Peptides in Skincare: What Are They and How Do They Benefit Ageing Skin?

If you've been exploring skincare ingredients that help with fine lines, wrinkles and loss of firmness, you've probably come across peptides.

They're increasingly popular in skincare, particularly in products designed for ageing skin. But what exactly are peptides, how do they work, and are they worth including in your skincare routine?

At MAYDI+™, we believe understanding the science behind your skincare helps you make more informed choices.

Let's explore why peptides have become such an important ingredient in modern skincare, especially for women navigating the changes that come with midlife, perimenopause and menopause.

What Are Peptides in Skincare?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins.

Your skin naturally contains proteins such as collagen and elastin, which help maintain its structure, firmness and elasticity.

Think of collagen as the framework that helps keep skin looking firm, while elastin allows it to stretch and return to its original shape.

As we age, the production and maintenance of these structural proteins change. This contributes to the development of fine lines, wrinkles and a gradual loss of firmness.

Certain peptides used in skincare are designed to support the appearance of healthier, smoother and firmer skin.

However, not all peptides work in the same way. Different peptides have different functions, which is why the specific peptide used in a formulation matters.

What Do Peptides Do for Your Skin?

Depending on the type of peptide and its formulation, peptides can help address several common skincare concerns.

1. Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles

Some peptides are used to help soften the appearance of expression lines, particularly around the eyes and forehead. Others help improve the appearance of deeper wrinkles and uneven skin texture.

2. Support firmer-looking skin

Certain peptides are designed to support the skin's structural proteins, helping improve the appearance of firmness and elasticity over time.

3. Improve skin smoothness and texture

Peptides can help skin look smoother and more refined, making them useful ingredients in skincare products targeting visible signs of ageing.

4. Target specific concerns around the eyes

Specialist peptides can help reduce the appearance of under-eye puffiness, contributing to a brighter, more refreshed appearance.

It's important to remember that peptides are not all interchangeable. Their effectiveness depends on their individual properties, the concentration used, the overall formulation and consistent application.

Why Are Peptides Particularly Beneficial for Skin Over 40?

During perimenopause and menopause, fluctuating and declining oestrogen levels can influence the skin's collagen content, hydration and elasticity.

You may notice that your skin feels drier, fine lines become more visible, or areas that previously looked firm begin to lose definition.

These changes are a natural part of ageing, but that doesn't mean you can't support your skin through them.

A well-formulated skincare routine can help improve hydration, support the skin barrier and address visible changes in firmness and texture.

This is where peptides can play a valuable role.

Peptide-based skincare can complement ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, antioxidants and retinoids to help skin look smoother, firmer and more resilient.

At MAYDI+™, our approach to pro-age skincare is not about fighting ageing. It's about understanding skin biology and supporting your skin to look and feel its best at every stage of life.

Different Types of Peptides in Skincare

One of the most important things to understand about peptides is that they don't all do the same job.

Some are used to support the appearance of collagen-rich skin, while others target expression lines or specific concerns such as under-eye puffiness.

Let's look at three peptide technologies used in the MAYDI+ skincare range.

Argireline® Amplified: Targeting Expression Lines and Wrinkles

Argireline® Amplified contains Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, a peptide designed to target the appearance of expression lines.

Expression lines develop through repeated facial movements such as smiling, frowning and squinting.

Over time, these lines can become more noticeable, particularly as skin loses some of its natural firmness and elasticity.

Argireline® Amplified is used in skincare to help soften the appearance of these lines and improve the look of skin smoothness.

It is sometimes described as a 'Botox-like peptide' because of its laboratory-studied mechanism, but topical skincare peptides do not work in the same way as injectable treatments and should not be expected to produce equivalent results.

Where you'll find it in MAYDI+:

Our Renewal Day Cream combines Argireline® Amplified with hyaluronic acid, a stabilised vitamin C derivative and our exclusive BFE-01 Boswellia Frereana Resin Extract.

Together, these ingredients are selected to support hydration, radiance, skin firmness and a smoother-looking complexion.

In an independent clinical study involving 30 women over eight weeks, our Renewal Day Cream demonstrated:

• Up to 80% improvement in skin elasticity after eight weeks.

• Up to 40% improvement in skin firmness after eight weeks.

• Up to 19% reduction in wrinkle depth after four weeks.

These are results for the complete Renewal Day Cream formulation, not Argireline® Amplified alone.

Matrixyl 3000: Supporting Smoother, Firmer-Looking Skin

Matrixyl 3000 is a well-known peptide complex combining two different peptides:

• Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1

• Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7

These are commonly described as signal peptides, used in skincare formulations designed to support the appearance of the skin's structural framework.

Matrixyl 3000 has been studied for its potential to improve the appearance of wrinkles, skin texture and elasticity.

It's particularly interesting for mature skin because it targets visible changes associated with declining firmness and the appearance of deeper wrinkles.

Where you'll find it in MAYDI+:

Our Brightening Daily Serum combines Matrixyl 3000 with our exclusive BFE-01 extract and carefully selected botanical ingredients.

The formula also includes Bright Oleoactif, a botanical complex selected for its brightening properties, and Lift Oleoactif, chosen to help improve the appearance of skin smoothness and firmness.

The result is a serum designed to address several visible signs of skin ageing, including dullness, uneven tone, fine lines and loss of firmness.

In our independent two-week consumer trial of women aged 45 and over:

• 93% said their skin felt less dry.

• 76% said their skin appeared plumper.

• 75% said their skin appeared more youthful.

These results reflect the performance of the complete serum formulation.

Eyeseryl: A Specialist Peptide for Under-Eye Puffiness

The skin around our eyes is particularly delicate and often one of the first areas to show visible signs of fatigue and ageing.

As we get older, we may notice puffiness, fine lines, dark circles and changes in skin firmness.

Eyeseryl contains Acetyl Tetrapeptide-5, a specialist peptide used in eye-care formulations to help reduce the appearance of puffiness and under-eye bags.

It has also been studied for its effects on the appearance of the eye contour.

Where you'll find it in MAYDI+:

Our Peptide Eye Cream contains Eyeseryl alongside Beautifeye, a botanical complex featuring Albizia Julibrissin Bark Extract and Darutoside.

Beautifeye is selected to help improve the appearance of the eye contour, including visible signs of fatigue, wrinkles and dark circles.

The formulation also includes hyaluronic acid, provitamin B5 and our exclusive BFE-01 extract to support hydration and skin comfort.

In our independent two-week consumer trial of women aged 45 and over:

• 90% said the skin around their eyes felt soothed, comfortable and nourished.

• 80% said the skin around their eyes looked more radiant.

• 85% said their skin looked healthier.

The Peptide Eye Cream is designed to help the delicate eye area look smoother, brighter and more refreshed.

Peptides vs Retinoids: What's the Difference?

Peptides and retinoids are both popular ingredients in skincare targeting visible signs of ageing, but they work differently.

Peptides are short chains of amino acids selected for specific skincare functions, such as improving the appearance of wrinkles, firmness or puffiness.

Retinoids are vitamin A derivatives widely used to help improve the appearance of fine lines, uneven texture and photoaged skin.

Retinoids have a substantial body of scientific research behind them, although some forms can cause dryness, redness or irritation, particularly when first introduced.

Peptides are generally well tolerated, making them useful ingredients for people looking to support their skin without introducing a strong exfoliating or retinoid treatment.

The good news is that you don't necessarily have to choose between them.

Peptides and retinoids can complement one another as part of a carefully considered skincare routine.

For example, you might use our peptide-containing Renewal Day Cream in the morning and our Rejuvenating Night Cream, formulated with 2% Granactive Retinoid complex, in the evening.

This allows you to address different skin concerns while also supporting hydration and skin barrier comfort.

Read more: Retinol vs Retinal vs Retinoids: What's the Difference and Which Is Best for Your Skin?

How MAYDI+ Combines Peptides With the Science of Skin Longevity

At MAYDI+™, we believe effective skincare is about more than a single fashionable ingredient.

That's why our formulations combine carefully selected active ingredients with BFE-01, our exclusive Boswellia Frereana Resin Extract.

Developed through scientific research and a proprietary extraction process, BFE-01 is derived from a rare species of frankincense sourced from Somaliland.

Research into this extract has investigated its ability to inhibit enzymes associated with inflammation and the breakdown of important skin-supporting components, including collagen.

Our approach brings together the potential of this botanical bioactive with established cosmetic ingredients such as peptides, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, antioxidants and retinoids.

Each ingredient has been selected for a particular purpose, with the aim of creating well-rounded formulations that address the changing needs of skin.

This is the thinking behind our approach to skin longevity: supporting the appearance of healthy, resilient skin through purposeful, science-led skincare.

Biology Rewritten. Longevity Engineered.

How to Include Peptides in Your Daily Skincare Routine

You don't need a complicated skincare routine to benefit from peptide-containing products.

The key is choosing formulations suited to your skin concerns and using them consistently.

Morning

After cleansing, apply our Brightening Daily Serum to help support a smoother, more radiant-looking complexion.

Follow with Renewal Day Cream to provide hydration and target the appearance of fine lines and loss of firmness.

Gently apply Peptide Eye Cream around the eye contour, following the product directions.

Finish with a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen to help protect against UV-related skin ageing.

Evening

After cleansing, apply your preferred serum and eye cream, then finish with Rejuvenating Night Cream to support overnight hydration and skin renewal.

If you're introducing a retinoid, begin gradually according to your skin's tolerance and the product directions.

Consistency matters more than using numerous products. Visible improvements in skin appearance often take several weeks, depending on the ingredient, formulation and individual skin.

Are Peptides Worth Adding to Your Skincare Routine?

Peptides can be valuable ingredients in a well-formulated skincare routine, particularly if you're concerned about fine lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness or tired-looking eyes.

However, no single ingredient can address every aspect of skin ageing.

The most effective approach is to look at your skin's needs as a whole, including hydration, barrier support, sun protection and visible changes in texture and firmness.

At MAYDI+™, we've chosen specific peptides for specific purposes, combining them with our exclusive BFE-01 extract and complementary actives.

Because we believe that ageing well isn't about turning back the clock.

It's about giving your skin the support it needs to look and feel its best, at every age.

Discover the MAYDI+™ pro-age skincare collection and explore the science behind our formulations.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peptides in Skincare

Do peptides really work for wrinkles?

Certain peptides have shown promising results in studies investigating the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and skin firmness. However, effectiveness varies between peptides and finished formulations. They can help improve the appearance of ageing skin, but they cannot completely eliminate wrinkles.

Are peptides good for skin over 50?

Yes. Peptides can be useful additions to skincare routines for people over 50, particularly when targeting visible changes in firmness, texture and fine lines. They can be combined with hydrating and barrier-supporting ingredients to address the changing needs of mature skin.

Can I use peptides every day?

Many peptide-containing skincare products are designed for daily use. Always follow the directions for the individual product, as suitability depends on the complete formulation.

Can I use peptides with retinol or other retinoids?

In many cases, yes. Peptides and retinoids can be incorporated into the same overall skincare routine. For example, you could use peptide-containing products in the morning and a retinoid-containing night cream in the evening.

How long do peptides take to work?

This depends on the specific peptide, the formulation and the skin concern being addressed. Some products provide immediate hydration or a smoother appearance, while improvements in the appearance of wrinkles and firmness may take several weeks of consistent use.

Are peptides suitable for sensitive skin?

Many peptide ingredients are generally well tolerated. However, whether a product is suitable for sensitive skin depends on its entire formulation, including other active ingredients, fragrance and preservatives. Patch testing a new product is sensible if your skin is reactive.