7 Best Peptide Lip Treatments | As Featured in Elle

Dr. Mona shares The 7 Best Peptide Lip Treatments for Plump Lips Without the Sting | ELLE Feature

What are peptides?

Peptides are molecules that are made up of short chains of 2-50 amino acids that we have naturally occurring in our bodies. They play crucial roles in our biological system, functioning as hormones, neurotransmitters, signaling molecules, and enzyme activators, among other things. These bioactive peptides have been shown to decrease inflammation, improve immune function, act as antioxidants, lower blood pressure, and slow down the aging process. Peptides can be found naturally occurring in plants and animals or can be synthetically produced in laboratories. They are more easily absorbed by the body than proteins and can more easily penetrate the skin and intestines so they can more quickly get into the bloodstream. 

Collagen peptides are important for the skin because they have been shown to help build collagen and improve hydration and elasticity in the skin. Effective ones are short-chain hydrolyzed collagen that the body can more easily absorb. There are even some studies looking at their ability to decrease bone loss but more research is needed. Collagen and creatine peptides may also help increase muscle mass, which decreases as we age.

Why are peptides suddenly becoming so popular?

Over the years, peptides have grown in popularity, offering some promising therapeutic potential for a wide range of diseases and conditions due to their ability to precisely target specific biological pathways. Because they are naturally occurring, they tend to be well tolerated. They also affect their desired change more readily, thanks to the fact that they are easily absorbed by the skin and intestines, which makes them more efficient in getting into the bloodstream and their target.  

Over the past decade, advancements in peptide synthesis have made it easier and more cost-effective to produce peptides in the lab, leading to increased research into peptide-based drugs and therapies.  Additionally, peptides can be engineered to specifically target certain cells or tissues in the body which help to enhance the efficacy and safety of peptide-based therapies. There is also a growing demand for peptide therapies in personalized medicine, tailoring treatments to individual patient’s genetic makeup, physiology, and disease characteristics. 

Why are peptides good for the skin?

Peptides offer several benefits for the skin, making them popular ingredients in skincare products. As we age, we lose collagen, and elastin in our skin leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging. We also lose our ability to make hyaluronic acid, which is very important in maintaining our skin’s hydration. Peptides have been shown to help stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, improving skin firmness, elasticity, and texture. 

Certain peptides have been shown to support skin repair and renewal processes by helping to accelerate wound healing, reduce inflammation, and promote the regeneration of damaged skin cells. Peptides can also help to attract and retain moisture in the skin, and because of their antioxidant properties, they can help to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Furthermore, since peptides are generally well-tolerated by the skin, they are less likely to cause irritation or sensitivity compared to other active ingredients, such as retinoids or alpha hydroxy acids. 

Why are peptides beneficial in a lip treatment?

The skin of the lip is different from the rest of your skin. It is thinner and more susceptible to environmental factors such as sun, wind, temperature changes and topical products. Our lips can get more dry, chapped and lose moisture faster than other parts of our bodies. In addition, our lips change as we age. They get thinner as we lose volume with collagen loss, fine lines appear around the mouth, and we lose the definition along the lip border causing lipstick to bleed into the surrounding skin. 

When it comes to a lip treatment, peptides can be valuable ingredients that help to attract and retain moisture in the delicate skin of the lips, keeping them hydrated while preventing dryness, chapping, and flakiness. Some peptides can stimulate collagen production in the lips, leading to improved firmness and volume. Moreover, peptides with skin-repairing properties can support the healing process of chapped or damaged lips by promoting cell regeneration and tissue repair, soothing any irritation, and restoring the natural barrier function of the skin. Peptides can also contribute to a smoother and softer lip texture by promoting cell turnover and enhancing the skin’s natural moisture levels. 

What should you look for in a peptide lip treatment?

When considering a peptide lip treatment, look for a product that contains peptides linked with a lipid to enhance penetration. Secondly, look for one specifically targeted to address your areas of concern, such as stimulating collagen production, promoting hydration, or repairing damaged skin. Pay attention to the concentration of peptides in the product, in that higher concentrations of peptides are generally more effective. 

Consider other ingredients included in the lip treatment formula like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and shea butter that help to keep the lips moisturized. Choose a lip treatment with a texture and formulation that you find comfortable to use such as lip balms, creams, serums, and masks. Opt for lip treatments packaged in tubes, jars, or applicators because they minimize exposure to air and contaminants.

Who can benefit from a peptide lip treatment?

Peptide lip treatments can benefit many people, especially those who experience common lip concerns like dry or chapped lips, or thin or aging lips. Other concerns that a peptide lip treatment can help with are “lip lines” or “smoker’s lines”, and uneven lip tone or pigmentation. Peptides help to minimize these concerns by promoting collagen and elastin synthesis, and improving hydration and skin renewal for smoother and more evenly textured lips. 

Why should you use a lip treatment?

A lip treatment can help with keeping your lips hydrated and protected with moisturizing and antioxidant ingredients, protecting them from dryness and environmental damage. Lip treatments also help to repair lips that are already dry or damaged by using ingredients like ceramides, fatty acids, and peptides that support the skin’s barrier function, promote healing, and accelerate the repair process. 

Some lip treatments also contain ingredients like peptides, retinol, and collagen boosters that help to stimulate collagen production and improve lip firmness as the skin ages and becomes more susceptible to fine lines and wrinkles. The regular use of lip treatments can help improve the texture of the lips, making them softer, smoother, and more supple while maintaining the overall health and vitality of the lips.

Dr. Mona’s recommended peptide lip treatments

One lip treatment I recommend is the SkinMedica HA5 Smooth and Plump Lip System, a two-step lip treatment that includes a peptide-rich serum and a moisturizing balm to hydrate, plump, and smooth the lips. Another great option is the Colorescience Sunforgettable® Lip Shine SPF 35, I love that it offers sun protection in addition to peptides and essential oils. Lastly, Rhode Skin Peptide Lip Treatment offers a great eco-friendly option thanks to their packaging made from upcycled post-consumer materials.