For quite some time, I have been asked my opinion related to the benefits of using copper peptides for skin rejuvenation. While these products have enjoyed widespread popularity, there had not been sufficient medical evidence to convince me of their efficacy. Results from recent studies have made me take a second more serious look at the use of Copper Peptides in skin rejuvenation. Up until recently, while this agent has been widely used in the cosmetic market, there was little supportive medical evidence. However, I have been pleased with newly published information and have personally added Copper Peptide therapy into my own skin rejuvenation process.

The Science Behind The Molecule:

New studies are compelling regarding the effectiveness of copper. In addition to copper being a well-known antioxidant, the ability to help stimulate collagen formation is a second very important issue when it comes to repairing as well as preventing aging skin changes. A study performed upon 20 volunteers showed that after 30 days, the formation of ProCollagen, a precursor of Collagen, increased 70% (shown by skin biopsy) compared with 50% formation from Vitamin C and 40% due to Tretinoin, respectively. This means that Copper Peptide is a highly effective agent in the skin rejuvenation process.

In the skin, copper helps to:

1. Stimulate Collagen Formation, diminishing fine lines and firming the skin.
2. Stimulate Elastin Formation, cutting down on sagging and fine lines.
3. Stimulate the formation of the extracellular cement between cells, thus improving skin strength, cutting down on fragility.
4. Stimulate the formation of GAGS (glycosaminoglycans). This helps to thicken the dermis resulting in a lessening of sagging and helps firm the skin.
5. Increase blood vessel formation and oxygenation within the skin.
6. Act as a potent antioxidant by stimulating the enzymatic function of Superoxide Dismutase.

The typical American's daily diet contains less than 1mg of Copper. RDA requirements are actually 2mg a day. Even with adequate intakes, the amount of a nutrient in the diet does not always correspond with its ability to not only reach the skin but do so in an active state. Vitamin C is the most well known example. Excess amounts of Vitamin C in the diet are simply eliminated by the body, preventing higher dosages to reach the skin. This necessitates the use of topical Vitamin C for skin rejuvenation purposes.

Simply applying copper to the skin does not guarantee its ability to adequately reach the cells and stimulate appropriate cellular functions. A peptide naturally found in human skin and tissue called GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) binds cooper molecules, allowing them to arrive in an active state where needed. This peptide is chemically synthesized in the laboratory, so this means that the Copper Peptide complex known as Prezatide Copper Acetate is capable of being used for skin rejuvenation.

How To Incorporate Copper Into Your Regimen

Remember, that no single product is the complete answer to skin rejuvenation at this time. So by combining proven "active" agents, you should be able to achieve a more complete rejuvenation of the skin. Your approach to skin rejuvenation would be to exfoliate away the thickened epidermis and treat the underlying epidermal and dermal cells with other "actives". This does not mean that you must do anything grossly irritating to the skin in order to improve your skin. And of course, many people have very sensitive skin that precludes the use of agents such as vitamin A derivatives of glycolic acids.

Consider using products like glycolic acids (for instance, MD Formulations Facial Lotion or Cream, Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid 10% Moisturizer with Glycolic Acid and Vitamins A, and E) and/or vitamin A products (Neova Retinol ME 0.30%, Afirm or Tretinoin) to thin the epidermal layer. If using both, (glycolic acids and vitamin A derivatives), it is traditional to use them on alternating evenings. As the upper eyelids are taboo for most product lines, use the Neova Eye Therapy nightly. You may then use products like Cellex-C and Neova, again used on alternate mornings to help stimulate your fibroblast activity, which results in collagen formation and other important dermal elements as a morning routine. You're also giving yourself a good dose of antioxidant therapy at the same time. Do not apply vitamin C products (like Cellex-C or SkinCeuticals) at the same time as copper containing products (Neova) as the vitamin C can neutralize the copper. However, you may certainly apply them at the same time to different areas of the skin. For instance, using Neova Eye Therapy or Neova Advanced Perfecting Elixir on the upper eyelids while applying Neova Therapy Mattifying Serum to the remainder of the face. Just because the Neova Night Therapy Cream has the name "Night" in it, you may always consider using it at another time of day. A helpful hintif you have oily skin or rosacea, you should opt to use the Neova Advanced Refining Lift Eye Gelee, which has a lighter texture. If you are on the dryer side, you may find that using the Neova Body Therapy is an ideal way to help restore hydration to your body. You may even want to use it more than once a day if necessary in place of a regular body moisturizer.

In this manner, you are treating 2 different aging skin issues. Thickening epidermal skin creates a dull, lifeless appearance. Thinning of the dermal layer leads to wrinkle formation, sagging, and of course increased bruising and overall skin fragility. Remember that many products actually have more than 1 active function, which helps enhance results. For instance, Vitamin A helps with collagen formation in addition to its exfoliating functions. So you end up with a bonus in functionality. Neova acts both as an antioxidant to help prevent aging skin changes while helping stimulate collagen and elastin formation within the dermis.

Copper Peptides have become an accepted item in the fight against aging skin. I euphemistically call copper the "blue gold" of the skin. It is certainly an important trace element in skin rejuvenation.

Thank you for taking the time to read my newsletter. I hope you have found it informative.

Audrey Kunin, M.D.

(Any topic discussed in this article is not intended as medical advice. If you have a medical concern, please check with your doctor.)

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