The scientific community is now beginning to look at
the process of aging in terms of the skin's own attempt
at "healing wounds." Wrinkles and the process
of aging are related to faulty collagen deposition and
improper skin cell layering. As we age and lose our ability
to naturally regenerate skin cells, we begin to heal "skin
wounds" in a non-optimal way which then forms wrinkles.
Scientists and skin care researchers are beginning to
look towards copper peptides as a powerful wound-healing
agent that may dramatically improve our skin's ability
to recover.
What are Copper Peptides?
Copper peptides are naturally-occurring metal-amino acid
compounds. They are found in trace amounts in our cells.
Our cells transform the pure form of copper, combining
it with a peptide composed of microscopic fragments of
proteins, the crucial building blocks almost all living
tissues.
In the 1970's, Dr. Loren Pickart looked into the ability
for tissue regeneration in copper peptides. Once formed
into the combined peptide, the copper can then be used
for biochemical processes related to regeneration and
repair. His studies found that specific copper peptides,
known as GHK copper peptides (GHK-Cu), were particularly
able to heal wounds and skin lesions. . This research
resulted in the creation of lamin gel (a copper-peptide
infused topical skin treatment for acute and chronic skin
wounds and ulcers). This same technology is now being
used for anti-aging and anti-wrinkle treatments today.
How Can Copper Peptides Boost Skin Health?
Can this technology work for general skin health and
appearance? The answer is possibly yes. Copper peptides
have the ability to break down the build-up of "extra-large"
collagen formations associated with wrinkles and scars.
After this break down, it then can promote the synthesis
of normal-sized collagen found in healthy, normal skin.
Copper peptides have been shown to have the ability to
synthesize the following healing chemical components in
the skin cell matrix:
• Elastin
• Collagen
• Proteoglycans
• Glycosaminoglycans
In addition to being able to break down undesirable forms
of collagen, as well as stimulate skin cell synthesis
and regeneration, copper peptides also have the ability
to regulate the rate of growth and migration in varying
classes of skin cells. Copper reduces skin inflammation,
and acts as an antioxidant, preventing the excretion of
oxidation-promoting iron into skin tissue.
Copper peptides may also offer
the following potential skin benefits:
• Stimulation of
skin remodeling, creating smoother, younger feeling skin.
• Promotion of skin-wound
healing after laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, and chemical
peels of the skin.
• Reduce skin irritation
through anti-inflammatory effects. Skin irritation is
known to increase the processes of skin aging, promoting
toxic free radicals and other byproducts.
• Increase water
holding capacity of skin.
• Reduce sagging
and fragility.
• Reduce age spots,
hyper-pigmentation, melasma, and dark pigmentation.
• Minimize the damage
from the daily environment of sun, stress, wind, chemical
detergents, acne, wounds, abrasions, etc.
• Possible reduction
in the signs of aging through stimulation of collagen
production. Studies show that copper peptides produced
more stimulation of collagen synthesis than ascorbate
(vitamin C) or tretinoin (Retin A, Renova).
Potential Side Effects and Contraindications
While moderate use of copper peptides aids in skin regeneration,
large amounts or excessive use can actually create the
opposite effect, heightening levels of "free copper"
which promotes free radical damage and collagen breakdown
instead of preventing it. Excessive use can actually lead
to accelerated skin aging, skin weakening, sag and wrinkles.
For this reason, only use the recommended daily amount
to avoid any negative side effects. There have been rare
reports of copper peptide topical use and irritation and
redness amongst individuals with sensitive skin, particularly
around the delicate under-eye region.
Source:
Canapp, S.O., et al., "The
effect of topical tripeptide-copper complex on healing
of ischemic open wounds," as reprinted on
Smart Skincare, originally published in Vet Surg,
November, 2003, 32(6):515-23,
Requena, J.R., et al., "Copper-catalyzed
oxidation of the recombinant SHa (29-231) prion protein,"
as reprinted on Smart Skincare, originally published
in Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A, June 19, 2001, 98(13):7170-5,
Simeon, A., et al., "Expression
of glycosaminoglycans and small proteoglycans in wounds:
modulation by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu(2+),"
as reprinted on Smart Skincare, originally published
in J Invest Dermatol, December, 2000, 115(6):962-8,
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