Efficacy and Mechanism of GHK-Cu

Acne Scarring

          GHK-Cu copper peptides have been found to stimulate skin and wound healing in the case of acne scarring. The human peptide GHK (glycyl-l-histidyl-l-lysine) has been found to stimulate blood vessel and nerve growth, increase collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, as well as support dermal fibroblast function. GHK’s ability to improve tissue repair has been demonstrated for skin and acne scarring in addition to lung connective tissue, boney tissue, liver, and stomach lining.(1) 

Copper peptides can be used as a home acne scar remedy in conjunction with other treatments to improve collagen, elastin growth and skin repair.(2) 

Effect on stem cells

GHK-Cu stimulates proliferation of keratinocytes and increased expression of integrins and p63protein in the epidermal stem cells. Since p63 is considered to be an important marker of stem cell and anti-senescence protein, the authors concluded that GHK-copper is able to recover epidermal stem cells and increase their ability to repair tissue.(3) Similar activity was observed for copper-free GHK.(4) 

Anti-inflammatory activity

GHK peptide has anti-inflammatory properties but the mechanism remains unclear. GHK and its copper complexes decreased TNF-alpha-dependent IL-6 secretion in normal human dermal fibroblasts. Because of the anti-inflammatory properties, copper-peptides could replace corticosteroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in treatment of inflammatory skin conditions. They also can reduce UV-induced Erythema.(5) 

1. Pickart-Margolina (2018). "Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data". International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 19 (7): 7.

2.   AcneScar.org (2020). "Treat Acne Scars: How to Remove Acne Scars at the Root

3. Kang, YA; Choi, HR; Na, JI; Huh, CH; Kim, MJ; Youn, SW; Kim, KH; Park, KC (Apr 2009). "Copper-GHK increases integrin expression and p63 positivity by keratinocytes". Archives of Dermatological Research. 301 (4): 301–6.  

4. Choi, H.R.; Kang, Y.A.; Ryoo, S.J.; Shin, J.W.; Na, J.I.; Huh, C.H.; Park, K.C. (Nov 2012). "Stem cell recovering effect of copper-free GHK in skin". Journal of Peptide Science. 18 (11): 685–90.

5. Gruchlik, A.; Jurzak, M.; Chodurek, E.; Dzierzewicz, Z. (2012). "Effect of Gly-Gly-His, Gly-His-Lys and their copper complexes on TNF-alpha-dependent IL-6 secretion in normal human dermal fibroblasts". Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica. 69 (6): 1303–6.