If you're looking for a gentle, hydrating option that helps with skin repair, copper peptides are a great choice. For more powerful anti-aging and skin renewal benefits, retinol is a great option. It can also be helpful to combine both ingredients in your routine for maximum benefits.
Copper peptides are not as well-studied as retinol, but there is some evidence that they do work.
Retinoids are still your best bet when it comes to anti-aging, although peptides have been shown to deliver benefits as well, it still needs a lot more robust research/studies.
Copper peptides can interact with certain other active ingredients in your skincare routine, such as vitamin C and retinol. These interactions can reduce the effectiveness of the products or cause increased skin sensitivity. It is important to be mindful of product layering and ingredient combinations.
Due to its potent and direct action, tretinoin is much more effective at accelerating skin renewal. It helps shed the outer layer of the skin more rapidly and promotes the growth of new skin cells, which can clear up acne and rejuvenate the skin more effectively than retinol.
Bakuchiol extract comes from the Babchi plant, known for its purple blossoms and its use in Chinese and Indian medicine. The extract can be found in daily moisturizers, serums and creams. “Bakuchiol is often used as a gentler alternative to retinol.
Crystal Retinal contains retinAL; a next-generation vitamin A which acts 11x faster than standard retinOL. And, unlike others, our patented retinal stability system ensures unmatched retinal potency and effectiveness until the very last drop.
Regular use of copper peptides can lead to a noticeable reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. As a result skin is left smoother and more refined. They can also enhance skin elasticity and firmness. This helps combat the sagging that often accompanies skin aging.
Yes! In fact, we recommend it! Copper peptides work synergistically with vitamin C to trap moisture and improve the skin's texture. Try combining them with moisturizing products that are rich in a gentle form of vitamin C, such as our Vitamin C Rose Moisturizer or Vitamin C Rose Oil.
Copper tripeptides similarly help with collagen production, Dr. Kim says, and boast anti-aging and anti-inflammatory benefits.
The benefits of peptides are legitimate, with plenty of science to back them up. And while dermatologists often recommend them as a substitute for retinoids, particularly for people who can't tolerate the latter, they also play nicely with most other “actives” (including, yes, retinoids, as well as vitamin C).
In essence, neither ingredient is inherently better than the other; they complement each other beautifully in a comprehensive skincare routine. If you're looking for immediate hydration and plumpness, collagen is your go-to. For long-term improvements in texture and firmness, retinol takes the lead.
Choosing between peptides and retinol depends on your skincare goals, skin type, and tolerance. If you have sensitive skin or are looking for a more gradual approach, peptides might be the better choice. On the other hand, if you're seeking faster and more dramatic results, retinol could be your go-to option.
As you age, the level of copper peptides in your body naturally decrease. Therefore, adding them into your daily beauty regime allows your complexion to maintain a constant state of repair. When applied topically, they work to promote collagen and elastin production while acting as an anti-inflammatory.
Derma E's Stem Cell Eye Lifting Treatment with Copper Peptides is a multi-action eye cream that helps to visibly lift, firm and tighten the delicate eye area while smoothing the appearance of laughter lines.
The short answer to this question is yes, you can use retinol and peptides together! In fact, they compliment each other very well. Because retinol can cause irritation and dryness in the skin, peptides come along and help reduce that irritation and strengthen the skin.
Some skin types may be sensitive to copper, and there's a chance that overusing copper skincare products could be detrimental to your skin health. That's why I use non-copper peptides, like the ones you'll find in my Hydration Peptide Cream.
It may take several weeks to see results. Use copper peptides in conjunction with other anti-aging ingredients, such as retinol and vitamin C. Use copper peptides in conjunction with hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, which means that it helps to attract and retain moisture in the skin.
Now, what happens if you mix an acid (i.e salicylic acid) and a base (buffet+copper peptides)? Essentially, they cancel each other out, and if you were to use both of these during your skincare routine, they'd basically cancel each other out by being together on your face.
Once the copper peptide serum has absorbed into your skin, follow up with your favorite moisturizer. Locking in the serum with a moisturizer helps create a barrier that prevents moisture loss, keeping your skin hydrated and plump throughout the day.
Possible Side Effects of Copper Peptides
While copper peptides are a low-risk skincare ingredient, they can trigger an allergic reaction in some individuals. Signs of an allergic reaction include hives, itchy or burning skin, and redness. Sensitive skin types are more prone to reactions.
We recommend following the 1-2-3 rule: apply retinol once a week for one week, twice a week for two weeks, three times for three weeks, then move towards every second night if there are no side effects happening. If you do experience flaking, redness or sensitivity, simply move back to a lower frequency for a week.
Bakuchiol: Nature's Answer To Retinol
Among beauty and skincare enthusiasts, the focus has shifted towards natural, plant-based ingredients that lend the same benefits as retinol. Bakuchiol, for instance, is regarded as one of the most effective natural retinol alternatives out in the market today.
The strongest retinol you'll find over the counter is adapalene, which is the main ingredient in the Differin Gel Acne Treatment. “Differin was originally formulated for acne patients, but if your skin is thick and or oily, you can achieve the same benefits,” says Elmasry.