Peptides may be everywhere you scroll lately, but do you know how they actually work?

At their core, peptides are short chains of amino acids – the very same compounds that form proteins such as collagen, elastin and keratin. Think of them as the language your skin speaks fluently: tiny messengers that instruct cells to repair, regenerate and renew.

As research continues to affirm, peptides play a critical role in maintaining skin integrity by signalling the production of collagen and elastin, two proteins synonymous with firmness and elasticity. Without them, skin becomes thinner, less resilient and more prone to fine lines.

And here lies the nuance: while peptides themselves are powerful, they are fundamentally derived from amino acids. In other words, amino acids are the foundation from which peptides (and ultimately, youthful skin) are built. 

Our flagship Morning & Night supplement combines amino acids with vitamins, minerals, adaptogens and omega 3s for clinically proven results to skin, hair, nails and more.

Despite their collective glow-up moment, not all peptides are created equal. Within skincare and supplementation, they are typically categorised into four key types:

Signal peptides
These act as cellular prompts, encouraging skin to produce more collagen and elastin.

Carrier peptides
Often bound to trace elements like copper, these deliver essential nutrients to support repair and regeneration.

Neurotransmitter-inhibiting peptides
Sometimes dubbed “Botox in a bottle,” these soften expression lines by reducing muscle contraction signals.

Enzyme-inhibiting peptides
These slow down the natural breakdown of collagen, helping to preserve skin structure over time.

Together, they form a sophisticated network of support—one that works not just superficially, but biologically.

While peptides have become synonymous with skincare, their influence extends far beyond the surface. In the world of wellness and supplementation, peptides are increasingly being explored for their systemic benefits – supporting everything from recovery to cognitive health.

Here, the landscape becomes more nuanced.

Collagen peptides
The most widely peptide format used in beauty and wellness, collagen peptides support skin elasticity, joint health and connective tissue integrity. They are particularly valued for their high bioavailability and clinically supported benefits for skin ageing. We combine collagen peptides with hyaluronic acid, tremella mushroom and more in our NEW Beauty Plus supplement.

Bioactive peptides
Derived from food sources such as dairy, fish and plants, these peptides exert targeted physiological effects. Research suggests they may support blood pressure regulation, immune function and antioxidant activity.

Hormone-modulating peptides
Certain peptides influence the release of hormones such as growth hormone, which plays a role in tissue repair, metabolism and muscle maintenance. While promising, these are typically explored in clinical settings rather than mainstream supplementation.

Antimicrobial peptides
Part of the body’s innate immune system, these peptides help defend against pathogens and maintain microbiome balance – an emerging area of interest in both gut and skin health.

Neuropeptides
Acting within the nervous system, these peptides are involved in signalling pathways that affect mood, stress response and cognitive function.

As the brand behind the UK’s original and bestselling longevity supplement, we know that health and beauty start from within. 

Collagen peptides build skin integrity from the inside out – once ingested, collagen peptides circulate in the bloodstream and accumulate in the skin, where they stimulate fibroblast activity and collagen production for firmer, smoother, healthier-looking skin. Clinical studies have demonstrated that specific bioactive collagen peptides can improve elastin production, support dermal density and visibly reduce wrinkle depth over time.

For optimal results to skin, we combine collagen peptides with hyaluronic acid, tremella mushroom and more in our NEW Beauty Plus supplement.

While peptides may be the headline act, amino acids are the essential cast behind the scenes.

They are the precursors to every peptide, every protein and every structural component of the skin. Without an adequate supply of amino acids, the body simply cannot synthesise the peptides required for repair and regeneration.

This is where a more holistic approach to beauty becomes essential, and our Morning & Night supplement combines amino acids with vitamins, minerals, adaptogens and omega 3s for clinically proven results to skin, hair, nails and more.

From our flagship Morning & Night supplement to our NEW Target Support range, every supplement at Lumity is backed by science.

While Morning & Night doesn’t contain peptides directly, it is formulated with targeted amino acids like Glycine and Lysine, providing the essential building blocks your body needs to naturally produce its own peptides and proteins.

Meanwhile, our Beauty Plus supplement incorporates collagen peptides, aligning with the growing body of research supporting their role in improving skin density, elasticity, and hydration over time.

It is, in essence, a two-fold approach:

• Support the foundation with amino acids
• Enhance the structure with bioactive collagen peptides

We don't follow trends, we follow the science – for clinically proven results without wasted time, money or hassle.