Copper Peptides For Skin – An Anti-Aging Skincare Ingredient That Will Turn Back Your Skin’s Clock

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When anti-aging skincare ingredients are mentioned, what quickly runs through our minds are retinoids (retinol and tretinoin), vitamin C, niacinamide, bakuchiol, hyaluronic acid, AHAs and BHA. Well, that’s normal, owing to the fact that these ingredients are always on the big show when it comes to skincare and they’re getting the big attention that they deserve because they definitely get the job done. 

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But have you heard about copper peptides? Sounds new to you? It shouldn’t, because it has been in the game (skincare world) for a while. But if you’re new to this age-defying skincare ingredient, then allow me to educate you on everything you need to know about it. 

What Are Copper Peptides?

Copper peptides are antioxidants and a naturally occurring amino acid that serves potential anti-aging benefits to the skin by promoting collagen and elastin production thereby inhibiting the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines and improving skin smoothness and firmness. Not only that, they also remove damaged collagen and elastin from the skin – that’s its way of doing its anti-aging job.

See copper peptides as a powerful age-defying skincare ingredient that can essentially turn back your skin’s clock, making it overall firmer and smoother.

This isn’t a hype, of course its anti-aging potential has been backed by various research carried out by experts. Keep reading to learn the jaw-dropping skin benefits of copper peptides. 

Skin Benefits Of Copper Peptides.

Minimizes The Appearance Of Wrinkles And Fine Lines.

As a powerful anti-aging skincare ingredient, copper peptides has the capability to work below the skin (dermis) and outer layer of the skin (epidermis), where it generates elastin within collagen deep down from the skin tissues to plump the skin, thereby suppressing the looks of wrinkles, fine lines and saggy skin. 

According to a 2015 research study, peptides have shown that they can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by increasing collagen proteins.

Improves Skin Firmness And Smoothness.

In addition to its collagen boosting prowess, copper peptides also help boost elastin proteins, which helps improve skin’s firmness and smoothness, the same 2015 research study authenticates this fact. 

Helps Promote Wound Healing.

Copper peptides help speed up the recovery process of wounds to stimulate healing. Because of its ability to improve wound healing, it is recommended after plastic surgery, chemical peels, dermabrasion, and laser treatment. This study authenticates the fact.

Antioxidant Effects.

Copper peptides not only does its anti-aging magic to the skin, but also supply antioxidant benefits to the skin as well, as It suppresses inflammatory cytokines and also increases resistance to infections. This report buttresses the fact. 

Improves Skin Complexion. 

Copper peptides may help improve skin complexion because of its collagen boosting capability, thereby plumping and firming the skin. When the skin is firm and plump it tends to appear healthy and more even in complexion. Coupled with its potential in removing damaged collagen and elastin from the skin leads to a more improved skin complexion and texture. 

Hair Benefits Of Copper Peptides.

Copper peptides not only benefit the skin, it also extends its goodies to the hair as well to keep them sound and healthy. Keep reading to learn about the hair benefits of copper peptides. 

Increases Blood Circulation.

According to a 2018 research review, copper peptides help increase blood flow in the skin, thus promoting proper blood circulation which helps promote hair growth.

Proper blood circulation helps instigate hair growth as healthy blood flow stimulates hair follicles by supplying the hair follicles with adequate nutrients and oxygen to produce new hair growth. 

Maintains Hair Color.

Copper is an important mineral for hair and skin pigment due to its role in the production of melanin, thus preventing premature greying of the hair, consequently maintaining hair color. 

Promotes Hair Growth.

Copper peptides stimulate and prolong the hair growth phase (anagen).

According to an old 2007 study performed in vitro, copper peptides proved the ability to extend the hair growth cycle — which means decreased sudden hair shedding. And as a result of this potential effect, copper peptides also thickens hair strands as it increases hair follicle size. 

How To Use Copper Peptides.

Copper peptides can be found in serums and creams (facial moisturizers). It can be used everyday on a well cleansed skin, ideally morning (AM) and night (PM).

If you intend to use it for hair growth, apply a few drops onto your scalp and give it a gentle massage. Whereas if you intend to use it for its anti-aging benefits, Incorporate it into your skincare routine as a treatment following the standard skincare layering order, cleanse, toner, copper peptides, moisturize, sunscreen (in the morning). 

If you prefer a facial moisturizer with copper peptides instead of a serum, also apply it every day morning (AM) and night (PM). Endeavor to perform a patch test prior to commencing full product application.

Copper Peptides Side Effects.

Copper peptides are safe to use for a prolonged period of time. However, because it’s a skincare Ingredient, there may be a side effect, especially to those with sensitive skin. Remember, skin differs, so shall results tend to differ too. 

Some people who are sensitive to copper peptides may experience rashes, itchiness or hives as a side effect. That’s why it’s important to perform a patch test prior to fully commencing the application of any skincare product, to test for allergies.

Best Product With Copper Peptides.

1. The Ordinary “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1%.

Copper peptides for skin

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A power combination of anti-aging ingredients, buffet in combination with 1% copper peptides for a collaborative effect to instigate collagen production in the skin. 

Buffet according to the brand (The Ordinary) is a cocktail of multiple skin plumping ingredients such as peptides, matrixyl, probiotics, amino acids and hyaluronic acid. All together making this serum a total concentration of 26.1%.  

Wrapping It Up. 

Want to plump up your skin, minimize fine lines, wrinkles and improve skin elasticity? Then copper peptides are a proven skincare ingredient, just like retinoids (retinol and tretinoin). 

Some dermatologists see copper peptides as a natural botox treatment, botox helps treat muscular conditions thereby suppressing the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines with improved skin elasticity. But because copper peptides exhibit the same potential, it becomes a close and natural alternative treatment to botox. 

Copper peptides are 100% safe to use for a prolonged period. Endeavor to perform a patch test prior to commencing copper peptides application — to test for allergies, (same applies to other skincare ingredients too). 

Possible Questions & Answers.

Q: Can copper peptides and vitamin C be used together?

A: Dermatologists have advised not to use copper peptides with vitamin C products together in the same skincare routine because of copper peptides fragile nature. Therefore, it’s better off using copper peptides and vitamin C products on alternate or separate days in your skincare routine. You can consult your board certified dermatologist for more guidance. 

Q: Can copper peptides and retinoids be used together?

A: Again dermatologists have advised against using copper peptides and retinoids (all vitamin A derivatives) together as this may impair the integrity of copper peptides, and may also increase chances of incurring inflammatory irritation. Especially on individuals with sensitive skin. 

If you must use them in the same skincare routine, then do that on alternate or separate days. Example, copper peptides in the morning, retinoids at night. With this approach, you can reap the full skin-benefits of both ingredients without concerns of ingredients-conflict or skin irritation. Do well to consult your board certified dermatologist for more guidance. 

Q: Which other products can reduce the effectiveness of copper peptides?

A: Ingredients such as retinol, vitamin C, alpha and beta hydroxy acids (AHAs & BHA) in other skincare products can reduce the overall effectiveness of copper peptides. If you must use these ingredients alongside with copper peptides, then use them on alternate or separate days. Consult your board certified dermatologist for more guidance. 

Q: Can copper peptides replace minoxidil for hair growth?

A: Although copper peptides exhibit minoxidil-like potentials to stimulate hair growth by increasing blood circulation, thereby stimulating and increasing hair follicle size and extending hair growth circle, which is very much recommended as an alternative for people who can’t handle minoxidil’s side effects. But minoxidil still remains the OG hair growth stimulant, but has some side effects in the course of using it (which may not play well with every individual).

I used minoxidil to stimulate my hair and beard growth and the result was tremendously wonderful. Read my minoxidil review here.

Q: Can pregnant or breastfeeding women use copper peptides?

A: As opposed to retinoids (all vitamin A derivatives), — which aren’t pregnancy-safe, copper peptides are said to be pregnancy-safe, thus can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. But it’s highly advised to consult with your doctor first before commencing treatment. Read about pregnancy-unsafe skincare ingredients.

UP NEXT: Yes, You Can Use Azelaic Acid & Tretinoin Together — See How

 

 

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