Peptides are short chains of amino acids that make up the building blocks for protein, which are long chains of amino acids. Collagen and Elastin are examples of long-chain amino acid links aka proteins.

On the skin, peptides are chemical messengers that tell cells what to do. In particular, peptides stimulate fibroblasts, the most common type of cell found in our connective tissues. Fibroblasts are responsible for synthesizing collagen and repairing the skin, which means that to maintain the structure of our skin, its firmness, and elasticity we want peptides.

To answer what peptides we want we have to ask which peptides are doing what. Let’s break that down by result.

To stimulate wound healing, collagen synthesis, and skin-repairing lookout for  Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Caprooyl Tetrapeptide-3, Oligopeptide-1 EGF, and Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, which works synergistically with Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7. 

To help control melanin production by inhibiting melanogenesis to decreases irregular pigmentation lookout for Oligopeptide-34. 

To alleviate wrinkles and fine lines peptides like Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Acetyl Octapeptide-3 aka SNAP-8TM, and Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 aka Argireline are all great.