Skin Science

Peptide Therapy and the Future of Skin Health

6 min read

Signal peptides, carrier peptides and neurotransmitter inhibitors — what each class actually does for the skin.

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as messengers within the skin. Rather than forcing change through exfoliation, they instruct cells to behave differently — most usefully, to produce more collagen and elastin.

Signal peptides such as palmitoyl tripeptide-1 encourage matrix synthesis. Carrier peptides deliver trace elements like copper, which supports wound healing. Neurotransmitter-inhibiting peptides temporarily soften expression lines by reducing muscle signalling at the surface.

Peptides pair well with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, and are generally tolerated by sensitive skin. They are best used consistently: most clinical data assumes twelve weeks of daily application.

Look for products that list peptide concentration and pair them with a barrier-supporting moisturiser to keep the delivery system intact.