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.”