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A skin-care ingredient trend is emerging: copper peptides. This copper complex can be found in a slew of new skin-care products, from serums to creams. You\u2019ll notice these products often boast plumping and anti-aging benefits, which are some of the most treasured perks of the ingredient. We got the scoop from experts on how copper peptides can improve your skin, where they come from and which products you should try.<\/p>\n
\u201cCopper is an essential element for keeping nearly all tissues in the human body healthy. Within the skin, copper plays a part in the synthesis and stabilization of extracellular matrix skin proteins (ie \u2013 collagen and elastin), as well as angiogenesis, which is the formation of new blood cells,\u201d explains Omaha, NE dermatologist Joel Schlessinger, MD. He notes that copper peptides, which are composed of a combination of a copper enzyme and three amino acids, occur naturally in the body but decrease with age. New York dermatologist Jody Levine, MD says trace amounts of copper peptides are found in blood plasma, saliva and urine. Copper peptides are often produced in the blood plasma as a wound healing response to an injury, explains Dr. Schlessinger.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\u201cEvery skin type and every age (20’s and up) can benefit from using copper peptides\u2014think of them like a healthy gym session for your skin, keeping the elastin and collagen fibers of your skin strong and youthful,\u201d says McKenzie Rose, director of global education at Biossance. \u201cYour skin will look visibly firmer and plumper\u2014think bouncy skin!\u201d adds Rose. In addition to plumping fine lines and wrinkles for younger-looking skin, copper peptides also promote hyaluronic acid production in the skin, which helps the skin stay elastic and firm, says Dr. Schlessinger.<\/p>\n
Dr. Schlessinger says that for decades copper peptides\u2019 primary use was to aid the skin in wound healing. \u201cStudies show that copper peptides are beneficial to skin\u2019s fibroblasts, which in turn produce the essential growth factors needed for optimal skin repair,\u201d he explains. If you don\u2019t think this pertains to you, think again. \u201cCopper peptides may be beneficial in supporting the healing of sensitized skin post-in-office treatments like microdermabrasion, chemical peels and laser treatments,\u201d says Dr. Schlessinger. Dr. Levine notes copper peptides also have anti-inflammatory properties that can be beneficial to healing skin, which makes it great for addressing scarring, pigmentation and redness related to inflammation.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen applied topically, copper peptides work as an antioxidant,\u201d says Reserveage resident dermatologist Tiffany Libby, MD. Dr. Schlessinger notes that this means \u201cthey\u2019re good at neutralizing the oxidizing free radicals produced by daily environmental exposure to things like pollution and the sun.\u201d With the help of antioxidants, you can fend off free radical exposure to combat accelerated signs of aging.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s thought that in addition to aiding in the creation of new collagen and elastin, copper peptides are also good at helping get rid of damaged collagen,\u201d says Dr. Schlessinger. \u201cThis can help reduce the look of sunspots and acne scars.\u201d Additionally, the aforementioned anti-inflammatory properties can help diminish discoloration.<\/p>\n
The interviewed experts agreed that copper peptides are very safe and rarely result in side effects. However, there are a few other ingredients you shouldn\u2019t use while copper peptides are in your skin-care routine. Dr. Schlessinger suggests avoiding using products with vitamin C at the same time \u201cas copper can oxidize the ascorbic acid, rendering it ineffective.\u201d Rose says that while copper peptides shouldn\u2019t be used simultaneously with vitamin C or AHAs, they can be used at different times of the day.<\/p>\n
Copper peptides rarely get top billing on skin-care products, but in the Biossance Squalane + Copper Peptide Rapid Plumping Serum ($68) it\u2019s part of the main event with hydrating squalane. \u201cWe chose copper peptides specifically because they have been clinically proven to enhance your skin’s natural production of collagen. They work well in a serum formula, especially when paired with another star player, hyaluronic acid,\u201d says Rose. \u201cHere you have a serum that promotes strong, bouncy skin and instant hydration.\u201d<\/p>\n
Reseverage has an entire line of products \u201ccentered on microencapsulated copper peptides that allow for increased delivery of these peptides to the dermis where we want to stimulate collagen and elastin production,\u201d says Dr. Libby. Products in the line include Firming Face Cream ($60), Illuminating Eye Cream ($50) and Firming Neck Cream ($60). These products “pair moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and ceramides with potent copper peptides to elegantly address moisturization and anti-aging,\u201d says Dr. Libby.<\/p>\n
Dr. Schlessinger recommends Obagi Elastiderm Eye Cream ($116), Vichy Normaderm PhytoAction Deep Cleansing Gel ($18), Avene Cicalfate + Scar Gel (26), iS Clinical Copper Firming Mist ($40) and Alpha-H Vitamin B Serum ($52). If you\u2019re looking to work copper peptides into your beauty sleep regimen, Dr. Schlessinger suggests iluminage Skin Rejuvenating Pillowcase with Anti-Aging Copper Technology ($60).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n