This may be due to copper's ability to enhance the expression of metalloproteinases (MMPs).16 MMPs normally regulate the degradation of collagen, and a specific one, MMP-1, may be responsible for the initiation of collagen fragmentation.17 Supporting this, a 2024 study noted that elevated MMP-1 levels appear to contribute to aging skin and that higher MMP-1 levels in mice led to:18 The loss and fragmentation of dermal collagen fibrils Contracted fibroblast morphology Reduced collagen production Increased expression of pro-inflammatory mediators Additionally, a 2016 study found that GHK-Cu significantly increased gene expression of MMP-1 and MMP-2 at the lowest concentration, which the studys authors considered to be one of the reasons the peptide was able to increase collagen and elastin production.19 So, what this could ultimately mean is that using too much GHK-Cu (or other copper peptides) may in theory increase the skins MMP-1 concentration above the levels involved in healthy collagen production, taking it into the collagen fragmentation and breakdown territory seen in older skin with naturally higher MMP-1 levels
Introduction Heavy metals are a key component of most, probably all, biological systems (Rossetto & Mansy, 2022)
Final thought: GHK-Cu is gaining popularity due to its natural ability to promote healthy skin and hair
As we get older, our bodies make less collagenthe key protein that keeps skin firm and elastic
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[PubMed] [Google Scholar] 115.Cen D, Brayton D, Shahandeh B, Meyskens FL, Farmer PJ
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