Peptides come in many different shapes and sizes and with all the different chemical names it can sometimes seem overwhelming. Let me let you into a little secret, when it comes to peptides the real gold standard are copper peptides and in this blog I want to share with you why they are the best and of course how to use copper peptides for some next level anti ageing.

Copper Peptides

are just a tiny proportion of the peptide family (over 300 different peptides are now used in skincare products) but they are the most effective when it comes to delivering results in our skin. Copper peptides are also one of the best studied of the peptide family so we now have more concrete evidence of the benefits they can bring which are outlined below:

Increasing collagen and elastin production

Copper peptides work in two ways to boost collagen, they trick the body into increasing its own rate of collagen production and also conveniently provide the ingredients needed for that collagen synthesis. When copper peptides break down in the skin the amino acids formed become a crucial part of that collagen formation so copper peptides provide both the instruction to make more collagen and the ingredients needed to do so.

Protecting the skin

Copper peptides are a powerful antioxidant which makes them perfect for a morning skincare routine. Free radicals (such a particulate matter and UV rays) hit our skin and cause oxidative stress, which in turn breaks down collagen and causes premature ageing. Copper peptides prevent the oxidative stress from occurring and so protect the collagen our body has worked so hard to produce.

Minimising Hair Loss

Whilst not a skincare benefit specifically, copper peptides have also been proven to help minimise hair loss in men. They work by reducing levels of DHT present in the scalp which is the main cause of male hair loss. Whilst copper peptides cant replace your medical hair loss treatments they can be used alongside them to increase the benefits - so guys, always apply a couple of drops of your copper peptide serum to the scalp.

Skin Collagen

Our skin collagen levels peak around age 24 and decrease every year from that point so it makes sense that if we want to turn back the clock on ageing in the skin the best way to do it is to boost collagen production. Use your copper peptides alongside other collagen boosting ingredients such as retinoids and you will really see the difference in the anti aging results from your skincare routine.

How To Use Copper Peptides

Copper peptides are delicate and this can put some people off using them as they need to be layered correctly to be able to maintain their effect. Please dont be put off though as new technology now means you can use encapsulated copper peptides alongside all your other skincare actives without damaging them. Encapsulation forms a protective bubble around the copper peptide which is gradually broken down once in the skin. This protects it from all over actives and really takes the stress out of your routine.

I use an encapsulated copper peptide morning and evening and the two which are always on rotation in my skincare routine are these:

MAS Copper Peptide Serum

3% strength of encapsulated copper peptides which is the highest concentration available in skincare. The formulation is boosted by 17% concentration of other anti aging peptides alongside the copper for the ultimate peptide experience. Comes in a really useful dropper so perfect if you want to apply it to the scalp too.

£17.99 for 30ml MAS Copper Peptide Serum

Naturium Multi-Peptide Advanced Serum

Multi peptide formulation which also includes copper peptides in an encapsulated form for an easy to layer anti aging serum. This serum is super lightweight so perfect for using alongside other water based serums. Comes in a pump do not as convenient for scalp application but this can be worked around.

£22.50 for 30ml Natrium Multi-Peptide Advanced Serum