What is GHK-Cu good for?
Established in a study, here is a list of benefits of GHK-Cu:
- Tighten loose skin and reverse signs of aging
- Repair protective skin barrier proteins
- Improve skin firmness and elasticity
- Reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and improve the structure of aged skin
- Smooth rough skin
- Reduce photodamage, hyperpigmentation, skin spots, and lesions
- Stimulate wound healing
- Protect skin cells from UV radiation
- Reduce skin inflammation and free radical damage
- Increase hair growth and thickness, enlarge hair follicle size
Does GHK-Cu activate stem cells?
GHK-Cu has the potential to activate stem cells. Research has suggested that copper peptide can stimulate the migration and proliferation of stem cells, which can be beneficial for tissue repair and regeneration.
Based on laboratory data and gene profiling data, GHK-Cu may be used to improve stem cell therapy and to help shift regeneration processes to healthy regeneration.
Another study reported that copper-free GHK was able to increase the proliferation of keratinocytes (skin cells) and make basal cells more cuboidal than the control model.
Does GHK-Cu cause any side effects?
Copper peptide GHK-Cu is generally considered safe and well-tolerated when used topically in skincare and hair care products. Some people may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions to GHK-Cu. It is always recommended to do a patch test on a small area of skin before using a new product to check for any adverse reactions. It’s important not to exceed the recommended dose or frequency of use, and it’s not a substitute for medical treatments.
How do you use Ghkcu?
For injectables, take 0.2mL per day. For scalp transdermal, 2-3 pumps at night. For face transdermal, 1-2 pumps and rub on the face every night.
How long does it take for GHK-Cu to work?
It is difficult to determine an exact timeframe for how long it takes for GHK-Cu to work as it may vary depending on the form of application, such as topical GHK-Cu cream, injection, or copper complex pills. However, studies by Loren Pickart have shown that a GHK-Cu eye cream applied for 12 weeks can improve skin density and thickness, reduce lines and wrinkles, and improve overall appearance. Hence doctors suggest 3-6 months of treatment.
When should I take GHK-Cu?
You should take GHK-Cu as a skin care product once or twice a day to affected areas, such as the face for skin tightening and wrinkles, the scalp for hair growth, or other areas for scars or wound healing. GHK-Cu appears to be non-toxic and non-irritating, with no adverse effects when applied in this manner.
Additionally, GHK-Cu is being studied as an alternative to corticosteroids for the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions and is effective in decreasing inflammation significantly both in the skin when applied via cream and systematically throughout the entire body when injected.
GHK-Cu peptide therapy works to promote wound healing by raising antioxidant enzyme levels and speeding up tissue growth and can be received through both injections and topical application.
Who should not use copper peptides?
Most people can use copper peptides topically without adverse effects, but those who should avoid them include individuals who suffer from gastrointestinal issues or nausea from too much copper intake. Overuse of copper peptides can cause a rash, so it’s important not to ingest them.
It’s also not recommended to use peptide-containing cleansers as any effects will wash away after use. As with any new skincare product, it’s best to do a patch test and introduce it gradually to your routine.
What is the difference between GHK-Cu and copper sulfate?
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper complex that has been found in human plasma, saliva, and urine. It is a small protein fragment that has a high affinity for copper ions and is critical to normal body function.
On the other hand, a copper sulfate is a form of inorganic copper that is needed to help the body use iron, support nerve function, promote bone growth, and aid in sugar metabolism.
Lack of copper may lead to anemia and weak bones, and certain medical conditions such as burns, diarrhea, and pancreas or kidney diseases may increase the body’s need for copper.
GHK-Cu has been used in anti-aging treatments due to its revolutionary benefits in promoting wellness, while copper sulfate is commonly used in agricultural and industrial processes.
Is glycosaminoglycan collagen?
No, glycosaminoglycan is not collagen. Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are molecules that help support the structural proteins, including collagen and elastin, in the skin. They are water-binding molecules that can hold nearly 1,000 times their own weight, providing moisture to the skin.
GAGs are chain-like disaccharides that are linked to a polypeptide core and connect two collagen fibrils/fibers to provide the intermolecular force in the Collagen-GAG matrix (C-G matrix).
GAGs make up a much smaller fraction of the ECM compared to collagen, and their content varies by region. Proteoglycans consist of a protein core with one or more GAG side chains bound covalently to it, but they are not collagen.
GHK-Cu treatment near me
My Concierge offers the best GHK-Cu treatment near me in Beverly Hills but can also come to your home or office throughout the Los Angeles area. We serve patients near Beverly Hills, Bel Air, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Downtown Los Angeles, Encino, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Calabasas, Burbank, Glendale, Hidden Hills, Agoura Hills, Northridge, North Hollywood, Topanga, Canoga Park, Reseda, Valley Glen, Chatsworth, West Hills, Winnetka, Universal City, Silverlake, Echo Park, and many more.
References:
1. Dou Y, Lee A, Zhu L, Morton J, Ladiges W. The potential of GHK as an anti-aging peptide. Aging Pathobiol Ther. 2020 Mar 27;2(1):58-61. doi: 10.31491/apt.2020.03.014. PMID: 35083444; PMCID: PMC8789089.
2. Zoughaib M, Luong D, Garifullin R, Gatina DZ, Fedosimova SV, Abdullin TI. Enhanced angiogenic effects of RGD, GHK peptides and copper (II) compositions in synthetic cryogel ECM model. Mater Sci Eng C Mater Biol Appl. 2021 Jan;120:111660. doi: 10.1016/j.msec.2020.111660. Epub 2020 Oct 21. PMID: 33545827.
3. Dou Y, Lee A, Zhu L, Morton J, Ladiges W. The potential of GHK as an anti-aging peptide. Aging Pathobiol Ther. 2020 Mar 27;2(1):58-61. doi: 10.31491/apt.2020.03.014. PMID: 35083444; PMCID: PMC8789089.
4. Pickart L, Margolina A. Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data. Int J Mol Sci. 2018 Jul 7;19(7):1987. doi: 10.3390/ijms19071987. PMID: 29986520; PMCID: PMC6073405.
5. Pickart, Loren & Margolina, Anna. (2018). The Effect of the Human Plasma Molecule GHK-Cu on Stem Cell Actions and Expression of Relevant Genes. OBM Geriatrics. 2. 1-1. 10.21926/obm.geriatr.1803009.
6. Choi HR, Kang YA, Ryoo SJ, Shin JW, Na JI, Huh CH, Park KC. Stem cell recovering effect of copper-free GHK in skin. J Pept Sci. 2012 Nov;18(11):685-90. doi: 10.1002/psc.2455. Epub 2012 Sep 28. PMID: 23019153.
7. Pickart L, Margolina A. Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data. Int J Mol Sci. 2018 Jul 7;19(7):1987. doi: 10.3390/ijms19071987. PMID: 29986520; PMCID: PMC6073405.
8. Bi Y, Patra P, Faezipour M. Structure of collagen–glycosaminoglycan matrix and the influence to its integrity and stability. Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc. 2014;2014:3949-52. doi: 10.1109/EMBC.2014.6944488. PMID: 25570856.
