WHAT ARE COPPER PEPTIDES?
Copper peptides are composed of amino acids (the precursor to proteins) that have bound themselves to copper enzymes. Copper enzymes are found naturally in our blood plasma.
Studies have shown copper peptides effective at tissue regeneration and wound healing. In skin care, copper peptides are helpful in supporting the generation of supportive fibres and collagen in the skin.
A study in 2002 showed after 30 days, those using copper peptides experienced a reduction in visible signs of aging while improving the overall elasticity, density and thickness of treated skin. It also reaffirmed the role of copper peptides as a potent skin regenerative.
BENEFIT OF COPPER PEPTIDES FOR THE SKIN
- Reduction in fine lines and wrinkles
As we age, collagen starts to break down without being replaced as quickly, and our rate of tissue repair is reduced significantly, leading to wrinkles, loss of volume, and reduced hydration. Copper peptides have been shown to support collagen production which, helps plump away fine lines and wrinkles.
- Improved skin firmness
Copper peptides also support our body's elastin and connective tissue which will help reduce skin sag and encourage the skin to thicken and become firmer. Copper peptides play a crucial role in supporting fibroblasts in skin repair.
- Evens skin tone
Copper peptides show a unique ability to encourage cellular repair and may help smooth skin tone by removing damaged and pigmented cells and encouraging cellular renewal and formation of new healthy skin cells.
HOW TO USE COPPER PEPTIDES IN YOUR SKINCARE
Copper peptides can be used in a cream or serum form and applied as a part of either a morning or evening skin routine. They are generally well accepted by even reactive skin types, although in some cases, mild redness may occur during the first few applications due to increased blood flow until the skin adjusts. Redness isn't prolonged and should resolve relatively quickly.
Copper peptides should not be applied in combination with the following as they may degrade the effectiveness of the copper peptides.
- Retinol
- Vitamin C
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids (e.g.: Glycolic Acid)
SOME OTHER THOUGHTS ON COPPER PEPTIDES
A human skin renewal study published in 2018 was able to show that when used on thigh skin for 12 weeks, copper peptides encouraged skin thickening and collagen production in 70% of the women treated, as opposed to 50% using Vitamin C and 40% using Retinoic acid.
Another study on the eye area showed a significant result in treating fine lines and wrinkles. And when put against a Vitamin K cream, it performed significantly better.
And as if this isn't enough, studies also have shown a reduction in scarring, stretch marks and age spots after continued use.