
What are the Benefits of Copper Peptides for Skin?
Copper peptides are certainly having a moment, something many might find surprising as they are already a well-established skincare ingredient which has made its way into many formulations. So why have these hard-working powerhouses now suddenly gained our attention? Well, aside from the fact they are able to deliver impressive benefits to the skin, from wrinkle reducing to collagen boosting, you’ll also find that compared to other ingredients, copper peptides can be introduced into your everyday skincare routine with minimal hassle.
So, are you ready to find out more about all thing’s copper peptides? Let’s get stuck in, and don’t forget, if you want to know more about the benefits of copper peptides check out our dedicated page called the Skin School which explains in more detail about skincare ingredients.
How often should I use copper peptides?
You can use copper peptides twice a day if your skin is happy with using them. Although copper peptides are highly beneficial and a great addition to anyone’s everyday skincare routine. There is a downside and that is the fact that peptides can absorb into the skin very quickly. In theory this shouldn’t cause much trouble, but if you find your skin is prone to sensitivity or tends to be drier then this is something you need to keep in mind when using copper peptides. Luckily for us you’ll be hard pressed to find copper peptides in a raw form in their most potent state, but instead often formulated into various products.
What does copper peptides do for your skin?
Copper peptides provide a plethora of skin benefits, you’ll also find that they can work on different layers of the skin passed the epidermis. Here are some of the main benefits you can expect to find when using copper peptides in your regime.
Reduces the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and crow’s feet
Helps make the skin firmer with the boost of collagen in the skin
Fades hyperpigmentation and dark spots giving you an even skin tone
Provides antioxidant benefits to keep the skin surface protected from exposure to free radicals and other environmental damage
Stimulates hair growth and promotes general hair health
Soothe irritation and redness with anti-inflammatory properties
There you have some of the main benefits of copper peptides, as I mention quite often, ensure before applying any new formulas, ingredients, or products on the skin you perform a patch test for 24 hours. As for other potential side effects of using copper peptides, you’ll be happy to hear that almost all skin types can use copper peptides without a problem. Just ensure you are using these products correctly and follow the instructions on the packaging.
Can I use copper peptides everyday?
Yes, you can! You can apply copper peptides every day, even twice a day during your morning and evening evenings. You’ll often find that copper peptides are formulated into various products such as serums, balms, and moisturisers which results in them being applied to the skin at the later stages of your routine. Any active skin ingredients, such as glycolic acid, would have already been absorbed and rid the surface of any dead skin cell build-up allowing the formulation enriched with copper peptides to penetrate further into the dermis.
Something to consider is that even if you have introduced peptides correctly and have found them to work effectively on the skin, there is still a chance of you experiencing some form of reaction, such as redness, flushing of the skin, irritation, or rashes. If this occurs its best to stop using the product and consult with a dermatologist.
Can copper peptides cause wrinkles?
No, in fact, they actually do the opposite. By the time we reach the age of 25 years old, the production of collagen slows down rapidly. Copper peptides can step in with their unique cell communicating properties, they are able to tell the skin cells to kick start collagen and elastin production. With consistent use you’ll see a marked improvement on the overall look and feel of the complexion, with fine lines and wrinkles smoothed out and sagging skin becoming noticeably tighter.
As I have mentioned, you’ll find copper peptides are usually formulated into products such as serums and moisturisers both of which remain on the skin for a longer amount of time. This allows the peptides to penetrate the into the skin and get to work with formulas that remain on the skin and aren’t rinsed off, such as face washes and cleansers.
What can I not use with copper peptides?
As tolerable copper peptides are to work with other skincare ingredients, there are a few potent and well-loved ingredients that should be avoided such as, Retinol, tretinoin and other forms of retinoid Ascorbic acid, also known as vitamin C Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) such as glycolic acid and lactic acid Beta Hydroxy Acid, such as salicylic acid Of course, it is perfectly understandable you would want to include all these effective ingredients in your routine. To avoid unwanted irritation or skin reactions, I would suggest you use them all on alternating times of days. Can I use copper peptides under eyes? Yes, you can! Just make sure you are using the correct formulation and avoid taking it up too high and close to the lash line. The skin around the eye is significantly thinner than the rest of the face leading to signs of ageing appearing more quickly. With the helping hand from copper peptides boosting collagen production and antioxidant properties combating any skin damage, your under-eye area will appear visibly improved and plumped. There you have a little more information about copper peptides and the benefits you can expect to see when using them in your everyday skincare routine. Don’t forget to come and follow us on Instagram for more skincare expert tips, product launches and exclusive discounts. If skin is your thing check out the latest episode of The Green Sofa over on the Procoal YouTube.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.