"I'm a beauty writer. Here's everything you need to know about peptides, and exactly how they work."

You know how there are some skincare ingredients that come along and you’re like… 'yeah, this is changing the game'? Peptides are that ingredient for me. 

But wait, what are peptides? What do they do? And where can I find them? Well, luckily for you, I’m here to give you the 411 on peptides and share a product that for me, is completely redefining what I expect from my moisturiser. (Spoiler alert: It's Ole Henriksen Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturiser.)

With so many skincare ingredients out there nowadays, it can be a challenge to navigate all the info to figure out what ones actually work... and which don't. 

So, let’s get into the nitty gritty and allow me to tell you everything there is to know about peptides. 

So, what exactly are peptides?

Let's start with the most obvious question: what are peptides?

In the simplest terms — minus all that science jargon — peptides are smaller versions of proteins, made up of amino acids. 

Amino acids (in case you're wondering), are the building blocks for protein. So whenever we eat our daily dose of spinach, and our body has broken it down, amino acids are what's left and help our bodies build protein.

Peptides are commonly described as messengers — ultimately, when you put peptides on your skin, your body's reactionary response is to begin producing more collagen.

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What exactly does that mean for my skin?

Well, our skin is made up of proteins and they're what give our skin structure, strength and elasticity. Naturally, the more protein we have in our bodies and skin help improve its overall appearance.

When talking skincare ingredients, the most common proteins (and the ones we're probably all most familiar with) are collagen and elastin. 

However, collagen itself is too large of a molecule for the skin to absorb which is why peptides are the answer.

What are the different types of peptides?

There are hundreds of different types of peptides in the body, but when talking skincare, there are usually three main categories:

• Signal peptides are the most commonly used peptides in skincare. They 'signal' to your body that an area of your skin (wherever you apply the topical peptide) needs more collagen and therefore helps stimulate more production.
• Carrier peptides are similar to signal peptides in the fact that they help produce collagen and elastin. However, while signal peptides 'trick' your skin into thinking more collagen is needed, carrier peptides help deliver copper to certain enzymes which contributes to collagen and elastin growth, as well as wound healing.
• Nerve signal peptides help specifically with fine lines caused by muscle movement.

Ole Henriksen’s Strength Trainer is a daily moisturiser that’s not only packed with peptides, but also hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and amino acids. Sounds like an absolute dream, right?!

But the real focus is the peptides.

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This moisturiser uses eight different peptides that have been deliberately curated to address a multitude of skin concerns. By perfecting the ‘puzzle’ of peptides, Ole Henriksen is able to deliver a moisturiser that build strength and support the skin to deliver comprehensive skin benefits.

If you’re a Youbie like me, you’re going to want to know what the peptides are. Here's the insider intel:

• Palmitoyl tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 which helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve elasticity.
• Acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester boosts skin resiliency and bounce.
• Acetyl tetrapeptide-2 strengthens skin firmness.
• Acetyl hexapeptide-1, Acetyl hexapeptide-8, and Acetyl octapeptide-3 help smooth and reduce the appearance of expression lines and wrinkles.
• Carnosine which strengthens skin barrier and defend against external stressors.

How do they improve the skin's overall appearance?

The peptide's protein helps rebuild the skin's strength, helping it look firmer, stronger, and it also diminishes fine lines. 

They help rebuild the skin’s barrier, meaning that they can help strengthen skin over time and therefore help to reduce things like inflammation and redness. 

You should think of peptides like personal trainers for the skin. They tell your skin exactly what to do to become the best version of itself and to behave the way that you want it to. 

As peptides are essentially just blocks of proteins, they’re also incredibly safe for the skin.

The special blend of peptides and amino acids in the Ole Henriksen Strength Trainer does almost everything. Mix that with two of my other favourite ingredients, hyaluronic acid and ceramides, and you have a recipe that’s going to make sure that your skin is plump, juicy, firm, radiance AND resilient.

How long does it take to work?

As always, the results depend on the consistency of usage. However, most women say that within a couple of months, they start to see the most results.

Ole Henriksen’s Strength Trainer sees results — that is, smoother and firmer skin — as soon as eight weeks.

So the only question that remains is, what are you waiting for? It's time to load up your skincare routine with the peptides. Your skin will thank you for it. 

If you're ready to give your skin a serious boost, shop the new Ole Henriksen Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturiser — the ultimate peptide moisturiser. 

Feature Image: Supplied/Mamamia.