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Peptides or retinol - which is best to battle wrinkles? Experts weigh in on two trending beauty ingredients. By LARA OWEN

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YOU may have heard peptides being touted as the latest 'age-reversing' ingredient you must incorporate into your routine, but equally, you may have no idea what they are.

"Peptides are short chains of amino acids -the building blocks of proteins like collagen and elastin," explains cosmetic physician Dr Jessica Halliley. "They send signals to the skin to promote repair and renewal, often with less irritation than retinol."

Once found only dermatology offices, peptides are now cropping up in everything from firming serums to plumping eye creams and barrier-boosting moisturisers. So, are peptides the secret to plumping wrinkles? Or should we stick to retinol? Doctors and dermatologists explain the difference, when and how to use them.

Peptides vs. retinol

Peptides and retinol are both used for targeting wrinkles and for anti-ageing, but understanding how they affect your skin differently is key.