What Do Copper Peptides Do?
If you’ve been around these parts for a while, you’ll know there are some effective skincare ingredients that aren’t as well-known as certain household names, such as hyaluronic acid or vitamin C, but do in fact play an important role in keeping your skin healthy. Now, don’t panic if you have no idea what copper peptides are and what they do, as this is exactly what we will find out today.
What are copper peptides?
Peptides naturally occur in the skin and are part of the short chains of amino acids that are found in the lower layers of the skin. They help with the production of collagen and elastin which is responsible for the tissues in the skin that ensure you are left with smoother, firmer and youthful looking complexion. By stimulating the production of collagen and elastin you will target concerns such as, fine lines, enlarged pores and hyperpigmentation. Not to mention the added hair benefits you can expect when supplementing copper peptides into your daily routine.
What are the main skincare benefits of copper peptides?
Combats signs of ageing- with the boost in collagen the skin is left plumped and youthful
Reduces signs of pigmentation- packed with antioxidants copper peptides can target signs of pigmentation, such as sun damage, dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and age spots
Increase blood flow- with an increase in blood flow, you’ll find surface wounds are healed quickly as well as an stimulating the hair follicles boosting hair growth
How often should you use copper peptides?
It is considered by many skincare experts that copper peptides can be used every day, in fact, if your skin type allows it, you can use them twice a day. These peptides can absorb into the skin which although is beneficial for some skin types, for those prone to sensitivity and dryness can result in some unwanted side effects.
Because of this it is best to team copper peptides with other hydrating and nourishing skincare products that are already established into your daily routine.
Are copper peptides worth it?
Yes, they are, as long as you are using them correctly and your skin is not showing any signs of irritation. Copper peptides are a hard-working, multi-talented skincare ingredient that is easily used in conjunction with other more potent skincare formulations. Many believe that teaming them together will supercharge your everyday skincare routine and show impressive results quickly and effectively.
What do copper peptides do for skin?
As surprising as this may sound, there is no clear evidence demonstrating how exactly copper peptides work on the skin. But there are many options on how they benefit the skin, just like the ones I have mentioned previously.
With the boost in collagen and elastin production you will see an impressive improvement in the overall appearance of the complexion. As for the antioxidant benefits, they work alongside helping to repair skin damage whilst protecting the skin surface from further damage caused from exposure to free radical damage. You will also find that thanks to the increase of blood flow resulting in wounds being healed quickly, those prone to frequent acne breakouts will be able to regulate the blemish causing bacteria.
What should you not use copper peptides for?
Although it is considered that copper peptides are easily added into anyone’s daily skincare routine, there are some potent ingredients that should be avoided being used at the same time as copper peptides.
Vitamin C
Retinol
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) such as glycolic acid
This is because of how effective copper peptides are at absorbing into the skin which can often result in signs of irritation. Just to make things clear, you can use these ingredients with copper peptide products, it is just the case of alternating when you apply them and leaving enough time in between applications to avoid an unwanted reaction.
What can I mix with copper peptides with?
There are several skincare ingredients that can be mixed with copper peptides. The easiest way to figure out which is the most effective are hydrating and nourishing active ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and rich blends of facial oils. As I have already mentioned it is best to avoid using copper peptides directly with chemical exfoliants, retinoids and vitamin C.
If you ever have any concerns with introducing copper peptides into your daily routine, I suggest consulting with a doctor or dermatologist to ensure you and your skin will benefit. Not forgetting of course, to perform a patch test for 24 hours before applying any product over the face.
Do peptides actually work?
Yes, peptides actually work, the reasons why they work however is still a little unclear. Peptides have been known for slowing down the ageing process on the skin, reducing any signs of inflammation and regulating the skin’s microbiome reducing the risk of bacteria creating frequent breakouts. With amino acids being constantly present in the skin, peptides are a skincare ingredient that will benefit the complexion in every way, without any of the hype usually surrounding trending ingredients.
How long does it take for peptides to work? With consistent application with other proven and effective ingredients you can expect to see results on the skin as early as a few weeks. For an all-over improvement with a smoother, younger complexion it’ll take roughly three to six months. So, there you have a little more information about what copper peptides do. Once you have established whether you should introduce these clever ingredients into your routine. It is a simple case of finding the best product formulation that will work for you. When layering skincare products, it is said to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest allowing each active ingredient to absorb into the skin. You’ll find that peptides are found in moisturisers and serums mainly. This ensures they are easily combined with other ingredients and can absorb into the skin effectively and working in the lower layers of the skin. Don’t forget to join us on Instagram if you have any questions.
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.
