What Are Peptides? Your Science-Backed Guide to How They Work and Why They Matter

December 18, 2025

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Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. They support cell repair, hormone balance, and skin health. At Above Wellness, every peptide protocol is reviewed and approved by a licensed provider before being filled by an FDA-regulated pharmacy, ensuring quality, safety, and transparency.

Whether your goal is improved skin health, better recovery, or enhanced energy, understanding what are peptides and what do peptides do is the first step toward a personalised wellness plan that fits your lifestyle.

What Exactly Are Peptides?

Peptides are naturally occurring molecules made up of short chains of amino acids connected by peptide bonds. And these chains of amino acids are the precursor of all kinds of proteins in the body. While proteins contain hundreds or thousands of amino acids, a peptide itself comes down to this: a chain of typically 2 to 50 amino acids linked together [1].

Ultimately, these peptide molecules are the protein building blocks that your body uses to perform every essential function throughout your body. More importantly peptides act as messengers in your body, signaling cells to carry out specific instructions like repairing tissue, producing collagen, or regulating hormones.

More importantly peptides act as messengers in your body, signaling cells to carry out specific instructions like repairing tissue, producing collagen, or regulating hormones.

Here is a simple way to visualize it:

Amino acids → Peptides → Proteins

Amino acids are the individual letters. Peptides are the words. Proteins are the sentences. Your body uses all three to communicate and function properly.

Naturally occurring peptides form key structural proteins like collagen and elastin, which keep your skin firm and your joints flexible. Understanding what peptides do starts with recognizing their role as fundamental signaling molecules that keep your body running smoothly.

How Do Peptides Work in the Body?

Now that you know what peptides are, let's explore what peptides do in your body. Peptides function as cell messengers. Think of them as text instructions your cells send to trigger specific actions. When a peptide binds to a receptor on a cell's surface, it delivers instructions that can change how that cell behaves.

Here are some of the popular functions specific peptides can perform:

  • Stimulate collagen production: Certain peptides signal your skin cells to produce more collagen, the protein that keeps skin firm and youthful [2].
  • Aid muscle recovery and metabolism: Peptides help repair muscle tissue after exercise and support metabolic processes that convert food into energy [3].
  • Regulate hormone and enzyme activity: Some peptides act as hormones themselves or control the release of other hormones, influencing everything from growth to mood.
  • Support immune function: Peptides modulate immune responses, helping your body fight infections and manage inflammation [4].

Recent research from 2024 shows that bioactive peptides modulate the tissue environment by controlling reactive oxygen species, immune cells, and repair cells to promote tissue healing and reduce harmful inflammation [4]. This cellular communication system explains why peptides extend into so many areas of health and wellness.

Naturally occurring peptides are constantly at work in your body, ensuring that cells receive the right signals at the right time. Whether you are healing from a workout or maintaining healthy skin, peptides are part of the process.

What Are Peptides Used For?

Peptides have been part of medicine for over a century. The first therapeutic peptide, insulin, was discovered in 1921, transforming diabetes care and paving the way for today’s peptide-based therapies.

In modern wellness, peptides are used to support the body’s natural systems — improving skin health, recovery, metabolism, and immune balance. Their applications are diverse and backed by growing scientific evidence, from skincare and tissue repair to gut and hormone regulation.

Here’s how peptides work across the body’s key systems:

Peptides for Skin Health and Anti-Aging

Peptides are widely used in skincare products and treatments to reduce wrinkles, improve skin texture, and boost collagen production.

  • Firming: Anti-aging peptides stimulate collagen production, helping skin maintain its structure and elasticity [2].
  • Hydration: Certain peptides improve the skin’s ability to retain moisture, enhancing overall hydration.
  • Barrier repair: Peptides strengthen the skin’s protective barrier, reducing sensitivity and moisture loss.
  • Wrinkle reduction: Clinical studies show topical peptides can improve fine lines and overall skin texture [6].

Peptides for Physical Performance and Recovery

Beyond skincare, peptides play key roles in physical recovery and metabolism. Research shows collagen peptides can help repair connective tissue, reduce muscle soreness, and support post-exercise recovery [3].

  • Muscle recovery: Collagen peptides assist in repairing muscle fibers and connective tissues.
  • Inflammation control: Certain peptides modulate inflammation, helping the body recover faster.
  • Tissue repair: Early studies on BPC-157 suggest potential benefits for tissue regeneration, though more research is needed.

A 2024 integrative review found that hydrolyzed collagen supplementation improved skin elasticity, joint comfort, and muscle recovery in both aging and athletic populations [9].

Weight Management Peptides

Some fat loss peptides have been researched for their potential to support weight management by influencing metabolism and hormone signaling. However, these should only be used under medical supervision as part of a comprehensive wellness plan.

And many, many more!

Peptides are rapidly growing discussion in the health and wellness industry. New peptides are being found every single day. And they truly represent the future of medicine. Since peptide therapy is not just about addressing isolated symptoms. It is about supporting your body's natural processes to help you feel your best across multiple dimensions of health.

Recent research demonstrates that peptides modulate the tissue microenvironment, control inflammation, and promote repair at the cellular level [4]. This comprehensive action makes peptides valuable tools in personalized wellness strategies.

The Above Wellness Approach

At Above Wellness, we are committed to providing peptide therapy that meets the highest standards of quality and safety.

Our Four Brand Pillars

Clinical Integrity: Every peptide protocol is reviewed and approved by licensed providers before being dispensed.

Quality Without Compromise: All medications are sourced exclusively from FDA-regulated 503A compounding pharmacies, ensuring purity, safety, and compliance with the highest pharmaceutical standards.

Simplicity With Intention: We’ve simplified access to pharmacy-grade peptides through a clear, guided process.

Whole-Person Wellness: Peptides are one part of our integrated approach to energy, recovery, and longevity — all designed to support your body’s natural balance.

Why Choose Above Wellness

When you choose Above Wellness, you gain access to:

  • Provider-Guided Care: Every treatment is reviewed by a licensed medical professional.
  • FDA-Regulated 503A Sourcing: All prescriptions are filled by licensed U.S. compounding pharmacies for verified quality and safety.
  • LegitScript Certification: Your assurance that we meet the highest standards for online healthcare safety and transparency.
  • Personalized Experience: A simplified, provider-approved platform that delivers safe, pharmacy-grade peptide therapies tailored to your goals.

Ready to Start?

Complete a quick online health questionnaire to begin. A licensed provider will review your information, and once approved, your medication will be filled by an FDA-regulated pharmacy and shipped directly to you.

Key Takeaway

Peptides are small yet powerful molecules that play a major role in overall wellness — supporting skin health, recovery, metabolism, and longevity when used safely under medical guidance. These short chains of amino acids act as natural messengers in your body, stimulating collagen production, repairing tissue, and maintaining healthy cellular function.

With Above Wellness, you have access to science-backed, pharmacy-grade peptide therapies that are reviewed and approved by licensed providers before being filled by FDA-regulated 503A compounding pharmacies.

Our LegitScript Certification reflects our commitment to quality, transparency, and safety, helping you make confident choices on your wellness journey.

Whether you’re exploring anti-aging peptides for skin vitality, collagen-support peptides for recovery, or a personalized peptide protocol for overall wellness, Above Wellness connects you to trusted, regulated solutions — designed with care, integrity, and results in mind.

References

[1] Hu, Y., Luo, H., Netala, V. R., et al. (2024). Comprehensive Review of Biological Functions and Therapeutic Potential of Perilla Seed Meal Proteins and Peptides. Foods, 14(1), 47. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods14010047

[2] An, J., Nguepi Tsopmejio, I. S., Wang, Z., et al. (2023). Review on Extraction, Modification, and Synthesis of Natural Peptides and Their Beneficial Effects on Skin. Molecules, 28(2), 908. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28020908

[3] Inácio, P. A., Gomes, Y. S. M., de Aguiar, A. J. N., et al. (2024). The Effects of Collagen Peptides as a Dietary Supplement on Muscle Damage Recovery and Fatigue Responses: An Integrative Review. Nutrients, 16(19), 3403. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16193403

[4] Hao, Z., Zhang, Z., Wang, Z. P., et al. (2024). Bioactive peptides and proteins for tissue repair: microenvironment modulation, rational delivery, and clinical potential. Military Medical Research, 11, 76. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40779-024-00576-x

[5] Pintea, A., Manea, A., Pintea, C., et al. (2025). Peptides: Emerging Candidates for the Prevention and Treatment of Skin Senescence: A Review. Biomolecules, 15(1), 88. https://doi.org/10.3390/biom15010088

[6] Ash, M., Zibitt, M., Shauly, O., et al. (2024). The Innovative and Evolving Landscape of Topical Exosome and Peptide Therapies: A Systematic Review of the Available Literature. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 44(7), ojae017. https://doi.org/10.1093/asjof/ojae017

[7] Md Fadilah, N. I., Shahabudin, N. A., Mohd Razif, R. A., et al. (2024). Discovery of bioactive peptides as therapeutic agents for skin wound repair. Journal of Tissue Engineering, 15, 20417314241280359. https://doi.org/10.1177/20417314241280359

[8] Xiao, L., Fan, Y., Li, L., et al. (2024). The Protective Effects of Silkworm (Bombyx mori) Pupae Peptides on UV-Induced Skin Photoaging in Mice. Foods, 13(13), 1971. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13131971

[9] Siemiątkowski, R., Haber, M., & Czachor, A. (2024). Comparative Analysis of Collagen Supplementation Forms and Their Effects on Multiple Health Parameters. Journal of Education, Health and Sport, 65, 55474. https://doi.org/10.12775/jehs.2024.65.55474

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Above Wellness

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