Copper is one of those nine minerals that are recognized as essential nutrients for humans, as it plays a crucial role in different physiological normal processes in basically all human tissues. Copper binding peptide GHK-Cu (glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine) is a small, naturally occurring tri-peptide present in human plasma.

What Can It Do For Your Skin:

In the skin, Copper;

1.  Stimulates dermal fibroblasts proliferation

2.  Upregulates collagen (types I, II, and V) and elastin fiber components (elastin, fibrillins) production by fibroblasts

3.  Stimulates HSp-47, essential to collagen fibril formation

4.  Reduce fine lines, depth of wrinkles, and improve structure of aged skin

5.  Repair protective skin barrier proteins

6.  Reduce photodamage, mottled hyperpigmentation, skin spots

7.  Inhibits cellular oxidative effects such as membrane damage and lipid peroxidation

8.  Stimulate wound healing

Is Copper-Based Cosmetics Worth All The Hype 

Since its discovery, GHK-Cu has established itself as a powerful protective and regenerative ingredient which is currently used in skincare products. In the skin, copper is involved in the synthesis and stabilization of extracellular matrix skin proteins and angiogenesis

Skin’s ability to withstand damage and repair itself is highest in children and young individuals because of well-functioning repair and protective mechanisms. However, with age, skin’s ability to repair damage declines

But Where's The Proof:

1. "A GHK-Cu eye cream applied for 12 weeks to around the eye area of 41 women with mild to advanced photodamage performed better than placebo and vitamin K cream. It reduced lines and wrinkles, improved overall appearance, and increased skin density and thickness"
    
2. "GHK-Cu applied to thigh skin for 12 weeks improved collagen production in 70% of the women treated, in contrast to 50% treated with the vitamin C cream, and 40% treated with retinoic acid [16]. In addition to improving skin laxity, clarity, firmness and appearance, reducing fine lines, coarse wrinkles and mottled pigmentation, and increasing skin density and thickness, GHK-Cu cream applied twice daily for 12 weeks also strongly stimulated dermal keratinocyte proliferation"