Vitamin C and copper peptides are available in a variety of products, and both can be beneficial to your skin. Both have antioxidant properties, and while vitamin C is vital for skin production and maintenance, copper peptides may be able to help skin stay young-looking. Before taking dietary supplements or using skin creams, consult a doctor.
Copper Peptides
According to the Cleveland Clinic, studies have shown that copper peptides promote collagen and elastin production to help regenerate skin. Copper-dependent enzymes help your body build natural tissue more efficiently. Copper peptides can help make your skin more firm, smooth and soft in a relatively short period of time. In addition, they may help remove scar tissue, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
Formulations
Copper peptides are used in a variety of products, such as anti-aging creams, skin creams and serums. But too much or too little copper peptide in a product may not help you achieve the desired effect. Copper peptides are often used in combination with vitamin C and vitamin E to add additional benefits.
Vitamin C Benefits
Vitamin C is vital for the biosynthesis of collagen, which is an essential component of connective tissue and is crucial for making skin, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels. Vitamin C also is important to help your body heal wounds and repair and maintain bones and teeth.
Vitamin C Deficiency
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, mild vitamin C deficiency is a common problem. Deficiency of vitamin C can cause dry and splitting hair, gingivitis, bleeding gums, rough, dry or scaly skin, decreased wound-healing rate, easy bruising and nosebleeds. More serious vitamin C deficiency can result in scurvy, but that is rare. Smokers, people without a varied diet, people with malabsorption disease and infants fed evaporated or boiled milk may be at an increased risk for vitamin C deficiency.
Available Sources of Vitamin C
Fruits and vegetables -- especially citrus fruits, tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, kiwi, broccoli, berries, mango, papaya, spinach, Brussels sprouts and cantaloupe -- are sources of vitamin C. Breakfast cereals often are fortified with vitamin C, as well. Vitamin C supplements are available in the form of pills, powder and liquids. Vitamin C also is used in a variety of skin products.
Precautions
Like any other dietary supplement, vitamin C may react with other supplements or medications. Consult a doctor before consuming vitamin C. The FDA does not evaluate the function of skin products as stringently as it does dietary products, but it does regulate the safety. Regardless, consult a doctor before using skin products containing copper peptides.
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