How it works: Copper is used in many of the body's daily activities. Copper's involvement in the skin involves both antioxidant activity as well as serving as an important cofactor in the production of collagen and elastin as

well as glycosaminoglycans (the "cement" that holds everything together). These effects taken together help to thicken the dermis allowing for improvement of fine lines and wrinkles while serving as protcetion from further damage from oxidant stress.

Effectiveness: While copper can be ingested through diet, there is a limit to how much actually travels to the skin. Similar to vitamin C, additional copper can be delivered to the skin if applied topically. In order to do this, research has discovered a peptide complex (GHK-copper peptide complex) that allows the copper to be adequately delivered to the skin. There was recently a study on 20 patients showing that this copper complex caused a 70% increase in the production of pro-collagen (a precursor to collagen) allowing improvement in skin rejuvination.

Where to find it: Neova, ProCyte

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