Among various treatments proposed to treat fine lines and wrinkles, the use of copper peptide creams and serums is attracting a lot of attention. Copper peptide is regarded as the most contemporary of cosmetic solutions aimed at reducing signs of aging without the need to undergo a treatment. These serums/moisturizers can be used at home without professional assistance. Their overall effect is at par with more expensive cosmetic procedures. However, before using a copper peptide cosmetic aid, it is better to understand how copper peptides treat fine lines and wrinkles.
Copper Peptide Basics
Peptides are the basic structural elements present in all kinds of proteins found in the human body. Peptides are attached to various compounds in the body, including ions of trace elements like copper. Thus, peptides bonded with copper ions are called copper peptides. However, the concentration of copper peptides in an average human being is rather limited. Further, there are many kinds of copper peptides, but each of them is not effective in terms of neutralizing the signs of aging.
During the 1970s, Dr. Loren Pickart discovered that a particular type of copper peptide, called GHK-Cu, had an amazing capacity to heal tissue wounds and stimulate the formation of new cells in the skin. GHK-Cu is now used in preparing all cosmetic applications that are copper peptide-oriented. Copper peptides treat fine lines and wrinkles the following ways:
Stimulates Collagen Synthesis
Copper peptides have the rare ability to breakdown collagen that has accumulated within the skin (hardened protein). Collagen accumulation is a problem since it impairs the synthesis of new collagen and promotes the formation of scar tissue. Collagen’s anti-wrinkle properties are yielded only when they are synthesized and replaced on a regular basis. The decomposition of hardened collagen stimulates the greater formation of skin proteins, like elastin and collagen, which reduce the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
Promotes Rejuvenation of Skin
The gradual decomposition of older tissue started above activates the natural mechanism of connective tissue formation in the human skin. Newer facial tissue is understandably fresher looking and the rejuvenation process eliminates the outlines of fine lines and wrinkles. This action of copper peptide creams is similar to the concept of controlled injuries induced by exfoliating treatments like dermabrasion and chemical peeling. This contributes to copper peptide’s ability to heal wounds.
The formation of newer tissue stimulates the creation of more copper peptides. This ensures that the skin’s process of regeneration is sustained for a longer time. Thus, copper peptide treatments have an appreciable effect for a reasonably long time.
Negates Free Radical Action
Skin that bruises easily and is highly susceptible to getting irritated is more prone to aging. Such skin is more vulnerable to the action of free radicals that deepen and enhance the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, along with making it drier. Acting as a healing agent, copper peptide helps to raise the overall immunity level of the skin, making it more immune against the action of free radicals.
Re-nourishes Facial Skin
GHK-Cu is among the rarest of bodily peptides that have a pronounced stimulating effect beyond the concept of renewed tissue formation. Such copper peptides re-nourish the skin by stimulating the formation of new capillaries, which ensures better circulation of blood. They raise the retention of biological compounds like glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans. These compounds have greater water-retention qualities and keep the skin hydrated, reducing the formation of fine lines and wrinkles.
Though copper peptide products are becoming increasingly common, they should be used after seeking a consultation from a certified dermatologist.
