If you’ve ever wondered the secret to Jennifer Aniston’s perpetually perfect hair and complexion, you’re in luck: The 54-year-old just revealed that peptide injections, also known as peptide therapy, are largely to thank for her eternally youthful glow.
Of course, the Morning Show star is well aware that there’s no actual fountain of youth, which she reiterated in an interview with Glamour last September. “Two things are inevitable,” the LolaVie founder said. “The first, aging. The second, there’s always going to be critics. For me, it’s more of the question of how do I take the best care of myself, physically and mentally? We can still thrive when we’re older, and that’s thanks to all the advancements in health, nutrition, technology, and science.”
Now we know exactly which technology and science she was referring to. While speaking with The Wall Street Journal, the actor opened up about her approach to antiaging skin care, which apparently includes trying things that sound weird at least once. One such example? Salmon-sperm facials. “First of all, I said, ‘Are you serious? How do you get salmon’s sperm?’” Aniston recalled, noting that she’s still unsure what, if any, the benefits of that fishy facial were. What Aniston does “swear by,” however, are weekly peptide injections. “I do think that’s the future,” she said.
Wondering what peptide injections are? You’re in the right place. We asked dermatologists everything you need to know about the Jennifer Aniston–approved treatment. Scroll on for all your peptide therapy FAQs, answered.
What is peptide therapy?
In order to understand peptide injections, it might be helpful to know what peptides are in the first place. “Peptides are small proteins composed of short chains of amino acids that signal the cells in your body to perform certain functions,” double-board certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, of MDCS Dermatology, tells Glamour. “Peptides can be injected into the body to stimulate an effect, and peptide therapy can refer to peptide injections or to topical or oral peptide treatments that can be used to improve various health conditions and help with skin rejuvenation.” That’s also why you’ll often see peptides as a key ingredient in antiaging skin care products.
The words injections and therapy are often used interchangeably, says double board-certified dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD, clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College. “Peptide therapy is a more general term that refers to treatment with peptides, and may include injections, oral supplements, and topical skin care products,” he says.
What are peptide injections?
Peptide injections refer to injecting synthetic peptides into the body, including the skin, using small needles, says Dr. Garshick. “It is thought to help to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and overall skin texture,” she says. “Peptides function as messenger molecules, communicating with cells to trigger the production of more collagen and elastin, which may help to firm and tighten the skin once injected into the skin.”
Dr. Camp adds that peptides provide the building blocks for proteins like collagen and elastin, which are structural proteins that provide firmness and rigidity to skin. “A lack of collagen and elastin is associated with saggy skin and signs of aging,” he says.
What are the benefits of peptide injections?
According to Dr. Camp, peptide injections address signs of aging, like wrinkles and skin laxity, by encouraging the production of collagen and elastin; the injections may also support wound healing.
Dr. Garshick notes that peptide injections may also address issues with skin texture as well as brighten the skin and boost circulation. “Injecting peptides may help to yield greater penetration than peptides applied topically, but more research is needed to determine how much benefit it offers,” she says. “It is also important that these injections are performed by a trusted provider to ensure you know what is being injected into your face.” (More on this below.)
How often should I get get peptide injections?
While Aniston gets peptide injections every week, Dr. Camp says that the frequency of peptide injections will vary among individuals based on their specific treatment plan. That said, Dr. Garshick notes that peptides may be injected for skin rejuvenation weekly, or even up to three times a week.
Who is a good candidate for peptide injections?
“Peptide injections are good for anyone looking to improve their skin overall, but peptide injections have also been tried to address fatigue, muscle tone, anxiety, depression, and bone density,” says Dr. Garshick.
More often than not, those who receive peptide injections are individuals who have starting to show early signs of aging and wish to address specific existing skin issues. “A good candidate should be realistic about what kinds of results peptide injections can offer and understand that they are often a complement to an existing skin care routine,” Dr. Camp says.
How much do peptide injections cost?
The cost of treatment can vary based on the type of product use, the frequency of use, and the provider, says Dr. Camp. Dr. Garshick tells Glamour that peptide injections can can cost anywhere between $100 and $300 per treatment.
At what age should you start getting peptide injections for antiaging?
Peptide injections can be considered at any age but are often started in the 30s and 40s as people start to notice changes as a result of collagen loss, says Dr. Garshick. According to Dr. Camp, some individuals start them as young as their 20s to address early signs of aging.
Where can I get peptide injections?
Want to try peptide injections yourself? Here’s what to consider when considering where to go. “Look for providers, such as board-certified dermatologists or plastic surgeons, with expertise in cosmetic treatments and experience treating people with peptide injections,” Dr. Camp says.
Dr. Garshick agrees, saying, “Peptide injections should be administered with a board-certified physician in a trusted facility to ensure they are being performed correctly and under proper conditions. It is also always important to be sure you know what is being injected into your face and body.”
Dr. Camp reiterates the importance of knowing that peptide injections, like any other treatment or procedure, should complement a preexisting skin care routine. “In addition to peptide injections, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, eating a balanced diet, getting sufficient sleep, exercising regularly, and protecting skin from the sun are key to getting and maintaining healthy, youthful skin,” Camp says.
Danielle Sinay is the associate beauty editor at Glamour. Follow her on Instagram @daniellesinay.
