Metallics have gained traction in the cosmeceutical industry in the recent past. From metal-based oils to naturally occurring metallic compounds, a plethora of skin correction and beautification avenues have surfaced. One of these metallic compounds to have caught everyone’s attention of late is copper peptides.
Copper peptides are increasingly becoming popular for their proven benefits. Its implications for skin tightening and rejuvenation are being seen and brought into use effectively.
Consequently, there has been a boom of anti-aging, skin firming corrector serums in the cosmeceutical circuit that boast the presence of this substance.
However, an important question might arise, does copper peptide help in reducing acne scars?
Its applications in the cosmetic and beauty industry are many, as you’ll see further into this read.
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Copper Peptide Serums
Copper peptide-based serums promise to increase elastin production in the skin, making it look brighter, smoother, and younger. In addition to that, they also claim to spike collagen production, which makes the skin firmer. With these effects, they can be a viable tool to combat loose skin, wrinkles, and fine lines.
Although the positive effects of these serums in anti-aging treatments are considerable, there are questions around the scar healing and removing capacities of these products. In that context, the products make bold claims. Do they stand up to these claims, though?
This article aims to answer these questions and discuss copper peptide’s effects in this regard.
Scars Due to Acne
Acne can be triggered by a poor diet, stress, lack of sleep, or even due to certain medications. Sometimes, acne can result in scars. Unfortunately, these scars can also be permanent and can remain as darkened areas or blemishes on the skin.
The scars can be of different types. These include atrophic scars like boxcar scars (depressed scars), rolling scars (acne scars with varying depth), ice-pick scars (narrow, deeper scars), and hypertrophic scar or keloids (raised, lumpy scars).
All these are caused by different kinds of acne and can be tough to treat. Most experts suggest various methods, including laser therapy, surgical removal, applicable medicines, and other cutaneous methods.
The effects of the application of copper peptide serums and products in this context have been the crux of research for many experts worldwide. While their ability to be an effective treatment option for anti-aging routines is undeniable, their potential for acne scar removal is also being researched.
Copper Peptides have been predicted to help combat atrophic scars, given their ability to boost collagen and elastin production in the skin. The compound directly acts on the fibroblasts – the cells that secrete collagen proteins. These fibroblasts have a big hand in the wound healing action and scar tissue formations on the skin.
This action implies that copper-peptide-based products may have certain implications when it comes to acne scarring treatment.
Many of the treatments guaranteeing scar healing and removal are very invasive and cause discomfort and complications in the future. In that context, non-invasive treatments like copper peptide-based products can be ground-breaking.
Do Copper Peptides Work for Acne Scars?
In a study by Pradeep V Mahajan et al., it was found that when the copper peptide was used in combination therapy with other minimally invasive methods, it produces remarkable results.
For this study, a test subject with rough skin and atrophic acne scars on their face was treated with stem cell therapy with platelet-rich human plasma. They were also given a course of copper peptide-based aloe vera cream and small doses of vitamin C after the therapy.
This treatment brought desirable results to the subject. A significant reduction in the prominence of the atrophic facial scars was seen. It was attributed partly to the epidermal cell-stimulating and skin-elasticity-inducing effects of copper peptide-based cream.
The end result was the rejuvenation of the damaged skin and a statistically significant rise in the number of collagen fibers in the skin.
Another practical study was carried out by Prem Kumar and Sundaramoorthy Srinivasan that highlighted the capabilities of copper peptides in promoting healthy skin and collagen synthesis.
In this study, two groups of patients with Asian-skin type and atrophic facial acne scars were studied. This type is known to undergo hyperpigmentation, post-inflammation, and also scars easily. They were treated with a deemed effective procedure called derma roller therapy.
One of the groups was given an additional copper peptide serum treatment in concert with the percutaneous collagen induction therapy. After five sittings of therapy, it was noticed that the group who was given the copper peptide serum treatment after the skin-needling produced comparatively more effective results than the other.
The result was comparatively healthy skin. The comparison was made using various statistical parameters, deeming copper peptides effective for scars.
The effects of copper-glycine-histidine-lysine serums were also observed in the case of hypertrophic scars or keloids. In this research, possible clinical purposes for copper peptides were established, given their scar-reducing action in hypertrophic scar fibroblasts.
Does Copper Peptide Serum have a Similar Effect?
Copper peptides seem to work on rejuvenating the skin and removing scars when used in tandem with other treatments. However, using copper peptide serums or creams alone for removing acne scars might not be fruitful.
Even though there has been a multitude of research on the implications of copper peptides, no substantial research has been done on an isolated use of copper peptide serums for scar removal.
Given that, it is difficult to comment on the effectiveness of copper peptide serums alone in achieving these results. However, these serums can have minor positive effects on the skin, including smoothening of skin, good moisturization, and plumper skin.
An effective action throughout the layers of the skin required for removing scars might not be achievable with just the serums. However, when used in concert with other effective procedures, copper peptide serums can amplify the benefits you will gain from the treatment.
Copper peptide serums are a relatively newer form of treatment as far as the cosmeceutical and beauty industries are concerned. It is also minimally invasive, unlike various other treatments.
Although they seem promising, there hasn’t been enough material proof for these serums to qualify as a feasible treatment for acne scars. It is to be noted that these products might become viable in the future, but in the current state, acne scar removal is a far cry for them.
If you are looking to maintain your skin, these serums can be easily incorporated into your daily routine. They can help hold the moisture in your skin and help combat open pores.
However, it is to be noted that there are certain risks related to using this compound in your skin routines. Excessive use might cause skin irritation and inflammation. This can also result in redness or skin rashes. Another considerable side effect is copper toxicity.
Even though there aren’t many researched downsides of using products made with this compound, it is highly advisable to consult a professional before deciding to use any substance for your skin.
