How Do Copper Peptides Assist Skin & Hair Health?

Copper peptides are the latest beauty trend—being widely used in serums, masks and creams. Also known as GHK-Cu, these are enzymes that naturally occurring in the body. This article dwells deeper into their benefits for skin and hair health.

What Are Copper Peptides?

Copper Peptides are short chains of amino acids that play a critical role in the production of collagen and elastin, two connective tissues responsible for maintaining dermatological health. There are several factors like ageing, smoking, and sun exposure that reduce their quantity, leading to wrinkles, marks and spots. Copper peptides stimulate collagen production, boosting skin health while also enhancing blood circulation in the scalp to boost hair health.

Skin Benefits Of Copper Peptides

1. Reduced Wrinkles and Firmer Skin

Studies suggest copper peptides can enhance collagen and elastin production, making skin appear plumper and firmer. Over time, this reduces the visibility of wrinkles and fine lines, giving skin a more youthful appearance.

2. Improved Skin Tone

Copper peptides may help repair damaged tissues while generating new ones. This dual action could minimize sunspots, acne scars, and other causes of uneven skin tone.

3. Antioxidant And Anti-Inflammatory Effects

GHK-Cu possesses antioxidant properties that combat inflammation and reduce oxidative damage, helping maintain overall skin health.

Hair Benefits of Copper Peptides

1. Enhanced Hair Growth

Copper peptides may promote increased blood flow to the scalp, ensuring hair follicles receive essential nutrients and oxygen. This stimulation supports new hair growth.

2. Improved Hair Strength And Color

As a micronutrient, copper is essential for melanin production, which determines hair colour. Copper peptides might also thicken existing strands by enlarging hair follicles.

A study titled 'The effect of the tripeptide-copper complex on human hair growth in vitro', published in Archives of Pharmacal Research found that the tripeptide-copper complex, described as a growth factor for various kinds of differentiated cells, stimulates the proliferation of dermal fibroblasts (cells in the dermis layer of skin responsible for skin structure) and elevates the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (a protein that stimulates the growth of new blood vessels.)

In this study, AHK-Cu improved human hair growth in lab settings by elongating hair follicles and increasing DPC proliferation. It also reduced cell death in DPCs by boosting anti-apoptotic proteins and lowering levels of proteins linked to cell death. These findings suggest that AHK-Cu supports hair growth by encouraging cell growth and preventing cell death in hair follicle-supporting structures.

Word Of Caution

While copper peptides show promising effects for skincare, their benefits for hair need further research. Moreover, combining copper peptides with certain ingredients, like retinol, vitamin C, or alpha hydroxy acids, can diminish their effectiveness. Perform a patch test before using any copper peptide product to rule out allergies. Immediately consult your healthcare practitioner, if symptoms appear. Side effects include redness, itching, or hives.