Retinoids and Peptides – Your Anti-Aging Arsenal

One of the major causes of aging is sun damage.  It’s just not fair, but it’s true.  Retinoids and Peptides should be in your anti-aging skincare arsenal.  This is because they are both effective in treating sun damaged skin AND reducing fine lines and wrinkles.  While Retin-A (retinoid) is the only FDA-approved topical treatment for fine lines and wrinkles, both peptides, Retin-A, and Alpha-hydroxys are shown in many studies to provide a boost to your skin. 

Retin-A (prescription form) and Retinol (over the counter cousin) are about as close to a silver bullet as you can get for fine lines, wrinkles, and sun damage.  Retinoids normalize cell function, shrink pores, improve cell turnover, and affect the retention and production of collagen. These attributes combined provide you with a powerful tool for improving skin texture, fading sun spots and freckles, and reducing fine lines, acne scars and wrinkles. 

Peptides - Peptides can allow the natural production of collagen and elastin, both of which plump the skin and give it elasticity. They are basically short chains of amino acids that dramatically improve the appearance of skin's resilience, tone and texture, while decreasing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Peptides also combat the appearance of crepiness by re-energizing and hydrating the skin, while increasing firmness. Like Retinol, peptides are best used in the evening. 

It is often difficult to know what to use and when.  And more than likely, no single product can beat aging. But, with the regimen approach and the right ingredients, you can reduce the effects of sun damage and aging.  Remember, that AHAs should not be used at the same time of day that you use Retinoids as they cancel each other out.  Since Retinoids are best used at night, apply peptides and retinol in the evening before bed and use your AHAs in the morning. 

For our Rodan+Fields Redefine regimen, the AGE ASSAULT regimen is your best bet and the best value, but it is expensive (they are 60 day supplies though).  If you are on a tighter budget, I’d recommend the following (in priority order).

Retinol and Peptides - REDEFINE Night Renewing Serum
Retinol (lower dosage) – REDEFINE Overnight Restorative Cream
AHAs – REDEFINE Pore Minimizing Toner
Peptides – REDEFINE Multi-Function Eye Cream