BSG Ingredients: Copper Peptide
Copper is a natural and essential trace element in the body, with the entire copper content of an average adult only making up about eighty milligrams. Copper is naturally processed by the body to maintain a stable or homeostatic environment, so there is little to no risk in consuming or applying small amounts.
Copper helps to make up some of the enzymes which act as a catalyst in some of the body’s processes, including the transport of iron throughout the body and the cross-linking of collagen and elastin. The danger of copper deficiencies were first explored in 1928 in a study where rats that were fed a copper deficient diet were unable to produce a sufficient number of red blood cells. The anemic rats were then treated with organic ash that contained copper, helping to reverse the condition and return the rats to health.
Copper peptides were first isolated and studied in 1973 by Loren Pickart, who noticed that when older liver tissue interacted with the blood of younger patients, the older liver tissue began to function very similarly to younger liver tissues. In human plasma, the level of GHK-Cu is about 200 µg/ml at age 20, By the age of 60, the level drops to 80 µg/ml. This points to older tissues being able to function at the level of younger tissues, if properly supported by the nutrients carried in the blood.
Copper peptides are similar in structure to proteins, however they are shorter in length and attract copper ions, and are perceived by surrounding cells in the body as a message that the tissue is in need of more collagen and elastin. Our bodies naturally produce copper peptides when collagen breaks down, sending the message to the surrounding systems to send more.
More recent research has established that GHK peptide exists in two forms – GHK and GHK-Cu. GHK-Cu functions by modulating copper intake into cells. Tripeptide GHK-Cu can promote healing for wounds and has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, stimulating collagen production in the skin, which in turn promotes the health of blood vessels. This has lead to copper peptides being used in beauty creams and scar recovery gels for the past 20-30 years.
Copper peptide’s ability to assist in hair growth was first noted by dermatologists when it was noticed that hair follicles near copper-peptide treated wounds and scarring had increased in size. In another study on rat hair, researchers noted an increase in hair follicle size when rats had access to copper peptides.
Most recently, the power of copper peptides have been harnessed by Barber Surgeon’s Guild as just one of many effectual ingredients to prevent hair thinning and loss. Stop by Barber Surgeon’s Guild in-store or online to check out the benefits of our hair care products and decide if you are ready to take the next step on your hair restoration journey.
Nancy Cantine is a New York City based movement specialist, anatomy nerd, ex-ballerina, Yin and Vinyasa yoga teacher, and currently holds AAC rank in the Society of American Fight Directors in addition to her writing endeavors. She is tiger mom to a Siamese cat. Her work can be found online at nancycantine.com.