen and elastin—two proteins responsible for keeping skin smooth and firm." When your skin has more collagen elastin, you'll see fewer fine lines and wrinkles, smaller looking pores, and a more lifted and contoured appearance. Some peptides also have anti-inflammatory benefits, so they can help calm skin and reduce sensitivity too.

How to choose a peptide skincare product:

Opt for a leave-on product

Skip any products, like cleansers or masks, that get rinsed off (they don't stay on long enough to penetrate skin and have any positive benefits) and opt for a leave-on product instead. Your best bet: a peptide-filled serum or moisturizer (like a day cream or night cream) that you apply twice daily, says Dr. Doft.

Pair them with retinol

Peptides are great anti-aging ingredients, but they don't replace retinol (FYI, retinol is the gold standard when it comes to anti-aging). For max skin smoothing and firming results, you'll want to incorporate both retinol and peptides into your daily routine, says dermatologist Corey L. Hartman, MD. "You can either use these ingredients together at night or use just peptides in the morning and a retinol in the evening." Also: Pregnant people can't use retinol, so peptides should 100 percent be used solo in that case.

Don't forget your eyes

Another great way to incorporate peptides into your daily skincare routine is with a peptide-infused eye product. Retinol, while effective, can be too harsh for the delicate skin around your eye area. Peptides, on the other hand, are a safer choice. Using them in your eye cream or an eye serum can help firm and tighten skin and soften the appearance of crow's feet and crepey texture without causing irritation.

The best peptide skincare products of 2022:

• Best for sensitive skin: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Firming Collagen Cream
• Best night cream: Allies of Skin Retinal and Peptides Repair Night Cream
• Best eye cream: Shani Darden Skin Care Intensive Eye Renewal Cream
• Best organic cream: Tata Harper Crème Riche Anti-Aging Peptide Night Cream
• Best drugstore: Olay Regenerist Collagen Peptide 24 Max Face Moisturizer
• Best serum: Drunk Elephant Protini Powerpeptide Resurfacing Serum
• Best for acne-prone skin: Face Reality Skincare Cran-Peptide Cream

Keep scrolling for all the entire list of best peptide skincare products plus a quick breakdown on how they work.