Copper Peptides for Wound Healing

When stuck with a nasty wound, scrape or cut, you may be concerned about how to get it to heal quickly and without scarring. There are a number of products--natural, homeopathic and traditional--that can help. However, copper peptides are a highly effective treatment now being used by doctors for post surgical and other wounds.

The Copper Peptides Story

• Peptides themselves are the building blocks of protein and, therefore, also of tissue. Some peptides are strongly attracted to copper and bind themselves to copper molecules. The resulting compound is a copper peptide.

  Copper peptides, known in chemical form as copper gluconate, are usually delivered to human skin via serum or cream.

How Copper Peptides Heal Skin

• Copper peptides have been clinically proven through multiple studies to aid in wound healing.

  They break up collagen accumulation around wounds, which contribute to scar tissue. They also regulate proper cell formation, distribute small amounts of collagen throughout skin (which is good) and promote a number of chemicals and enzymes, such as elastin, which are good for skin health and development.

  Most importantly, collagen fosters the growth of connective tissue, which is critical to wound healing.

Copper in Products

• One common product available over the counter is Neutrogena Visibly Firm with Active Copper. This skin cream is commonly available in drug stores and online for a price of roughly $17. According to dermatologists, it contains a high enough level of copper peptides to be effective in wound healing. Other over the counter brands include, but are not limited to, Neova, Osmotics Cosmeceuticals, and June Jacobs.

  Other products can be found in drug stores and online in both cream and serum form.

  Otherwise, Procyte products by Photomedex are sold through physicians, including dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons. Procyte products are designed for post-procedure care, hair transplant care, and other hair and skin care uses. They may also be used to prepare skin for cosmetic or dermatological procedures.

  Procyte refers to its products as "cosmeceuticals." All use of Procyte products should be under a doctor's direction and with a specific prescribed usage program.

  However, there are risks to overuse of copper peptides when used in too large a quantity or too frequently. This can lead to sagging or wrinkled skin. Correct usage per instructions--or based on a physician's advice--is important in getting the right results. Experts also say that copper peptides can be more effective in combination with Vitamin C and methylsulfonylmethane supplements.