[Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a dermatologist before starting any peptide regimen for the skin, especially if you have severe skin conditions.] As we age, our skin starts thinning, and our skin barrier weakens. A weak skin barrier causes fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. According to some dermatologists, we lose 1% of collagen every year. However, anti-aging peptides penetrate the skin and signal the body to make collagen, improve elasticity, and reduce dullness and wrinkles. Peptides are like anti-aging superfoods that stimulate the body to fight aging naturally and make skin look youthful. And that’s the reason why peptides work better for the skin than any other skincare product. In this article, we will discover what are anti-aging peptides, what they do for your skin, and their skincare benefits. TL;DR – List of Anti-Aging Peptides Before we go deep, let’s have a quick overview of the top 12 anti-aging peptides: Epithalon FOXO4-DRI L-glutathione Tripeptide-29 NAD+ SYN-AKE Argireline Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-38 GHK-Cu Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 What Are Anti-Aging Peptides? Peptides are the building blocks of crucial proteins (collagen and elastin) in our body. As we age, the quality of collagen drops and the already-existing collagen protein quickly starts breaking down. Additionally, oxidative stress damages elastin. Loss of collagen and elastin further causes skin thinning, wrinkling, and sagging.  Anti-aging peptides reduce these signs of aging skin by simply decreasing the damage to collagen and elastin. A study published in the Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine reported that peptides reduce aging signs by stimulating fibroblasts, enhancing skin healing and firmness. That’s why peptides are now integral to every other skincare formula. Pro Tip: To prevent your skin from aging, start taking anti-aging peptides once you enter your 30s. Types of Anti-Aging Peptides Anti aging peptides are continuously gaining popularity. The reason is their efficacy is backed by extensive scientific research. Anti-aging peptides can be classified into multiple types depending on their core function: Neurotransmitter Peptides: Mimic the action of Botox injections and creams. They block the secretion of chemicals that stimulate the contraction of facial muscles. Thus, neurotransmitter peptides relax your facial muscles and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. An example is Argireline. Signal Peptides: Also referred to as palmitoyl pentapeptides. They trigger the production of collagen and elastin, maintaining the elasticity and firmness of your skin. Signal peptides are the most common peptides present in anti-aging creams and serums. Carrier Peptides: As the name suggests, carrier peptides carry trace elements (magnesium and copper) to the skin. These include copper peptides like GHK-Cu, which is also known as one of the best copper peptides for hair growth. Copper complexes hold great potential for the skin as they boost collagen and treat photoaging (damage due to sun exposure) by fading age spots and hyperpigmentation. Enzyme-inhibitor Peptides: Slow down the action of enzymes that break down collagen and elastin, automatically improving skin texture. They include rice-derived and soy-derived peptides, which are known to reduce skin puffiness and dark circles. Key Benefits of Peptides for Skin In a study, the effect of collagen peptides was checked on women aged 40–60. Six weeks of treatment significantly hydrated their skin and reduced their wrinkles. A 12-week treatment enhanced their skin elasticity without any side effects. Read below to understand what peptides can do to your skin: Decrease Wrinkles Peptides work as messengers, signaling the skin cells to produce more collagen and elastin. Both proteins make skin firm and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.  They particularly treat sagging skin and replace damaged cells with fresh skin cells. Reduce Breakouts Some peptides have antimicrobial efficacy. That means they can kill acne-causing bacteria, reducing breakouts and skin infections.  Plus, some of them have the capacity to boost the immune system, which also reduces the severity and frequency of breakouts. Improves Skin Elasticity As you age, skin loses its elasticity and sturdiness. Therefore, once you press your skin, you might feel a little less “bounce back.” Again, the wonder proteins (collagen and elastin) in the skin help to restore elasticity. Plus, peptides form blood vessels, increasing oxygen and blood supply, which further improves skin health. Improves Skin Barrier Aging, overexfoliation, pollution, and poor sleep negatively affect the skin barrier. Anti-aging peptides improve the skin barrier, protecting the skin against damage from UV rays, toxins, and dirt. Additionally, they protect the skin from microbes and aid in retaining moisture. Reduces Inflammation Due to inflammation, the skin experiences multiple conditions. Anti-aging peptides reduce inflammation and fade aging signs, such as fine lines, acne, and dark age spots. Decreased inflammation also helps restore the skin barrier and reduce redness. Note: Over 90% of skin damage occurs due to sun exposure. Therefore, it is crucial to use sunscreens in addition to adding peptides to your skincare routine. How to Choose the Right Peptides for Aging Skin There are tons of peptides, each offering a different combination of benefits for the skin. Consider the following points while choosing a peptide for your skin: Match Peptides to Your Skin Type: Choose a peptide according to your skin type. For example, if you have sensitive skin, choose peptides that have a gentle nature. Identify Your Skin Goals: Identify the exact skin health goal you want to achieve. For example, do you want to reduce wrinkles, enhance elasticity, or fade hyperpigmentation? Seek Expert Advice: Consult a dermatologist before choosing any peptide if you have skin issues, such as hyperpigmentation, acne, or psoriasis. Once you know your skin type, the severity of your skin condition, and the exact aim, choosing the anti-aging peptide specified for your needs will be easier. List of General Anti-Aging Peptides Aging negatively affects skin elasticity, muscle tone, energy level, and brain function.  Let’s explore anti-aging peptides that perform various functions to (slightly) reverse the aging of the brain and body: 1. Epithalon Epithalon (aka epothilone or etalon) is shown to activate the telomerase enzyme, aiding cells in lengthening their telomeres