Copper is part of the human physiology. It is a trace element. Copper is in every cell in the human body, including the brain. Peptides are tiny fragments of protein that bind to the copper. Copper has many beneficial properties for the body and especially for the skin. A 1988 study by the Laboratoire de Biochimie, CNRS URA 84, Faculte de Medecine, Reims, France, concluded that healing properties of copper peptides are especially useful for treating skin damage and signs of aging.
Properties
Copper, combined with protein peptides that bind to the copper, allows for absorption into the skin cells. Copper peptides increase protein synthesis of elastin, collagen, vascular endothelial growth factors, nerve outgrowth and stimulate wound healing, according to an article in the Nov. 8, 2008 Journal of Biomaterials Science, Polymer Edition. The journal report notes that copper peptides are similar to the human peptide Gly-(L-His)-(L-Lys) or GHK, which has copper 2 + (Cu2+). Because the two molecules are so similar, they cause a remodeling process that stimulates cellular repair.
Uses
Because of its wound-healing properties, copper peptides are useful for treating acne scaring. Copper peptides stimulate collagen, which plumps the skin under acne scars and smoothes out the skin. They have anti-inflammatory properties and stimulate cellular turnover, which makes copper peptides a great treatment for various types of skin damage. rnrnAnother use is to aid healing after laser treatments, skin resurfacing and chemical peels. They are used in hair transplants as a poultice that nourishes and helps to heal the hair follicles, according to the Bernstein Medical Center for Hair Restoration. rnrnAntiaging properties make copper peptides a popular ingredient in skin creams, serums and eye creams.
Benefits
Copper peptides reduce wrinkles; stimulate collagen and elastin in the skin. They also have a skin firming and tightening effect. Copper peptides' antioxidant properties help to prevent damage from environmental factors. The skin regenerating benefit of copper peptides makes them a natural alternative to other painful and expensive cosmetic treatments.
Types
Synthesized copper peptide products are based on the human copper peptide complex, Gly-(L-His)-(L-Lys) or GHK: 2 + (Cu2+), according to Dr. Loren Pickart of Skin Biology. The modeling properties of peptides used to bond with copper can have different biophysical effects, according to Bioinorganic Chemistry and Applications. Different copper peptide combinations, such as Cu024, Cu025, Cu026, GHK-Cu and GHK , are being studied for various factors in tissue repair, increasing collagen and elastin production and removal of damaged tissues such as scar tissues.
Warning
Too much copper is toxic to the body. The University of Maryland Medical Center cautions to use only copper products that have peptides.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Wrinkles
- National Institutes of Health: The Human Tri-Peptide GHK and Tissue Remodeling
- University of Maryland: Skin Wrinkles and Blemishes-Treatment
- National Institutes of Health: CU(1) Binding Properties of a Designed Metalloprotein
- Journal of Biomaterials Science, Polymer Edition: The Human Tri-Peptide GHK and Tissue Remodeling
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