What is GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide)?
GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide), also known as the human copper-binding peptide, is a copper complex of the tripeptide called glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine. This tripeptide has a strong affinity for copper, thus the name human copper-binding peptide.
It was 1973 when researchers figured out that they have been looking at a small, naturally occurring tripeptide that they have successfully isolated from the human plasma. Nowadays, we know that traces of GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) can also be found in the urine and saliva. The human tissues release GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) in case of injury because of its wound-healing abilities to help shorten the recovery time.
The levels of GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) tend to decline as a result of the normal aging process. For example, the GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) level reaches about 200 ng/ml at the age of 20, whereas at the age of 60, its levels decline and reach around 80 ng/ml.
Since it was first isolated, GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) was shown to be a quite effective regenerative and protective ingredient. It is proposed that GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) accelerates wound healing, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, and promotes blood vessel growth. Over the years, GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) has been included as a part of the formula of many skincare and hair products because of its ability to stimulate collagen production and repair DNA damage in irradiated fibroblasts in order to restore their normal functions.
GHK-Cu peptide benefits
We mentioned GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) being used in many of everyone’s favorite skincare and hair products. To do that, the companies are producing GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) in a laboratory setting by combining a solution that contains copper with a substance, similar to protein powder.
Multiple beneficial effects happen due to the use of GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide), which is why so many companies have decided to include it in the formula of their skincare and hair products. Because the GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) levels naturally decline as a result of the aging process, their availability in the tissues decreases as well.
This, paired up with the natural decline of collagen and elastin production, results in more visible fine lines, wrinkles, loose skin, dark spots, and other skin problems that are often the source of low self-confidence among both men and women. This is where the skincare and hair products with added synthetic GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) come in handy.
GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) has been clinically shown to have multiple beneficial effects for the aging skin and hair. In the following, we will list the biggest effects of its daily use.
- Reversed thinning of the aging skin;
- Tightening of the loose skin;
- Smoothing of any rough skin;
- Improved skin elasticity and firmness;
- Reduced hyperpigmentation and remove any blemishes and spots;
- Repair of the skin’s protective barriers;
- Reduced visible fine lines and wrinkles;
- Improved overall skin appearance;
- Reduced skin inflammation;
- Protection of the skin against the harmful UV rays;
- Protection of the skin and hair against damage done by oxidative stress and free radicals;
- Increased hair thickness;
- Improved hair quality and health.
By boosting the collagen and elastin production, GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) can directly help with any fine lines and wrinkles. It is also through the increased amount of bioavailable GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) in the tissues that the skin can regain its firmness, elasticity, and strength.
A study published in 2012 investigated the efficiency of GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) and melatonin enriched facial cream among 20 female volunteers. The results were compared to those achieved with the use of vitamin C and retinoic acid-enriched facial cream. The GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) and melatonin enriched facial cream successfully helped achieve better and more visible results of the two.
Copper peptides can promote the production of glycosaminoglycans, mainly hyaluronic acid, which is found in the connective tissue and fluids in the body. Glycosaminoglycans are helping the skin to remain smooth and plump. Much like collagen and elastin, glycosaminoglycans become depleted with age. As a result, wrinkles are more visible.
We mentioned GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) having strong antioxidant effects, which are very important for the aging skin. Our skin is exposed to free radicals and damage due to UV rays daily. These factors are known to speed up the development of fine lines and wrinkles if the skin is improperly protected.
But GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) can also help combat many hair issues such as hair loss and thinning of the hair. Copper peptides have a positive effect on the hair follicles and pose the ability to stimulate hair regrowth in areas of baldness. The efficiency of GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) is often compared to that of the popular hair loss medication minoxidil.
GenX Peptides | Conclusion
GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) poses numerous beneficial effects for the aging skin, which makes it a must-have ingredient in any quality skincare product. From improved firmness and elasticity to fewer visible fine lines and wrinkles, to even a thicker, more beautiful hair – the beneficial effects of GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) for both the skin and hair have been the subject of many scientific studies over the years since its first discovery back in 1973.
References
https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2015/648108/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6073405/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23285694
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18644225
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