GHK-Cu (50mg)

The Copper Peptide for Skin Regeneration, Anti-Aging & Tissue Repair

GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine-Copper) is a naturally occurring copper-binding peptide found in human plasma, saliva, and urine that plays critical roles in wound healing, tissue remodeling, and anti-aging processes. The tripeptide GHK has a remarkable affinity for copper (Cu²⁺), and this copper complex demonstrates powerful regenerative properties: stimulating collagen and elastin synthesis, promoting angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation), acting as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, modulating tissue remodeling, and activating tissue repair mechanisms. GHK-Cu levels decline significantly with age (declining ~60% from age 20 to 60), contributing to reduced healing capacity and accelerated aging.

What makes it unique:
GHK-Cu is one of the most extensively researched peptides for skin regeneration and anti-aging, with over 50 years of scientific study and hundreds of published papers. Unlike many peptides with narrow mechanisms, GHK-Cu affects multiple fundamental processes: stimulates collagen/elastin production, recruits immune and repair cells, removes damaged proteins, regulates over 4,000 genes (resetting gene expression toward more youthful patterns), and chelates copper for biological activity. This multi-mechanistic approach creates comprehensive tissue regeneration.

Clinical significance:
GHK-Cu is the active ingredient in numerous cosmetic and wound healing products (topical formulations). Research demonstrates impressive effects: accelerates wound healing, reduces scar formation, improves skin thickness and elasticity, increases hair growth, has anti-cancer properties (suppresses metastasis in studies), and extends lifespan in animal models. The peptide's ability to "reset" gene expression patterns toward more youthful states positions it as fundamental anti-aging intervention at the genetic regulation level.

Primary effects:
Significant improvement in skin quality (thickness, elasticity, firmness), reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, enhanced wound healing and tissue repair, reduced scarring and improved skin texture, increased collagen and elastin production, hair growth stimulation and thickness, powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, improved skin tone and reduced hyperpigmentation, and overall tissue regeneration and anti-aging at cellular level.

Who this is for:
Women seeking visible anti-aging skin improvements, those with skin damage from sun, aging, or scarring, anyone wanting to improve skin quality and appearance, women experiencing hair thinning or loss, those recovering from injuries or surgeries wanting optimal healing, anyone interested in science-based cosmetic anti-aging, women 40+ experiencing accelerated skin aging, or those wanting comprehensive tissue regeneration - with understanding GHK-Cu works best with consistent use over months for dramatic cumulative improvements.

🧪 Product Specifications:

• Purity: ≥98% (HPLC tested)
• Form: Sterile lyophilized powder
• Quantity: 50mg per vial
• Sequence: 3 amino acids + copper (Gly-His-Lys-Cu²⁺)
• Storage: Refrigerate 2-8°C, protect from light
• Dosing: Daily or several times weekly, injectable or topical
• Includes: Vial, batch number, COA available

For complete protocols, skin rejuvenation strategies, wound healing applications, hair growth protocols, and realistic timelines for visible anti-aging results, expand the Complete Guide below ↓

📖 COMPLETE GUIDE TO GHK-CU

Click to expand: Mechanisms • Skin Anti-Aging • Wound Healing • Hair Growth

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<summary><strong>▼ EXPAND FULL GUIDE</strong></summary>

How GHK-Cu Works

GHK-Cu operates through multiple regenerative mechanisms affecting tissue repair, remodeling, and gene expression.

Discovery & Natural Occurrence:

The discovery:

• Identified in 1973 by Dr. Loren Pickart
• Found naturally in human blood plasma
• Concentration ~200ng/ml in youth
• Declines dramatically with age (~60% reduction by age 60)
• Also present in saliva and urine

Why copper binding matters:

• GHK has extraordinary affinity for copper (Cu²⁺)
• Binds copper with very high specificity
• Copper essential for many biological processes
• GHK-Cu complex is the active form
• Copper delivery to tissues is mechanism

The age-related decline:

• Peak levels in youth
• Progressive decline from age 20 onward
• By age 60: ~40% of youthful levels remain
• Decline correlates with reduced healing capacity
• Contributes to visible aging and impaired repair

Restoration of youthful GHK-Cu levels = anti-aging intervention.

The Copper Connection:

Why copper is essential:

• Cofactor for critical enzymes (lysyl oxidase, superoxide dismutase)
• Required for collagen and elastin cross-linking
• Antioxidant defense (Cu/Zn-SOD)
• Angiogenesis (new blood vessel formation)
• Wound healing processes

GHK-Cu's role:

• Delivers copper to tissues in bioavailable form
• Ensures copper reaches sites needing repair
• Regulates copper activity (prevents toxicity)
• Chelates copper for biological use
• More effective than copper alone

Collagen & Elastin Synthesis:

How GHK-Cu stimulates production:

Mechanisms:

• Upregulates genes for collagen I, III
• Increases elastin gene expression
• Activates fibroblasts (collagen-producing cells)
• Provides copper for lysyl oxidase (cross-linking enzyme)
• Creates structural proteins for skin firmness

Results:

• Increased skin thickness (dermal density)
• Improved elasticity and firmness
• Reduced sagging and wrinkles
• Stronger, more resilient skin
• Visible anti-aging improvements

This is the primary mechanism for cosmetic benefits.

Wound Healing & Tissue Repair:

GHK-Cu's comprehensive healing effects:

Phase 1 - Inflammation:

• Recruits immune cells to wound site
• Modulates inflammation (anti-inflammatory)
• Clears damaged tissue and debris
• Prepares for repair phase

Phase 2 - Proliferation:

• Stimulates fibroblast proliferation
• Increases collagen synthesis
• Promotes angiogenesis (new blood vessels)
• Granulation tissue formation
• Re-epithelialization (skin closure)

Phase 3 - Remodeling:

• Organizes collagen structure
• Reduces excessive scar formation
• Improves scar appearance
• Restores normal tissue architecture
• Minimizes scarring

Clinical applications:

• Accelerates wound closure
• Reduces infection risk
• Minimizes scarring
• Improves healing quality
• Used in wound care products

Gene Expression Modulation - The Most Profound Effect:

Revolutionary discovery:

• GHK-Cu affects expression of over 4,000 human genes
• ~30% of genome influenced
• Resets gene expression toward more youthful patterns

Gene categories affected:

Upregulated (increased):

• DNA repair genes
• Antioxidant genes
• Tissue remodeling genes
• Growth factors
• Collagen/elastin genes

Downregulated (decreased):

• Inflammatory genes
• Fibrosis genes (scarring)
• Metalloproteinases (tissue breakdown)
• Cancer-promoting genes
• Aging-associated genes

Profound implication:

• GHK-Cu acts as genetic "reprogrammer"
• Shifts cells toward healthier, more youthful state
• Not just symptomatic - addresses aging at genetic level
• Potentially extends beyond skin to systemic anti-aging

This may be GHK-Cu's most important mechanism.

Anti-Inflammatory & Antioxidant Effects:

Anti-inflammatory:

• Reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-alpha)
• Modulates immune response
• Prevents chronic inflammation
• Reduces inflammatory skin conditions
• Supports overall tissue health

Antioxidant:

• Activates superoxide dismutase (SOD)
• Scavenges free radicals
• Reduces oxidative stress
• Protects against UV damage
• Prevents oxidative aging

Angiogenesis (Blood Vessel Formation):

Why new blood vessels matter:

• Deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues
• Remove waste products
• Essential for healing
• Support healthy tissue metabolism
• Maintain tissue vitality

GHK-Cu's effects:

• Stimulates VEGF (vascular growth factor)
• Promotes endothelial cell migration
• Enhances capillary formation
• Improves tissue perfusion
• Supports wound healing and skin health

Hair Growth Stimulation:

Mechanisms for hair:

• Increases hair follicle size
• Prolongs anagen phase (growth phase)
• Stimulates dermal papilla cells
• Improves scalp blood flow
• Reduces follicle inflammation
• May block DHT effects (androgen-related loss)

Research findings:

• Increases hair thickness
• Promotes hair regrowth
• Reduces hair loss
• Improves hair density
• Comparable to minoxidil in some studies

Anti-Cancer Properties (Research Finding):

Surprising discovery:

• GHK-Cu suppresses metastasis in animal models
• Blocks aggressive cancer behavior
• Resets cancer cell gene expression
• Anti-angiogenic for tumors (but pro-angiogenic for normal tissue)
• Potential therapeutic applications

Important context:

• Research stage findings
• Not approved cancer treatment
• Mechanism involves gene expression modulation
• Fascinating aspect of GHK-Cu's broad effects

Primary Uses & Applications

1. Skin Anti-Aging & Rejuvenation (Primary Cosmetic Use)

For visible skin aging:

Effects:

• Reduced fine lines and wrinkles
• Improved skin thickness and density
• Enhanced elasticity and firmness
• Better skin tone and texture
• Reduced hyperpigmentation and age spots
• Overall more youthful appearance

Who benefits:

• Women 35+ experiencing skin aging
• Sun-damaged skin
• Sagging, thinning skin
• Loss of elasticity and firmness
• Those wanting visible cosmetic improvement

Timeline:

• Weeks 4-8: Early improvements (texture, tone)
• Months 2-4: Noticeable reduction in fine lines
• Months 4-6: Significant improvement in firmness, wrinkles
• 6+ months: Dramatic cumulative transformation

This is GHK-Cu's most popular application.

2. Wound Healing & Scar Reduction

For injury recovery:

Applications:

• Surgical incision healing
• Traumatic wounds
• Burns
• Acne scars
• Any tissue damage requiring optimal healing

Benefits:

• Faster wound closure
• Reduced scarring
• Improved scar appearance (if existing)
• Better healing quality
• Reduced infection risk

Protocol:

• Topical application to wound/scar area
• OR systemic injection for overall healing
• Begin immediately post-injury for best results
• Continue through remodeling phase (months)

3. Hair Growth & Hair Loss Prevention

For thinning hair:

Effects:

• Increased hair thickness and density
• Reduced hair shedding
• Stimulation of dormant follicles
• Improved scalp health
• Potential regrowth in some areas

Who uses:

• Androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss)
• Diffuse thinning
• Age-related hair loss
• Women seeking hair improvement

Application:

• Topical scalp application (most common)
• Subcutaneous scalp injections (more intensive)
• Systemic injection (indirect effect)
• Consistent use for months required

Realistic expectations:

• Modest to moderate improvement
• Stabilization of loss
• Enhanced thickness/quality
• NOT dramatic regrowth for everyone
• Individual variation significant

4. Overall Tissue Regeneration

For systemic anti-aging:

Beyond skin:

• Tissue repair throughout body
• Vascular health (angiogenesis)
• Anti-inflammatory systemic effects
• Gene expression optimization
• Potential longevity benefits

Systemic use:

• Injectable administration
• Affects tissues beyond injection site
• Comprehensive regenerative effects
• Healthspan optimization

5. Sun Damage Repair & Photoaging

For UV-damaged skin:

GHK-Cu's photoprotective effects:

• Repairs existing sun damage
• Reduces hyperpigmentation
• Improves texture from photoaging
• Antioxidant protection
• Reverses some UV-induced changes

Not replacement for sunscreen but helps repair damage.

Research Dosing Protocols

Administration Routes:

GHK-Cu can be used multiple ways:

1. Injectable (Subcutaneous) - Systemic effects, skin from inside
2. Topical - Direct skin application
3. Combination - Both for maximum benefit

Injectable Dosing:

Standard Systemic Dose:

• 1-3mg per injection
• 3-5x weekly or daily
• Subcutaneous (abdomen, thigh)
• For overall anti-aging, healing, systemic effects

Conservative Start:

• 1mg per injection
• 3x weekly
• Assess tolerance and results
• Increase if desired

Higher Dose:

• 3-5mg per injection
• Daily or 5-7x weekly
• More intensive intervention
• For significant healing or aggressive anti-aging

Localized Injection (Skin, Scars, Scalp):

• 0.5-2mg per area
• Directly into or around target tissue
• For specific scars, wrinkles, or hair loss areas
• Multiple small injections across area
• More advanced technique

Topical Application:

Preparation:

• Reconstitute with sterile water or saline
• Apply to clean skin
• Can add to serum base for stability
• Refrigerate after mixing

Concentration:

• 0.05% - 2% solutions typical
• Higher concentration = more potent
• Start lower, increase if tolerating well

Application areas:

• Face (anti-aging)
• Specific wrinkles or scars
• Scalp (hair growth)
• Any skin area needing improvement

Frequency:

• Daily application (morning and/or evening)
• Consistent use essential
• Results accumulate over months

Topical penetration:

• GHK-Cu has good skin penetration
• Small molecular size helps
• Enhanced by certain delivery systems
• Both topical and injectable effective (different mechanisms)

Frequency & Duration:

Short-term intensive (Healing):

• Daily injections or applications
• 2-4 weeks
• For wound healing, post-surgery
• Then reduce to maintenance

Long-term anti-aging:

• 3-5x weekly injections ongoing
• Daily topical application
• Months to years
• Cumulative benefits increase over time
• No known tolerance development

Cycling:

• Not strictly necessary
• Can be used continuously
• Some prefer: 8-12 weeks intensive, 4 weeks reduced/maintenance
• Others: Continuous year-round use

Reconstitution:

For 50mg vial:

Systemic injection (1-3mg doses):

• Mix 50mg with 5ml bacteriostatic water = 10mg/ml
• For 1mg dose: 0.1ml (10 units)
• For 2mg dose: 0.2ml (20 units)
• For 3mg dose: 0.3ml (30 units)

Topical preparation (example 1% solution):

• 1% = 10mg/ml
• Mix 50mg with 5ml = 10mg/ml (1% solution)
• Apply thin layer to skin area

Vials Needed:

Systemic use (2mg 5x weekly):

• 10mg weekly
• 1 vial (50mg) = 5 weeks
• Monthly: ~1 vial

Topical use (depends on area):

• Face only: 1 vial may last 4-8 weeks
• Larger areas: More product needed
• Individual usage varies

GHK-Cu relatively economical for powerful effects.