Colloidal copper is a liquid suspension of microscopic particles of copper. You can take it orally as a supplement or add it to skin treatments. Some manufacturers include colloidal copper in creams and lotions to allegedly reduce the signs of aging. Adding colloidal copper to a steam bath is one way to topically apply the mineral, but very little scientific evidence supports the health claims of such a treatment.
Copper
Copper is a trace mineral needed by all humans to help form red blood cells, assist in the function of blood vessels and nerves and support healthy immunity and bones. Foods such as oysters, whole grains, beans and organ meats contain enough copper to support your needs. Although many supplement and wellness product manufacturers tout the benefits of applying copper topically, no research supports their claims.
Bath Benefits
Copper colloidal molecules are extremely tiny, so product manufacturers claim it can cross the cellular barriers of the skin and sink in deep enough to provide benefits. Colloidal copper is said to firm up the skin and increase collagen production – helping to fight lines and wrinkles. A study in the journal the “Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery” published in 2006 found that copper-containing skin care products used on laser-resurfaced skin resulted in no significant reduction in wrinkles or improvement in overall skin quality, however. Some proponents of using colloidal copper topically, in a bath or lotion, claim that it can reduce the symptoms of sore muscles and joints and even help with the symptoms of arthritis. Steam baths may produce these benefits on their own, even without the addition of colloidal copper. The heat of a steam bath can help increase circulation and a sense of overall well-being.
Bacterial Growth
A study in the journal “Microbiology” published in 1954 showed that colloidal metals, including copper, may inhibit the growth of certain bacteria – especially when heat sterilization is involved. This is more applicable to autoclaved hospital equipment than your skin, however. Although hot, a steam bath does not reach the temperatures needed to effectively kill microbes on your skin.
Cancer
Since 1914, researchers have looked at the relationship between metals – including copper – and tumor growth, but these studies explored injecting the colloidal metals rather than using them as topical applications as through a bath. In a June 2011 issue of “Nano Letters,” a study looked at how a liquid copper compound applied via laser therapy could destroy colon cancer cells in a lab. The study may suggest an application for copper and thermal laser therapy for cancer, but does not give any credence to cancer-fighting benefits of a colloidal copper steam bath.
References
- MedlinePlus: Copper in the Diet
- Microbiology: The Inhibition of Bacterial Growth by Colloidal Heavy-metal Sulphides and by Colloidal Sulphur
- Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery: Effects of Topical Copper Tripeptide Complex on CO2 Laser-Resurfaced Skin
- Journal of Experimental Medicine: The Influence of Various Substances on the Growth of Mouse Carcinoma
- AllerG: Steam Baths
- Nano Letters: Copper Selenide Nanocrystals for Photothermal Therapy
- Alchemists Workshop: Colloidal Copper
- Truly Ageless: Natural Skin Renewal System
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