With all the peptide products available, and marketing claims about them, how do you know which products to choose?

Let's start with some science. Think of peptides as protein fragments. These fragments are formed from amino acids, which are normally part of the skin and body.

When aging, UV light and oxidation caused by free radicals weaken peptide bonds within the skin, causing it to lose its firmness and elasticity. As a result, wrinkles and other unwanted texture changes appear.

To fight back, manufacturers offer a plethora of peptide products designed for specific purposes. Although peptides are too large to penetrate the skin, they are work through signaling to alert the skin to start repairing the damaged areas.

When picking peptide products, take a look at the label – different peptides can offer different benefits, which we explain further below, so you can choose which ones are best for your skin concerns. Also seek peptides with numbers, such as tetrapeptide-5, as these tend to be the most thoroughly researched and commonly used peptides.

The following peptides and products have proven successful in clinical studies and clinical experience:

Matrixyl -

Also called palmitoyl pentapeptide-3, Matrixyl is the most widely used peptide in skincare products. It has shown the ability to stimulate production of collagen types I and II and fibronectin, which all impact the skin's firmness and elasticity. You'll find Matrixyl in these products:

• Cinq Mondes Precious Day Cream – With a combination of patented antiaging ingredients including Matrixyl, Essenskin, arbutin and Avena sativa (oat) kernel extract, this cream battles wrinkles and dark spots while improving skin firmness and radiance.

• Exuviance Collagen Triple Boost Serum – This customized formulation includes 7 potent collagen boosters and 4 amino acids that provide the building blocks for new collagen. Matrixyl and gardenia extract help stimulate new collagen synthesis, while gardenia also helps block collagen-degrading enzymes.

Neuropeptides –

Argireline (acetyl hexapeptide -3) blocks the release of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, thereby inhibiting muscle contraction. Neuropeptide products aren't exactly Botox in a bottle, but they can temporarily reduce the appearance and formation of wrinkles. Check out these products in particular:

• Peter Thomas Roth Mega-Rich Anti-Aging Sleeping Mask – This intensive overnight moisturizing and firming treatment also contains palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl oligopeptide and SYN-COLL to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and deeper wrinkles.

• GOLDFADEN M.D. Needle-Less-Line Smoothing Concentrate – Packed with pure hyaluronic acid and advanced anti-aging hexapeptides, this concentrate plumps, tightens and smooths the appearance of fine lines and deep creases in areas like the forehead, crow’s feet and mouth.

Copper peptides –

These naturally occurring antioxidants consists of copper, bound with 3 amino acids. Copper peptides can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by boosting promotion of collagen and elastin. They also promote production of hyaluronic acid, which helps keep the skin plump and supple.

Tetrapeptide-26 –

Each skin cell contains its own "clock" gene, which regulates processes such as cellular repair (which occurs at night) and nutrition synthesis (which occurs during the day.). But with time and UV exposure, these genes get out of sync, resulting in less effective cellular functions. This innovative tetrapeptide boosts the expression of "clock" genes, helping to prevent UV damage during the day and to optimize the skin's protective and regenerative cycles. Find it in:

• LovelySkin Luxe Cellular Anti-Aging Serum – While tetrapeptide-26 repairs cellular damage caused by aging and environmental stress, hyaluronic acid firms and plumps fine lines and wrinkles. Swiss Apple extract battles wrinkles, and Persian Silk Tree extract reduces signs of skin fatigue, increasing the skin's radiance.

Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9 –

Like the rest of the body, production of the protein-sugar complex called lumican, which plays a role in the production of collagen and slows with age. Acetyl tetrapeptide-9 stimulates lumican, boosting the area around the collagen, while also stimulating production of collagen, resulting in firmer, plumper skin.

Caprooyl Tetrapeptide-3 –

This growth factor-derived peptide stimulates production of laminin 5, which strengthens the skin to address sagging. It also stimulates collagen VII and fibronectin, which helps in wound healing.

Caprooyl tetrapeptide-3 and acetyl tetrapeptide-9 are available in:

• LovelySkin LUXE Ultra-Rich Peptide Moisturizer – The peptides repair cellular damage and improve signs of aging, while moisturizers including argan oil and grapeseed oil nourish and revitalize the skin. Antioxidant-rich grapeseed and pomegranate oil in this product work together to battle free radicals and reduce inflammation.

Have more questions about which peptide is perfect for your skin? Leave us a comment below!