Revitalize your skin with the nourishing power of this unique ingredient!
What Are Copper Peptides?
Copper peptides are naturally found in the human body. Copper peptides have gained recognition in the field of dermatology and cosmetics for their potential benefits in skin rejuvenation and anti-aging. They occur in copper-binding tripeptides and aid in recovery and immunity. (A tripeptide is a signaling protein that responds to tissue injuries by triggering an immune reaction and activating blood vessel increase.) These tripeptides stimulate collagen and elastin, i.e. essential proteins that help the skin retain its shape, form, and firmness. As your body ages, its collagen production begins to go down, resulting in visible signs of aging on the skin .
Lab-made peptides mimic their naturally occurring counterparts, which is why skin care companies use them in products that stimulate collagen production.
Copper peptides may also assist in improving skin and hair health, and beauty, as they have antioxidant properties that fight the free radicals in the body. By promoting collagen and elastin production, copper peptides may also help reduce and prevent wrinkles and sagging skin. These peptides additionally encourage the production of glycosaminoglycansi , including hyaluronic acid, which moisturizes the pores and skin barrier . In addition, they also offer wound healing. Copper tripeptide-1, a type of copper peptide, is known for its wound-healing properties.
Did You Know?Benefits Of Copper Peptides For Skin
1. Reduce Wrinkles And Saggy Skin
Copper peptides tighten the skin by boosting collagen production. Along with eliminating saggy skin, they also reduce the appearance of wrinkles .
The skin’s elasticity refers to its ability to regain its shape after stretching. However, elastin production diminishes with age, and the skin loses its suppleness. Copper peptides are said to stimulate elastin production, resulting in enhanced elasticity of the skin .
Abbey Yung, a YouTuber, reviewed a serum containing copper peptides in one of her videos. After using it, she saw improvement in skin plumpness and hydration. In one of her vlogs, she notes, “My skin just has this brightness and glowiness to it that it didn’t have before .”
3. Treat Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation refers to the dark patches of skin that occur because of melanin overproduction. Skin inflammation from pimples, sun exposure, medicinal side effects, or general skin injuries can lead to hyperpigmentation. Copper peptides promote an even skin tone aid in regulating pigmentation, and decrease the appearance of blemishes, acne scars, and age spots by treating inflammation .
4. Offer UV Protection
The skin has its own properties to regenerate and fight wrinkles, aging signs, and skin cancers. However, with time, UV rays and free radicals present in the environment can still cause skin damage. Copper peptides regulate skin fibroblasts (cells that create connective tissue) to combat the UV rays .
Did You Know?5. Increase Blood Flow
Copper peptides may promote increased blood flow in the skin as they stimulate the blood vessels. Improved circulation may help in delivering essential nutrients and oxygen to the skin cells, enhancing their overall health and function. This heightened blood flow may contribute to the skin’s natural healing processes, potentially accelerating the repair of damaged tissues and promoting the production of collagen and elastin. Additionally, the increased circulation may facilitate the removal of toxins and waste products from the skin, promoting a clearer complexion .
6. Improve Skin Texture
Copper peptides may help in enhancing skin texture by stimulating collagen and elastin production, leading to improved skin firmness. They may promote cellular regeneration and support the skin’s natural renewal process, resulting in smoother, more even skin and a youthful, revitalized appearance .
Though copper peptides can work effectively on your skin, they can also cause certain side effects. Learn more about them in the next section.
Though copper peptides are a low-risk ingredient for skin care products, they can trigger an allergic reaction, causing itchy skin and/or redness. Those with sensitive skin are more prone to such reactions.
Moreover, ingredients present in many skin care products may decrease the efficacy of copper peptides on the skin. They can also cause harmful reactions when applied alongside copper peptides. Therefore, while using copper peptides on the skin, one must avoid the use of the following ingredients:
- Retinoli
- Vitamin C
- Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs)i like glycolic acid. (If you are using an AHA-based chemical peel, you may use copper peptides after the treatment has ended and you have fully recovered) .
How To Use Copper Peptides In Your Skin Care Routine
There are a few simple ways you can incorporate products containing copper peptides in your skin care routine. But first, let’s talk about some things you need to keep in mind before you decide to add it to your skin care routine:
- Introduce copper peptides into your skin care routine from your late 20s to early 30s to fight hyperpigmentation and wrinkles at an early stage. It maintains your skin’s elastin and collagen production, making it healthy and youthful from within.
- Always conduct a patch test before you start using any copper peptide-based product. Apply the product on the inside of your elbow or behind your knee. Then, wait 24 hours to check if it causes any irritation in the area.
- Dermatologists recommend using copper peptide-based products twice daily but in small amounts.
- Apply them in your morning or evening routine (or both!), depending on your skin’s requirements.
- Apply copper peptide-based products only after cleansing, toning, and moisturizing your skin.
- Copper peptides are solo players. Mixing them with products rich in vitamin C, retinol, or AHAs can cause skin damage and decrease or nullify their efficacy.
1. Facial Moisturizer
Facial moisturizers containing copper peptides provide hydration to the skin by opening up the pores and assisting them in locking in moisture. These products also enhance the skin’s health by imparting a healthy glow .
Serums are made up of tiny molecules. Thus, the skin absorbs serum quickly. Introducing serums in the daily skincare routine provides quick results. The concentration of the ingredients in serum is usually higher than in any other product, making it the ideal product for achieving outstanding results in less time. Additionally, copper peptide eye creams provide firm and wrinkle-free under-eye skin.
3. Lip Balm
The fine lines and wrinkles around the lips impact the appearance of your pout. Also, the skin around the lips loses moisture quickly. Start using a copper peptide lip balm to protect your lips from these issues. It may aid in collagen production, resulting in smooth and plump lips.
4. Lotion
Apply a copper peptide lotion all over your body after stepping out of the shower. Just slather your washed and dried skin with an even coating of this lotion for healthy, moisturized skin.
Many people assume that copper peptides have similar effects as vitamin C. Learn about the key differences between these two ingredients in the next section.
