The benefits of Copper tripeptide

Description

The human copper-binding peptide GHK-Cu (glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine; Copper tripeptide) is a small, naturally occurring tri-peptide present in human plasma that also can be released from tissues in case of an injury. Since its discovery in 1973, GHK-Cu has established itself as a powerful protective and regenerative ingredient currently widely used in skin and hair products.

Benefits

Up-to-date, it is established that Copper tripeptide is able to Tighten loose skin and reverse thinning of aged skin; Repair protective skin barrier proteins; Improve skin firmness, elasticity, and clarity; Reduce fine lines depth of wrinkles; and improve structure of aged skin; Smooth rough skin; Reduce photodamage, mottled hyperpigmentation, skin spots and lesions; Improve overall skin appearance; Stimulate wound healing; Protect skin cells from UV radiation; Reduce inflammation and free radical damage; Increase hair growth and thickness, enlarge hair follicle size. In specific:

Skin and Wound Repair

This amino acid chain can be used for skin and wound repair and has been shown to make significant improvements in wound and tissue care in animal studies. This is because it helps increase the tissue's antioxidant levels, allowing wounds to contract and close up. This kind of treatment is often delivered via ointment mediums. GHK-Cu improved the healing of ischemic open wounds in rats. Wounds displayed faster healing, decreased concentration of metalloproteinases 2 and 9, and TNF-β (a major inflammatory cytokine) compared with vehicle alone or untreated wounds.

Anti-Aging (Skincare)

Several clinical studies confirmed GHK-Cu’s ability to improve the appearance of aging skin. A facial cream containing GHK-Cu was applied for 12 weeks to the facial skin of 71 women with mild to advanced signs of photoaging, increased skin density and thickness, reduced laxity, improved clarity, reduced fine lines, and the depth of wrinkles. A GHK-Cu eye cream applied for 12 weeks to the around-the-eye area of 41 women with mild to advanced photodamage performed better than placebo and vitamin K cream. It reduced lines and wrinkles, improved overall appearance, and increased skin density and thickness.

Copper peptides have been shown to have anti-aging benefits that have been useful in cosmetic applications. These products have shown that they reduce wrinkles and lines and can also improve the brightness and smoothness of the skin.

Hair Loss Treatment

GHK-Cu has also been shown to improve hair growth for those treating hair loss. This substance has also worked for male-pattern baldness. This amino acid is already commonly included in treatment options on the market, like Minoxidil, and could be added to other products in the future.

Nerve Regeneration & Cancer Prevention

Recent studies have been focused on the uses of this product for nerve regeneration as well as anti-tumor and cancer prevention. These studies have indicated that this amino acid can halt the formation of cancer cells and improve the health of tissues surrounding cancer cells and lesions.

Other Possible Uses

New studies are being done to see if GHK-Cu can also be used to treat anxiety and improve pain tolerance as well as reduce aggression. These studies would offer real promise for the treatment of many mental conditions that cause degeneration of the brain tissues.

References

[1] Polonskaia, A. S. et al. “The role of copper tripeptide (GHK-Cu) in the process of skin regeneration.” 2020. 0.

[2] Loren Pickart, Anna Margolina. “Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences 19 7 (2018).

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