Every day, it feels like there’s a trendy new skin care ingredient that’s said to change your skin for the better. Some ingredients are more hype than action, but others are really worth it — and peptides are an ingredient you won’t want to miss.

Peptides, also called polypeptides, are naturally occurring in the skin, but they’re also included in many skin care products — and for good reason.

Peptides are amino acids that make up certain proteins needed by the skin. More specifically, collagen is made of three polypeptide chains, so adding peptides can stimulate your skin to make collagen. More collagen can lead to firmer, younger-looking skin.

Your body makes collagen naturally, but over time, collagen production decreasesTrusted Source, which can cause skin to look more wrinkled and less even and bright. Before you reach for that bottle, here’s what to know.

Benefits of peptides

The collagen molecule is actually too large to absorb through skin, which is why so many people choose to eat collagen-rich bone broth or take collagen supplements.

But peptides can absorb into the skin where they can be used by the body. Incorporating peptides into your skin care routine has many benefits for the skin.

Improved skin barrier

The skin barrierTrusted Source is the body’s line of defense against bacteria, ultraviolet rays, pollution, and other toxins. The skin barrier can be damaged from over-exfoliation, exposure to cigarette smoke and other pollution, or even poor sleep. Peptides help build up a stronger barrier.

Reduced wrinkles

Collagen can plump skin and lips, and when skin is firmer and plumper, wrinkles and fine lines will be less visible.

More elastic skin

In addition to collagen, peptides also make up elastin fibers, also a type of protein. These fibers make skin look firmer and tauter.

Eases inflammation

Peptides can help ease inflammation, repair damaged skin, and even out skin tone.

Can help clear breakouts

Some peptides are antimicrobialTrusted Source, meaning they can kill bacteria that cause acne.

How peptides work for skin

Peptides can penetrate the outer layer of the skin, so instead of sitting on top of the skin, they sink in more deeply. You can think of them as messengers for the other cells — they send signals telling the cells to produce collagen and elastin.