Recent Articles of Interest

It is always easier to prevent the damage than to fix it later. To a significant degree, skin aging is caused by the accumulation of small day-to-day aggressions from acne, abrasions, wind, sun, detergents and so forth. As these minute injuries heal, they leave microscopic blemishes, which, eventually, accumulate to become evident signs of aging. While it remains to be further researched, it appears that copper peptides can help reduce the harm from daily wear and tear of the skin. For example, one study demonstrated that copper peptides helped recover skin integrity after exposure to SLS, a common detergent used in many shampoos, cleansers, and dishwashing/laundry products.

It remains uncertain whether copper peptides can reverse wrinkles and other signs of aging in the healthy skin. Theoretically, it is possible since copper peptides promote the degradation of abnormally large cross-linked collagen (the one produced in scars and, to a minor degree, in wrinkles). They also promote the production of "regular" collagen found in normal skin. In one short study, copper peptides stimulated collagen production in the intact skin. In fact, in that study copper peptides produced a stronger stimulation of collagen production than tretinoin (Retin A, Renova) or ascorbate (vitamin C).

While moderate use of copper peptides promotes collagen production and has antioxidant action (by stimulating the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase), excessive use of copper peptides taken from soy proteins can have a negative effect by increasing the levels of free copper. Free copper stimulates free radical harm and collagen rupture leading to premature skin aging. These problems do not appear to happen among the majority of copper peptide users. However, there are anecdotal reports showing that such side-effects can happen with overuse or, rarely, even normal use in sensitive people. Ideally, a sufficiently large study is necessary to better evaluate these risk.

Finally, copper peptides are a promising skin treatment with an excellent safety profile. Their capability to improve the healing of various types of skin injuries is well established. It is likely that copper peptides may slow down the formation of the signs of skin aging by reducing the consequences of daily wear and tear. Also, copper peptides may augment the results of the skin regeneration treatments based on controlled skin damage, such as laser resurfacing, dermabrasion and peels. Also, it appears that certain copper peptide products may cause rare but significant skin harm in some cases of over use or unusual sensitivity.