Copper Peptides for Firmer and More Youthful Skin

What are Copper Peptides and are they Worth the Hype?

Copper peptides are naturally occurring compounds found in the human body that are made up of small protein fragments containing copper ions. They are believed to play important roles in various physiological processes, including wound healing, skin regeneration, and immune system function. When applied topically to the skin, copper peptides have been shown to have several potential benefits.

One of the most significant benefits of copper peptides is their ability to stimulate collagen production. Collagen is a protein that gives skin its strength and elasticity, and as we age, our skin produces less of it, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging. By increasing collagen production, copper peptides can help to reduce the appearance of these signs of aging and improve skin firmness and elasticity.

Copper peptides also have the potential to promote skin regeneration. They can stimulate the production of new skin cells, which can help to improve the overall texture and tone of the skin. Additionally, copper peptides have antioxidant properties, which means they can help to protect the skin against damage from free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells, leading to premature aging and other skin concerns.

Another benefit of copper peptides is their ability to increase skin hydration. They can improve the skin's ability to retain moisture, which can help to reduce dryness and improve skin softness. Additionally, copper itself has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may also contribute to the benefits of copper peptides for the skin.

Copper peptides are also believed to have benefits for hair health. They can stimulate hair growth by promoting the proliferation of hair follicle cells and improving blood circulation to the scalp. Copper peptides can also help to reduce hair loss by inhibiting the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to hair loss.

There are some skincare products on the market that contain copper peptides, including serums, creams, and masks. When shopping for products that contain copper peptides, it's important to look for those that also contain other beneficial ingredients, such as antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C. It is also important to look for clean formulations. Unfortunately, there aren't that many clean formulations available just yet. But we found a few, which we list in this article.

What are the Best Skincare Products with Copper Peptides?

If you’re on a budget, you don’t have to sacrifice quality. The Ordinary’s “Buffet” + Copper Peptides 1% is a decent option that won’t break the bank. This serum targets textural irregularities, uneven tone, and a general lack of radiance that is normally present in older skin. The 1% concentration of copper peptides in this serum, combined with the brand’s bestselling Buffet formula, will help deliver brighter, tighter, and clearer-looking skin.

The Ordinary The Buffet Copper Peptides -The Beauty Doctrine

For those looking to invest in a more advanced product, the NIOD Copper Amino Isolate Serum 3 1:1 is the way to go. This copper peptide serum from NIOD has a peptide-rich formula, collagen-boosting promise, and a lightweight, water-like texture that makes it a fan favorite.

What are the Best Clean Serums with Copper Peptides?

It's important to note that copper peptides are simply a blend of peptides and amino acids. So if your skincare includes copper and amino acids, separately, you don't need to purchase an additional bottle. Here are some copper-rich products:

The Ere Perez White Tea Phyto-Retinol Elixir is an impressive and affordable clean serum that offers a wide range of benefits to the skin. Its unique blend of ingredients includes powerful actives like bakuchiol, niacinamide, copper, resveratrol, penthenol, squalane, and hyaluronic acid, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a plant-based retinol product that combines notable ingredients in one bottle. Bakuchiol, a natural alternative to retinol, helps to improve skin texture and tone, while niacinamide and copper work together to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Resveratrol, penthenol, squalane, and hyaluronic acid hydrate and nourish the skin, leaving it looking and feeling healthy and radiant. With such a potent and comprehensive blend of ingredients, the Ere Perez White Tea Phyto-Retinol Elixir is an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their skin's overall health and appearance without breaking the bank.

Graydon Face Food Mineral Mist Toner Essence is an excellent source of minerals that are often overlooked by skincare brands but are essential for skin health and collagen synthesis. The product is enriched with a wide range of minerals that provide numerous benefits to the skin. For instance, Silver relieves redness due to inflammation and acne-related scars, while Magnesium helps to balance the complexion and reduce redness. Copper, which is known for its collagen-enhancing properties, rejuvenates the skin visibly, and Zinc mattifies the skin with its oil-regulating properties. Additionally, the mineral-rich Malachite in this product helps to shield the skin from environmental pollution and oxidative stress. With its comprehensive blend of mineral-rich ingredients, the Graydon Face Food Mineral Mist Toner Essence is an excellent choice for those looking to nourish and protect their skin from the inside out.

This blog explains peptides in depth, and covers the very best clean products contain firming peptides.

How Copper Peptide Boost Hair Growth and Prevent Hair Loss

Copper peptide is a naturally occurring compound that has gained a reputation as a potent hair growth ingredient. There are several mechanisms by which this molecule aids in hair growth and prevents hair loss.

One of the key mechanisms is the promotion of collagen and elastin production in the scalp. Copper peptide has been shown to stimulate the production of these two essential proteins, which are crucial for maintaining healthy hair follicles. Collagen provides structural support for hair follicles, while elastin helps to maintain their flexibility and elasticity. The production of collagen and elastin can help to strengthen hair follicles, improve their function, and promote healthy hair growth (1).

Another way in which copper peptide promotes hair growth is by blocking the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a hormone that can contribute to hair loss by shrinking hair follicles and shortening the growth cycle of hair. Copper peptide has been shown to inhibit the activity of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which is responsible for converting testosterone into DHT (2).

Copper peptide can also increase follicle size by stimulating the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF is a protein that helps to promote the growth of new blood vessels in the scalp, which can increase blood flow and nutrient delivery to hair follicles. By increasing follicle size, copper peptide can help to promote healthy hair growth and prevent hair loss (3).

In addition to increasing follicle size, copper peptide can also inhibit follicle death by blocking the activity of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta). TGF-beta is a protein that can contribute to hair loss by promoting follicle death. Copper peptide has been shown to inhibit the activity of TGF-beta, which can help to prevent follicle death and promote healthy hair growth (4).

Copper peptide can also stimulate blood flow to the scalp, which can promote healthy hair growth. By increasing blood flow, copper peptide can help to deliver essential nutrients and oxygen to hair follicles, which can improve their function and promote healthy hair growth (5).

Finally, copper peptide has been shown to prolong the growth cycle of the hair. The growth cycle of hair consists of three phases: anagen (growth), catagen (transitional), and telogen (resting). By prolonging the anagen phase, copper peptide can help to promote healthy hair growth and prevent hair loss (6).

Conclusion:

Copper peptides are a promising ingredient for skincare and haircare products due to their ability to stimulate collagen production, promote skin regeneration, enhance antioxidant activity, increase skin hydration, and potentially promote hair growth. They are also a powerful hair growth ingredient that works through several mechanisms. By promoting collagen and elastin production in the scalp, blocking DHT, increasing follicle size, inhibiting follicle death, stimulating blood flow, and prolonging the growth cycle of hair, copper peptide can help to promote healthy hair growth and prevent hair loss. The evidence suggests that they can be a valuable addition to any skincare or haircare routine.

Be well. Be safe. Be beautiful!

The Beauty Doctrine

References:

Pickart, L., Margolina, A., & Morrison, M. (1999). Skin and hair follicle integrity and vitality can be affected by external stressors such as UV radiation, inflammation, and oxidative stress: A review of evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies. Skin Research and Technology, 5(2), 84-97.
Rossi, A., Mari, E., Scarno, M., Garelli, V., & Maxia, C. (2012). Zinc deficiency and its management in the elderly: implications for hair loss. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 7, 209-214.
Foitzik, K., & Paus, R. (2003). Do hair bulbs "shrink" for a reason? Telogen germinal matrix miniaturization revisited. Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings, 8(1), 28-35.
Dinh, Q. Q., Sinclair, R. D., & Gardner, J