This tough year has made a lot people find comfort in elaborate skincare routines. Many skincare ingredients were brought to the spotlight including buzzier ones like retinol, vitamin C, niacinamide, alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids. While these ingredients have been proven effective by dermatologists and hoarded by skincare enthusiasts, there are other ingredients that are lesser known but can be just as effective. Enter peptides.

According to Byrdie, peptides are widely thought to preserve and boost collagen. Cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson explains to Harper's Bazaar that peptides are short chains of amino acids and are the building blocks of collagen and elastin. Applying them topically tells your body to produce more collagen, says board-certified dermatologist  Dr. Erin Gilbert. While there are hundreds of peptides, there are two that you need to know - tetrapeptides or hexapeptides. The first boosts skin elasticity and firmness while the second brightens skin. Below are other benefits of peptides.

It strengthens the skin barrier.

When your skin barrier is compromised (usually by overexfoliation), you skin will get red, dry and itchy. Peptides boost collagen production so your skin and its natural moisture barrier can recover faster.

It helps diminish fine lines and wrinkles.

Since peptides stimulate collagen, your skin will plump up and will give you a more youthful appearance. As collagen production lowers as we age, using skincare with peptides will help halt signs of aging like lines, wrinkles, discoloration, dullness, and loss of firmness.

Also read: Dermatologists Teach You How to Repair and Protect Your Skin's Moisture Barrier

The Best Peptide-infused Products

Olay Regenerist Whip Facial Moisturizer

According to dermatologic surgeon Dr. Jennifer Herrmann, peptides may work just as well as Botox in the future. As further studies are needed, she suggests not spending too much on expensive products. Olay Regenerist Whip Facial Moisturizer is a great drugstore option and aside from peptides, it also has hyaluronic acid for an extra boot of hydration.

HydroPeptide Face Lift Advanced Ultra-Light Moisturizer 

If you are willing to go the extra mile, Dr. Hermann does recommend this "game-changing" moisturizer which has a similar light and airy texture as the Olay Regenerist Whip Facial Moisturizer and has significant amounts of antioxidants to help protect your current collagen and elastin levels.

The Ordinary Matrixyl 10% + HA

According to dermatologist Dr. Nancy Samolitis, the most well-known and effective polypeptide combination is called Matrixyl 3000 and The Ordinary obviously has this in their formulation with hyaluronic acid as a welcome bonus. She tells Byrdie that it's one of her favorites and you just can't beat The Ordinary's truly affordable price points.

Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream

This new Drunk Elephant offering is fast becoming a beauty editor favorite. Its blend of signal peptides, amino acids, growth factors and pygmy water lily extract guarantees visible results with continued use.

StackedSkincare PSC Peptide Serum

Byrdie's wellness director Victoria Hoff says this peptide serum is a worthy investment. If her glowing skin is an indication, the rest of Byrdie's beauty editors will agree.

Vichy Liftactiv Peptide-C Anti-Aging Moisturizer

Combining the firming effects of Phyto-peptides with the powerful antioxidant properties of vitamin C, this takes skincare layering issues out the window. Save yourself a step and enjoy the multiple benefits of two-in-one product.

Related article: Dermatologists Debunk Common Retinol Myths