Want the retinol results yet find its side effect on skin hard to manage? You need skin-rejuvenating superheroes in your arsenal: PEPTIDES.

While retinol is proven to speed up skin cell turnover it’s also one of stronger actives that can over time weaken skin’s barrier and cause dryness and irritation - particularly to skin exposed to sun, those with naturally sensitive skin, or pre/menopausal skin that can often feel more reactive.

No wonder we’re seeing our network of skin therapists and dermatologists increasingly treat reactive, sensitised skin conditions including adult acne and leaky skin’s barrier, brought on by the trend for strong skincare boosters (like retinol).

In contrast, peptides provide a safer route to increase collagen, help firm up skin and smooth fine lines, restore skin’s barrier, decrease inflammation in the skin, and hydrate - without the risk of sun-sensitivity.

Why peptides? Peptides are naturally occurring amino acids that are the building blocks used to make proteins in our skin. Collagen – responsible for texture, tone, elasticity and firmness of skin – is made up of three polypeptide chains. Peptides act as ‘communicators’ when applied topically on skin, and instruct the skin cells to perform functions like building collagen and elastin, reducing inflammation, and maintaining hydration.

And as we lose collagen and elastin and the amount proteins in the dermis significantly reduces over time, peptides provide a non-irritating way to smooth and rejuvenate skin longer term.

Where can you find peptides in Saint Iris range?

Serenity Salve and Vitality Spritz boast plant peptides, made through plant fermentation bio-technology to ensure these small molecules penetrate deeply to activate skin cell renewal, strengthen stressed skin’s barrier, and nourish dry to oily skin types.

We’ve also paired these two formulas with lemon peel ferments (in Vitality Spritz essence) to brighten and treat hyper-pigmented skin and with hyaluronic acid to improve moisturising benefits in our award-winning lotion. Use them as part of AM and PM routines, on face and body, as a delicious treat for seasonal skincare.

Peptide vs retinol Check list 

1. Stimulate and renew collagen: Whilst retinol is a faster acting active, both retinol and peptides help to decrease collagen breakdown. 

2. Smooth lines: Peptides are a gentler and slower way to affect the skin on a deep, intense level, and keep the barrier nourished.

3. Increase firmness and elasticity: Whilst retinols show results quickly, topical peptides reinforce the building blocks of skin, allowing skin to keep its shape, firmness, and elasticity over time.

4. Strengthen skin: The small molecules that make up retinol go deep beneath the epidermis (outer layer of skin) to your dermis, to help neutralise free radicals. Similarly, peptides can strengthen the proteins and connective tissue in the dermis that improve skin recovery and resilience.

5. Improve texture: Retinol has an exfoliating effect on the skin’s surface that can help improve texture and tone, however a side effect can be an increase in photo sensitivity. Peptides can also be used to improve texture, helping skin that has specifically experienced exposure to sun radiation.

Or could retinol and peptides be just the best combination in your face and body care routine? We’d recommend using peptides as part of the daily morning routine, and apply retinol on alternate evenings to minimise irritation.

@live_well_with_lou on Serenity Salve: 

“This product makes something that is a simple everyday task into something that I really look forward to as the whole experience of the packaging, texture and scent of the lotion makes it a gorgeous wellbeing ritual.

Super nourishing and packed with hard-working potent ingredients. Absorbs easily and leaves my skin feeling really strengthened, smooth, hydrated and glowing.

I adore the uplifting fragrance which gives me a boosted sense of wellbeing and the gorgeous vibrant green packaging gives me a major dose of healing colour energy each day too.” 

Customer review on Vitality Spritz:

“I have super sensitive skin that normally reacts to anything fragranced yet this spritz smells great but doesn't make my skin break out or flare up. I use it every day and it makes my skin smooth and soft and just smells amazing.

Other reviewers have said it makes you feel like you are at a spa and I know what they mean... it really does make my face feel fully nourished and cared for! It is a luxurious necessity in my house.”