The science behind GHK-Cu peptide's skin healing effects

The science behind GHK-Cu peptide's skin healing effects

Did you know that there is a peptide that successfully regenerates and heals the skin? Besides that, it also has other benefits, according to the research, that are worth mentioning.

Yes, we will talk about the tripeptide GHK-Cu.

GHK-Cu, as a peptide naturally occurring in human plasma, saliva or urine, consists of three amino acids Glycine-Histidine-Lysine, which form one complex with the copper molecule due to its strong affinity with it. This copper peptide was first isolated from human plasma in 1973 and has been the subject of many researches since then.

The conclusions about its exceptional benefits and effects on important processes in the body, especially in the area of ​​healing and regeneration of skin and tissues, stimulation of collagen formation, immune functions or anti-aging effect are really interesting. Let's take a closer look now at several benefits of GHK-Cu.

GHK-Cu Skin and Tissue Healing

Not long ago, research studies found that GHK-Cu peptide was involved in the effective wound healing process as well as in the process of recovery of damaged tissues and even in the regulation of scarf formation. With increasing age, the level of GHK-Cu in our tissues also decreases rapidly. The drop from 200 mg/ml at the age of 20 to 80 mg/ml at the age of around 60 is quite striking [1]. The skin loses its elasticity and faces many deformations. GHK-Cu ensures several important processes, such as:

attracting cells that participate in regeneration processes,

suppression of free radicals,

increasing the production of key anti-inflammatory molecules, thereby reducing inflammatory processes,

stimulation of fibroblast growth,

formation of antioxidants,

increasing protein synthesis [1].

If we summarize it a little more, we can say that GHK-Cu acts as a strong tissue protector and anti-inflammatory activator at the same time, it signals tissue damage, participates in their reconstruction and also reduces their oxidative damage. Additionally, 2014 research also indicates that by increasing TGF-β levels and decreasing IGF-2 levels, GHK-Cu is able to improve skin healing while reducing hypertrophic scarring [2].

Research in the cosmetics industry and several controlled studies have also confirmed that GHK-Cu evidently tightens and strengthens the skin, improves its elasticity, reduces the appearance of lines and the depth of wrinkles, soothes the skin and improves its structure. The benefits were also evident in the reduction of skin photodamage, hyperpigmentation, etc.

What other effects does this interesting peptide have on our body?

Significant Antimicrobial Effects of GHK-Cu

Several studies have shown other important functions and roles of the GHK-Cu peptide in the human body.

The peptide protects the liver from toxins, the gastrointestinal tract from ulcers and supports bone growth. In 2015, it was also indicated that GHK-Cu, when combined with, for example, fatty acid molecules, becomes a medium or even strong antimicrobial substance, effective against common bacteria such as Stappylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli and fungi. Allegedly, some of the GHK-Cu peptide compounds were so effective that they even outperformed antibiotics [3].

What to Add in Conclusion?

The fact that there is a peptide that will make your skin firmer, smoother and healthier is really fascinating!

GHK-Cu appears, for example, in cosmetic creams. However, they do not penetrate as deeply as would be necessary in some cases. Therefore, the new tested method of application, which uses local application with a micro-needle in vitro, may be able to get the active substances up to the tissue level, where they are ultimately most effective. This method is proven to be safe and without unnecessary skin irritation or other side effects [4]. So let's see what research will bring us next!

WarningTHE GOODS OFFERED BY THE SELLER IS INTENDED FOR SCIENTIFIC AND DEVELOPMENT PURPOSES ONLY. The goods offered by the Seller include chemical substances that shall not be used as a drug, medicine, active substance, medical aid, cosmetic product, a substance for production of a cosmetic product neither for human consumption that is any food or food supplement or otherwise similarly used on humans or animals.

References / Links

Pickart, L. The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling. J. Biomater. Sci. Polym. Ed. 19, 969–988 (2008). PubMed

Gruchlik, A., Chodurek, E. & Dzierzewicz, Z. Effect of GLY-HIS-LYS and its copper complex on TGF-β secretion in normal human dermal fibroblasts. Acta Pol. Pharm. 71, 954–958 (2014). PubMed

Kukowska, M., Kukowska-Kaszuba, M. & Dzierzbicka, K. In vitro studies of antimicrobial activity of Gly-His-Lys conjugates as potential and promising candidates for therapeutics in skin and tissue infections. Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 25, 542–546 (2015). PubMed

Li, H. et al. Microneedle-Mediated Delivery of Copper Peptide Through Skin. Pharm. Res. 32, 2678–2689 (2015). PubMed