Copper Peptides Effects on Skin
In snail organism tissues, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are mainly found inside granules and in the shell, and are produced on the surface as a mucous-like liquid. Snail glycosaminoglycan tightly binds divalent copper cations (Cu 2 ) that create copper peptides. This substance reportedly has skin regeneration abilities. The proportion of copper in the snail secretions is impressive.
Copper peptides have been shown to be effective in just minute amounts:
Copper-induced vascular endothelial growth factor expression and wound healing. Sen CK, Khanna S, Venojarvi M, Trikha P, Ellison EC, Hunt TK, Roy S. 2002 May;282(5):H1821-7.
Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Department of Surgery, 512 Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.
Angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels, plays a central role in wound healing. Among many known growth factors, the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is considered to be the most prevalent, efficacious, and long-term signal that is known to promote angiogenesis in wounds. Whereas the active participation of copper in promoting angiogenesis has been evident for the past 20 years, the specific targets of copper action remained uncertain.
This paper presents initial evidence, showing that inducible VEGF expression is sensitive to copper production, and that the angiogenic capabilities of copper may be controlled to accelerate skin wound contraction and closure.
In relatively normal concentrations, copper sulfate stimulated VEGF expression has be proven to mutate human keratinocytes. Copper shared some of the mechanisms utilized by hypoxia to control VEGF expression. Topical copper sulfate speeded up the closure of excisional murine skin wounds, permitting incisions to heal by secondary intention. Copper-sensitive pathways control important intermediaries of wound healing, such as angiogenesis and extracellular matrix remodeling.
Copper-based treatment represents a feasible approach to promote skin wound healing, including it among the adequate components of natural skin care treatments.
Some types of copper peptide complexes possess both tissue protection and repairing abilities. Copper has defensive and rejuvenative actions on several organ systems includinggastric mucosa,bone, hair follicles, skin and intestinal linings. These types of copper compounds are increasingly included in cosmetic skin and hair care products because of their ability to trigger the regeneration of skin. You will find them among other dermatological skin renewal options, such as chemical peels, laser resurfacing and dermabrasion, to improve post-treatment skin recovery.
The main interest in copper peptides is in the area of retarding the effects of human aging and ultraviolet harm of the human skin. During the aging process, skin turns thinner and tends to accumulate various skin lesions and imperfections. Within the dermis and epidermis, thin and subcutaneous fat cells decrease in number.
Several studies have found that the application of copper peptide creams to the human skin is even more efficient in stimulating collagen production than retinoic acid or vitamin C. It also increases the thickness of the epidermis and dermis, improves cellular regeneration, reduces wrinkles and removes skin imperfections such as blotchiness and sun damage spots.
A new sensitive skin care product is the latest answer for all your dermal problems, including scars and blemishes. Natural components ensure a safe and promising skin rejuvenation process.
Published March 7th, 2008