More Information on Copper Peptides

More Information about Copper Peptides Effect on Skin and Hair

Copper Peptide for Skin and Hair

Here's the latest on the pluses and minuses of topical Copper Peptide.

Hi,

I was wondering how the long-term use of Folligen and the other copper peptide creams worked out for your test subjects?

I read the article, and it ends with a "check back to see how it went." But there's not follow up!

I just started using Skin Biology copper peptide serum, and have read quite a few reviews saying it made people's skin worse.

I'm worried, but trying it anyway.

Now I'm thinking of trying around my scalp. (I've always had incredibly thin hair.)

Please post an update, or at least let me know directly.

Thank you!

Lisa

Here's the six-month update from our Folligen tester, "Mary". Thanks to you, I've linked the first article to the update - which I neglected to do earlier. My bad ;-(

I'd also like to address why you see a very small percentage of negative reviews of copper peptide products in the forums.

There are at least two reasons why copper peptide products won't work for everyone.

Reason 1: They may be unnecessary for an individual. If a person has none of the conditions which can benefit from the application of copper peptides, the products will not do any good.

The skin can get too much of a good thing. Copper peptides are wasted if the body can't incorporate them.

At worst, they can overload the system causing breakouts or changes in skin tone.

This is why I caution people not to use peptides before their skin needs repair (of wrinkles, thinning skin, wounds, etc.).

See my article Step Up Your Skin Care for more information.

Reason 2: My husband, the ex-attorney, tells me there is an axiom referred to in product liability law, as well as in the Uniform Commercial Code, which says in effect that some small percentage of people will be allergic to any product or ingredient ever made.

Copper Peptide Update

Now to update you on my opinion of topical copper peptide ...

Copper Peptides for Skin

Copper peptide was the first skin remodeling peptide that came into broad use. It is still a very good choice for aging skin.

However, in the interim, many more skin remodeling peptides have been discovered.

Consequently, I've recently begun writing about the advisability of a peptide cocktail, just as I've long advised the use of antioxidant cocktails.

Individual antioxidants work along different pathways and in different ways. We now know that the same is true for skin remodeling peptides. Individual peptides work on different parts of the cells or different layers of the skin.

Skin remodeling peptides discovered to date can be classified by function as:

• Botox-mimicking (interfere with signals to contract subcutaneous muscles);
• Collagen stimulants (plump wrinkles from within);
• Anti-glycation agents (fight sag and inflammation to tighten loose skin);
• Proteoglycan stimulants (restore elasticity);
• Lymphatic stimulants (improve circulation and toxin drainage to reduce under-eye puffiness as well as spider veins);
• Epithelial stimulants (replace skin's topmost layer);
• Pro-sirtuins (extend skin cell life span); and
• Metalloproteinase inhibitors (reduce collagen breakdown by enzymes).

Considering their varied actions, one can easily see why a "cocktail" would be preferred over any single topical peptide.

You can read about the individual peptides in my Cosmeceutical Peptide Glossary.

Copper Peptides for Hair

I'm sorry to report that the advances in cosmeceutical peptide science outlined above have not yet been extended into the field of hair loss treatments.

I don't know why; I hope it will happen soon. So I can't yet talk about cosmeceutical peptide cocktails to reverse hair loss.

As far as I know or can discern after additional research, there is not yet another topical formulation better than one containing copper peptide such as Folligen.

I would recommend that, like "Mary", you stick with Folligen at least until a better formula comes along. My suspicion is that it will be a formula with a peptide cocktail; but only time will tell.

This article is for informational purposes only. It does not purport to offer medical advice.