GHK-Cu - a treatment for skin aging?

October 29, 2020 Evolve Further

GHK-Cu is a copper peptide which is naturally occurring in the human body.

A peptide is a small molecule made of amino acids. Peptides are precursor components of proteins.

Peptides are able to mimic signals from the brain to stimulate the body into various processes. For example the presence of a certain peptide may signal the body to stimulate skin repair.

The level of GHK-Cu in our bodies declines as we age. Studies suggest GHK-Cu may be beneficial in promoting wound healing, boosting immunity, reducing inflammation and promotion of skin repair. Due to these purported benefits GHK-Cu is a strong candidate for anti-aging therapy.

Dr. Loren Pickart

GHK-Cu was discovered in 1973 by Dr. Loren Pickart who has his own brand of copper peptide cosmetics called Skin Biology. Dr Pickart discovered that GHK-Cu assisted in wound healing and had anti-inflammatory properties, this led to the development of Iamin Moustirizing Gel – a treatment used for wounds.

Today GHK-Cu can be purchased in pure form from several peptide manufacturers. It can also be found in some specialty cosmetics, however it is rather expensive to produce so is still rather rare.

Benefits of GHK-Cu supplementation

For wound healing

GHK-Cu has been found to enhance wound healing in rats and rabbits. In several studies GHK-Cu cream was applied topically to wounds and it was shown to significantly reduce heling time (1) (2).

A similar effect was also demonstrated in humans. In diabetic patients, treatment with a topical GHK-Cu gel sped the healing of plantar ulcers (3).

Interestingly GHK-Cu injected in one area of the body has also been shown to improve healing at distant body areas. For example GHK-Cu can be injected in the thigh to assist with healing throughout the body (4).

Anti-inflammatory effects

Inflammation is one cause of aging, as discussed in our article on the causes of aging. GHK-Cu has an anti-inflammatory effect. The mechanism of action is not fully understood but GHK-Cu may help reduce signs of aging and also provide a credible substitute for corticosteroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to fight inflammation (5).

GHK for the skin

In several studies GHK-Cu seems to be beneficial in reversing signs of aging in skin. GHK-Cu seems to increase the ability for skin sells to survive and multiply – this can help with skin repair, regeneration, elasticity and thickness.

GHK-Cu seems to improve production of skin stem cells, it increases collagen integrity, it reduces scarring (be breaking down large collagen deposits and replacing them with finer deposits. it also protects against photodamage (6) (7) (8).

In one study twice daily application of GHK-Cu to the facial skin of 40 women aged 40 to 65. The trial was run over 8 weeks and the treatment was found to significantly reduce wrinkle volume and wrinkle depth compared to control serum (9).

GHK for Hair Growth

GHK-Cu has also been found to stimulate hair growth and potentially darken pigments in hair (prevents greying) (10).

Cognitive Benefits

GHK-Cu has been shown to stimulate nerve regeneration. This may be beneficial in preventing or reversing cognitive decline. In one study GHK was shown to increase production of nerve growth factors and the rate of regeneration of nerve fibers (11).

How to take GHK-Cu

We recommend using GHK-Cu containing creams topically. It’s also under the 400 Dalton molecular weight threshold which makes it suitable for topical and transdermal delivery. This is safer than injections and seems to be the more effective method for prevention of skin aging. The chosen cream should not be in excess of 1% GHL-Cu, stronger formulations may be counterproductive.

Products containing GHK-Cu

As GHK-Cu is expensive to produce you should go with a reputable supplier. Make sure you check the color of the product also. Any GHK-Cu cream containing 1% or more GHK-Cu should be bright blue in color.

GHK-Cu is bright blue due to the copper present