How to Use Peptides in Your Skincare Routine: Dr. Daniel Gould Featured in WWD

Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Daniel Gould, MD, PhD was recently featured in WWD discussing peptides, how different types function in the skin, and how to incorporate them into a skincare routine without overcomplicating it.

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that can mimic fragments of the body’s natural signaling proteins. Dr. Gould explains that certain peptides can communicate with fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing components of the skin’s connective tissue, including collagen. This signaling function has made peptides an increasingly common ingredient in products designed to support skin quality and visible signs of aging.

Not all peptides serve the same purpose. Dr. Gould identifies copper peptides, including GHK-Cu, as particularly interesting from a regenerative perspective because of their relationship to wound healing, fibroblast activity, and tissue remodeling. He notes that formulation matters, however, and that the effectiveness of a peptide product depends in part on whether the ingredient is delivered at a meaningful concentration.

Other categories include signal peptides, such as Matrixyl and palmitoyl tripeptides, which Dr. Gould describes as useful everyday options for supporting collagen and the skin barrier over time. Neurotransmitter peptides are sometimes marketed as a topical alternative to Botox, but Dr. Gould cautions that their effects are more modest because reaching a neuromuscular target through topical application is difficult.

The article also addresses a common skincare mistake: layering too many active ingredients simply because each one is popular. Dr. Gould recommends building a routine around a clear purpose rather than stacking multiple products without considering how they work together. Peptides can be incorporated alongside established ingredients such as vitamin C, retinoids, exfoliating acids, moisturizers, and daily sunscreen, but a more complicated routine is not necessarily a more effective one.

Ultimately, peptides represent a versatile category within modern skincare, but selecting the right formulation and using it consistently are more important than following ingredient trends. Dr. Gould’s approach emphasizes understanding the biology behind an ingredient and building a thoughtful, evidence-informed routine around the individual needs of the skin.

Read the full article in WWD:
https://wwd.com/pop-culture/culture-news/best-peptides-skin-care-routine-1239026942/