Click here to watch the full conversation on YouTube.
If you’ve been on wellness TikTok lately or following health-forward creators, chances are you’ve heard about peptides. They’re known for everything from glowing skin to faster recovery, longevity, you name it. But with so much hype, it can be hard to separate what’s helpful from what’s just trending.
Since I don’t believe in jumping on every new health trend, I wanted to know if peptides were worth exploring and to get expert advice. So I sat down with Dr. Neil Paulvin, a longevity and performance expert, to break down what peptides are, how they work, and whether they’re worth exploring.
Here’s what I learned.
What Are Peptides, Really?
“Peptides are small chains of amino acids that act like messengers,” Dr. Paulvin explained. “They tell the body to turn certain processes on or off, whether it’s healing tissue, reducing inflammation, or building collagen.”
Unlike hormones, which regulate entire systems, peptides are incredibly targeted. They mimic or enhance natural signals already happening in your body, which is what makes them so effective, especially when paired with intentional habits like sleep, nutrition, and movement.
And they’re not just for one issue.
“They kind of can help most conditions,” Dr. Paulvin said. “In some cases, they’re almost your prime treatment, kind of replacing anti-inflammatories like Motrin.”
Why Are People Using Peptides?
You’ll find peptides in both clinical and wellness spaces now being used to support:
- Gut repair (especially for IBS, IBD, or leaky gut)
- Muscle, tendon, or ligament healing
- Skin rejuvenation and collagen support
- Joint pain and inflammation
- Energy, endurance, and recovery
- Immune regulation and chronic infections
“These aren’t shortcuts,” Dr. Paulvin told me. “But when layered on top of good habits like sleep, movement, and nutrition, they can help the body heal and perform better, faster.”
The Most Talked-About Peptides Right Now
Here are some of the ones Dr. Paulvin sees most often in practice:
BPC-157 is a favorite for healing. It’s used to repair muscle, ligament, or tendon injuries, but also has a powerful effect on gut inflammation. A lot of people with IBS or bloating have found relief here.
KPV is another anti-inflammatory favorite, often used for autoimmune flares, IBD, or even skin issues like eczema.
LL-37 helps fight off chronic infections and is used in some Lyme and mold recovery protocols.
SS-31 supports mitochondrial function, which may help with cognition, fatigue, and aging.
Delivery Methods, Safety, & Sourcing
Dr. Paulvin mentioned that what’s really cool about them is that they pretty much come in every form, depending on the peptide. Some are injected, but many come as creams, nasal sprays, or capsules. However, there are a few key things to know before considering peptides, as they are NOT for everyone to just jump in and begin using them simply because of the benefits they provide. Peptides aren’t appropriate for people with cancer or for those with a history of severe allergic reactions.
Peptides are tools, not magic pills.
One of the more eye-opening parts of our conversation is the fact that around 50 to 60% of supplements on Amazon are fake or not what you think you’re purchasing. Even for legitimate brands, Amazon can be a risk unless you're careful.
“If you're getting it from the brand’s own Amazon store, 99% of the time it’s reputable. But you’ve gotta do your research,” Dr. Paulvin told me. Better yet, go to a verified clinic or practitioner.
Are They Worth It?
If you’re already committed to the basics:
- You’re sleeping consistently
- You’re moving intentionally
- You’re eating nutrient-dense meals
- You’re managing stress
…then peptides can be a helpful next layer. Especially for recovery, energy, hormonal balance, or healing from chronic issues.
But if you’re just starting your wellness journey? Focus on the above foundations first.
As Dr. Paulvin put it:
“Think of peptides as accelerators. They can help you heal faster or perform better, but they work best when the groundwork is already in place.”
My Take: Personalization > Hype
I love learning about tools that support the body’s natural rhythms. And peptides, when used intentionally and under guidance, can be part of a smarter, more personalized wellness plan.
You don’t need to try everything just because it’s trending. But you do deserve access to real information so you can make empowered choices for your health.
If you’re curious about peptides, talk to a functional medicine practitioner. Get your labs done. Ask about your unique biology. And remember: your wellness path doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s.
Peptides aren’t one-size-fits-all. But with the right foundation, they might be the boost you’ve been looking for.
Learn more about Dr. Paulvin here and follow on Instagram.