The natural peptide glycl-l-histidyl-l-lysine is used as a regenerative component for skin and hair. The chemical structure boosts collagen and elastin production, enhancing skin health. The compound also contains enzymes that encourage skin regeneration. The peptide promotes hair growth by blocking DHT (dihydrotestosterone).
Healthier skin and hair growth are only a couple of benefits of this peptide. In addition to the beauty benefits, it also improves immunity and stimulates the growth of blood vessels. Wound healing and accelerated nerve regeneration are some of its additional benefits.
The chemical structure of GHK-cu is responsible for the multitude of benefits achieved for beauty and overall health. Below, we provide a brief overview of these benefits in detail and discuss the chemical structure behind GHK-cu and how it functions and influences the body. For a breakdown of each of these topics, continue reading.
The Chemical Structure
Initially identified in human plasma, GHK-cu is a copper complex peptide. The complexes are the conjoining of copper and three additional amino acids (glycine, histidine, and lysine). Specifically, the molecular formula C14H22CuN6O4 • C2H4O2 (copper peptide and acetic acid, in that order) combine to form GHK-cu, respectively.
GHK includes amino acids found in bodily fluids. CU is copper, which is also found naturally in the body. Combining these two parts, you achieve copper tripeptide-1, which promotes many benefits for the skin, hair, and immune system.
GHK-cu And Wound Healing
- Tissue injury occurs, which signals GHK-cu to respond as a feedback signal driven by the goal of protecting the wounded tissue.
- Since it is an anti-inflammatory agent, it controls post-tissue injury oxidative damage.
- From there, it signals tissue remodeling and removes damaged tissue, generating new, healthy tissue.
How Wound Healing Occurs
The wound healing process occurs when the peptide sequence and copper act upon fibroblasts via the increased production of mRNA (as well as protein for essential tissue repairs components like collagen and decorin). From this point, the GHK-cu triggers the production of specific inhibitors (metalloproteases and proteases) that remove injured tissue proteins.
Improves Systemic Health
Tissue angiogenesis results from the abundance of copper that helps blood vessels grow, which is essential for general health. The tissue repair that occurs from copper-peptide inductions also improves the functioning of the intestinal lining, and stomach lining, suggesting it may play a significant role in digestive health and combating issues like leaky gut, ulcers, candida, and other systemic conditions.
Hair Growth Benefits
Copper peptides are frequently included in shampoos and hair loss treatments because they stimulate hair follicles for regrowth. Copper peptides stimulate follicle production and can also decrease hair loss in chemotherapy treatments in some individuals. GHK-cu was also used in clinical evaluations, proving that it can increase the positive outcomes of surgeries and healings for hair transplantations. The natural peptide also promotes collagen production, which helps strengthen and thicken hair.
Improves Cognitive Health
The role of GHK-cu surpasses its beauty and wellness benefits. It also influences the nervous system and how well it functions. Specifically, GHK-cu has the capability to carry out processes that ensure the nervous system functions properly. Proper nervous system functionality is essential for cognitive health and promotes mental clarity and well-being.
Nerve Regeneration Benefits
Research has indicated the possibility of GHK-cu positively influencing cognitive health via nerve regeneration. According to the research, GHK-cu increased the movement of hematogenous cells, influenced nerve growth, produced aspects of nerve growth, and increased the rate of myelinated nerve fiber regeneration. Nerve regeneration is an integral part of repair and recovery. When tissue is destroyed at the injury site, barriers to regeneration can emerge. Knowing that GHK-cu may assist in the recovery and regrowth of nerve fibers provides merit that nerve regeneration is still possible even at sites where damaged tissue resides.
Additional health benefits achieved with GHK-cu include:
- GHK-cu protects the lungs from an acute injury, fibrosis, etc.
- It is recognized as having anti-cancer properties and is used as a treatment for metastatic cancer.
- GHK-cu contains anti-inflammatory properties, indicating that it may help treat inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis.
- Clinical research indicates that copper peptides neutralize free radicals, reducing premature signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles.
Infection Control Benefits
When injections of GHK-cu are used, there are systemic increases in the production of collagen, wound healing, and angiogenesis, all of which aid in systemic infection control. Moreover, gels containing GHK-cu have helped diabetic patients heal from ulcers; this yields positive indications for infection control and skin injury treatments.
Facial Cosmetic Benefits
The amount of GHK-cu decreases naturally with age. Given that the concentration decreases with age, it’s no wonder why GHK-cu is a prime ingredient in cosmetics and especially those with anti-aging effects. Anti-aging cosmetics commonly include GHK-cu for its ability to firm skin and reduce the speed at which signs of aging occur.
Enhances Youthful-looking Skin
GHK-cu decreases the appearance of aged skin, giving the skin a softened, more youthful appearance and reducing wrinkles and thickening skin in thinning areas such as the cheekbones and under the eyes.
A Top-tier Beauty Ingredient
In the cosmetic industry, GHK-cu is frequently compared to other powerful anti-aging ingredients, like retinoids, to enhance the appearance of healthy-looking skin.
Used For Decades Without Consequences
With its abilities to promote wound healing, trigger glycosaminoglycan synthesis, and deliver antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, beauty and hair growth enthusiasts are placing their faith in this copper peptide and have been doing so for decades without adverse consequences.
Benefits For The Mind
GHK-cu has benefits that go well beyond beauty. More research is needed to confirm how the natural peptide may assist with mental health. Still, some research has noted the role that GHK-cu plays in improving nervous system functioning and cognition, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, and boosting cognitive wellness.
A Powerhouse For Health
GHK-cu holds various health benefits that can help individuals from the inside out. From reducing signs of premature aging to playing a vital role in cancer therapy treatments, the copper complex peptide is a powerhouse in medicine, beauty, and general wellness.
