What Do Peptides Do for Lips?

December 7, 2023

Peptides have recently gained a lot of popularity due to their potential anti-aging and collagen-boosting properties.

Let’s find out if it is worth incorporating nootropic peptides into your skincare regimen, and what they can do for your lips!

What Are Peptides?

A peptide is a short chain of amino acids linked together with a peptide bond. When peptides are added to skincare products, evidence suggests they can increase collagen production. 

Collagen is the protein responsible for skin’s firmness and elasticity. Peptides, particularly collagen-boosting peptides like palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, can stimulate fibroblasts (collagen-producing cells) to generate more collagen (1). This can result in improved skin texture, reduced fine lines, and an enhanced overall skin structure.

Peptides for Lip Care

Before we discuss what peptides do for lips, it’s important to understand the structure of lips. Biologically speaking, lips are a direct continuation of facial skin–this means their structure is very similar to skin, except that they have:

• A reduced amount of keratin, which is a protein found in skin
• A lower number of sebaceous glands, making lips more prone to dryness
• No hair follicles

Because facial skin and lip skin are similar in structure, the benefits of peptides for lips are the same as their benefits for skin. With that in mind, here are three potential benefits you can expect:

Smoother Lips

Peptides are believed to boost collagen production, a protein that holds our skin together. When extra collagen is produced, it gives more tension to the skin, reducing wrinkles.

This claim is backed by scientific evidence. Eleven studies, consisting of a total of 805 patients, were conducted to determine the impact of peptides on skin (2). They suggested that administration of collagen peptides can positively impact various skin conditions and skin aging. 

Additionally, collagen supplementation was found to be safe with no reported side effects. So, using peptides on your lips may make them smoother and expand their curve and volume. 

Protection From UV Rays

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can be harmful for your skin (including lips). It can lead to fine lines and wrinkles. 

Peptides are believed to protect your skin from sun damage, maintaining its youthful look. This is also true for lips, meaning peptides might prevent them from sun damage as well. 

A study that supports this claim was conducted on the protective effects that frog-skin-derived peptides have against UV rays (3). These peptides were shown to suppress UV-induced inflammatory reactions.

Softer Lips

Peptides are also known to boost the production of elastin fibers. As the name suggests, these fibers make the skin more elastic. Research suggests that collagen peptides–such as palmitoyl hexapeptide-12–also work to improve skin’s elasticity by transforming skin cells (4). This means peptides might make your lips softer and fuller.

How to Incorporate Peptide Lip Products into Your Routine

Skincare products are effective only if used correctly. Here are three tips to help you get the most out of peptide products:

Choose the Right Product

There are so many products on the market that it can be hard to know where to start. Always purchase from a reliable and reputable company because peptide products are not tightly regulated by the FDA.

It is also important to read the label and take other ingredients into account. Peptides are believed to work well in tandem with other ingredients, such as vitamin C, niacinamide, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acids. Consult with a healthcare professional to learn which peptide products may be right for you and your regimen.

Proper Application

It is important to apply peptide products as directed. Most peptide products are highly concentrated, so a little goes a long way. You can start by applying an amount smaller than recommended and gradually increase the quantity. 

Finally, gentle application is the way to go. Use your fingertips or a clean, soft-bristled brush for delicate application. 

Patch Testing

Before using a new peptide-infused product, conduct a patch test on a small area of your skin to check for any allergies. 

Peptides are good for sensitive skin as long as there is no negative reaction. If you experience any discomfort or redness, consult your dermatologist and discontinue the product. 

In Conclusion

Incorporating peptides into your lip care routine can yield noticeable benefits over time. Consult with a healthcare professional to see if peptide products are right for you!

Curious about how long it takes for peptides to work? We’ve got you covered–check out our latest post!

Legal Disclaimer

This product has not been approved by the US FDA. All statements on this page are for informational purposes only and have not been evaluated by the US FDA.

This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. See more

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Sources:

1. https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/7/4/91
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6835901/#:~:text=Eleven%20studies%20with%20a%20total,with%20no%20reported%20adverse%20effects.
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8206783/
4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464621003297#s0015