Latest fad or science? What should we know about the power of Copper Peptide? What exactly does it do for our skin?

Copper peptides are now one of the most hyped skincare trends and it is fully backed by science!

Let’s take a deep dive to get to know this research-backed, magical skincare ingredient.

How Do Copper Peptides Work?

As the name suggests, it is a compound made of copper and peptides.

Peptides are short chains of amino acids that build proteins. They signal the skin to produce some vital complex molecules like – elastin, collagen, and keratin.

Now, these three molecules play the most crucial role in maintaining skin health and youthfulness.

These fibrous proteins provide structural support to the skin cells, improve skin resilience, protect skin from damage, and promote healing.

As we age, the amount of these proteins present in the skin naturally declines. As a result, the skin starts losing its youthful appearance.

Adding the right peptides to your regular skincare routine can help to reduce the depletion of these proteins in the skin. That improves overall skin health and appearance.

Now that we have discussed peptides and how they can enhance your skincare, it’s time to focus on the other element – Copper.

Copper is an essential nutrient for the human body. It plays a vital role in producing red blood cells, maintaining healthy bones, nerves, and blood vessels.

But that’s not all!

Copper has properties that make it an excellent active ingredient for use in skincare.

It helps in the synthesis and stabilization of skin proteins like collagen and elastin. Promotes synthesis of natural skin barrier against free radicals. Also, inhibits oxidative damage at the cellular level.

Top it with potent biocidal properties that keep infection-causing or harmful organisms at bay.

To produce copper peptides, copper is bound to peptides to carry it into the deeper levels of the skin. The tripeptide GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) along with copper (Cu) is used in the most potent copper peptides-based skincare.

GHK-Cu has a wide range of skin benefits including anti-aging and healing.

Skin Benefits of Copper Peptides

You can enjoy a range of skin benefits by using potent copper peptides-based products in your skincare regime. The most prominent benefits include,

• Reduces skin wrinkles: Copper peptides promote synthesis of collagen and elastin in the skin, helping in the visible reduction of fine lines and wrinkles.
•   Improves skin elasticity: High amount of collagen and elastin synthesis induced by copper peptides naturally improves skin elasticity and resilience.
• Improves skin texture: By promoting collagen synthesis and reducing collagen breakdown in the skin copper peptides help to improve overall skin appearance.
• Promotes even skin tone: It boosts the natural healing process of the skin, reduces age spots, acne scars, and general hyperpigmentation caused due to sun/heat exposure.
• Improves natural skin barrier: Copper peptides have antioxidant properties and can be helpful to reduce skin inflammation. It may also protect skin from common infections to some extent.    

How To Include Copper Peptides in Your Skincare?

Copper peptides are most commonly available in the form of serums and creams. This potent compound shows maximum benefits when you use it in skincare products that stay on the skin for long.

You can include copper peptides-based facial serums or creams in your AM as well as PM routine. Using copper peptides twice every day can give the best results.

Yet, depending on the formula you are using there may be some changes. So, check the product label before using and make sure that it has the right concentration of copper peptides.

Copper peptides promote repair and healing of the skin at the cellular level. Hence using it during the night, when the skin’s natural renewal process is at its peak, is certainly beneficial.  

If you are using copper peptides in the form of a water-based serum, top it with a heavier oil or moisturizer for maximum absorbency.     

Ingredients That You Can Use with Copper Peptides   

Remember, using any particular ingredient simultaneously with copper peptides will not enhance its effectiveness. To keep it simple, you can use the serum directly on your cleansed skin and top it up with a proper moisturizer to finish.     

You may also combine it with other active ingredients that promote skin hydration and repair. Copper peptides can be safely combined with actives like,

• Hyaluronic acid
• Niacinamide

Every skin is unique. So, if you are starting with a new skincare regime, always keep an eye on how your skin behaves to the treatment. Adjust it according to your skin needs.

There are certain active skincare ingredients that might hinder the overall effect of copper peptides and vice versa. So, avoid using these ingredients together.

Ingredients That You Should Not Use with Copper Peptides   

• Vitamin C
• Retinol
• Alpha hydroxy acids
• Beta hydroxy acids

IMPORTANT! You might use these products on alternate days, or at other times when you are not using copper peptides. I use copper peptide almost every day as an after dinner skin care product, waiting several hours to use my curology prescription tretinoin right before bed to avoid using the copper peptide and Retinol together.

If you are using an AHA/BHA based skin exfoliator during the day, it is best to use the copper peptides at night. In case you want to use both in your PM routine, make sure that you maintain a time gap after washing off the exfoliator properly.  

Side Effects of Copper Peptides

Copper peptides-based skincare products are generally safe, and they are much gentler than actives like retinol. Yet, overuse may lead to toxicity and other side effects.

Those allergic to copper peptides might experience redness, itchiness, or a prolonged burning sensation on your skin right after application. In such cases, stop using the product immediately. A patch test 24 hours before the application is the best way to go.

Who Should Not Use Copper Peptides?

Copper peptides are generally safe and gentler. Unless you are allergic to it, you can use it in the right concentration following a proper regime.

Note, copper peptides are not directly included in the list of skincare ingredients that you should not use during pregnancy. Yet, if you are pregnant, ask your dermatologist or ob-gyn before using any skincare actives in your routine.  

Now you know everything about copper peptides and how you can amp up your skin care for maximum anti aging benefits. If you are planning to include some new effective ingredients in your skincare, copper peptides are a great choice.