What is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is a naturally occurring copper peptide composed of three amino acids (glycine, histidine, and lysine) bonded with a copper ion. First discovered in 1973 by Dr. Loren Pickart, it plays a critical role in:
- Repair and regeneration of tissues
- Wound healing and anti-ageing
- Gene expression related to growth and inflammation
Similar to many other regenerative compounds, levels of GHK-Cu decline with age. In your 20s, levels are approximately 200 nanograms per millilitre, but by your 60s, they decrease to around 80 nanograms per millilitre.
This decline may explain why we heal slower and experience more signs of ageing as we get older.
Why is GHK-Cu So Powerful?
GHK-Cu influences over 4,000 genes in the human body, resetting them to a more youthful state. By doing this, it helps with:
- Wound Healing: Supports collagen production, promotes angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation), and helps remove damaged tissue.
- Skin Health: Enhances skin density, firmness, and elasticity while reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
- Hair Growth: Increases hair follicle size, promotes thicker hair strands, and extends the growth phase (anagen phase).
- Nerve Regeneration: Shows promise for repairing nerve damage and even supporting neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s.
- Anti-Inflammation: Reduces inflammation and swelling, helping tissues heal effectively.
- Sun Damage Repair: Mitigates UV damage and supports the repair of DNA damaged by sun exposure.
Benefits of GHK-Cu
1. Skin Regeneration and Anti-Ageing
GHK-Cu is a favourite in skincare products due to its ability to:
- Boost collagen and elastin production
- Improve skin density and firmness
- Reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging
- Aid in scar healing by realigning skin fibres for smoother repair
2. Wound Healing
GHK-Cu accelerates the healing process by:
- Stimulating angiogenesis (new blood vessel growth)
- Promoting the removal of damaged tissue
- Supporting the growth of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), essential for hydration and skin health
3. Hair Growth
GHK-Cu helps combat hair thinning by:
- Enlarging hair follicles
- Extending the anagen (growth) phase of hair
- Working best when combined with micro-needling and red light therapy
4. Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Properties
It reduces oxidative stressand modulates inflammation, making it beneficial for:
- Wound healing
- Skin recovery from environmental damage
- Reducing swelling and pain
5. Nerve and Organ Regeneration
GHK-Cu supports:
- Nerve repair and regeneration
- Potential protection against neurodegenerative diseases
- Healing for organs like the liver, kidneys, and heart
6. Sun Damage Repair
GHK-Cu can:
- Reduce hyperpigmentation and sunspots
- Aid in DNA repair after UV exposure
- Support recovery from sunburn