Copper in Skincare

Trends in skincare come and go. Each year there is one ingredient that you simply must include in your routine. Copper is one skincare ingredient that has been receiving much attention lately. But its use is not exactly recent. Copper has been used in Ayurvedic practice for centuries as a way to detoxify and help restore balance to the body. In Ancient Egypt, copper was used for its anti-aging properties. What do we need to know about copper in skincare?

Copper 101

Copper is a trace metal found in the body and it is an essential component of the many of the body’s functions. It is required for a well-functioning immune, hormone, and the metabolic system. Likewise, copper is essential for healthy bones and joints and it benefits a number of our organs and tissue. When it comes to our skin, it is one of the essential components of the collagen synthesis.

Copper PCA is a copper salt of PCA. It boasts a number of skin-friendly functions. Cooper PCA regulates the moisture in the skin and helps improves elasticity. Furthermore, it helps diminish redness and acts as a “super anti-oxidant”.

GHK-Cu is a tripeptide and a subject of a number of studies. It promotes collagen and elastin production and by doing so improves elasticity, firmness, and the thickness of the skin. It also acts as an antioxidant and actives the skin’s system that returns the injured tissue to its normal state. It promotes the production of glycosaminoglycans (substances found in the connective tissue that get depleted with age. Hyaluronic acid is one of them).

Should you replace your chemical exfoliants and retinol with products with copper? Probably not. But copper peptides possess both reparative and protective functions. This makes them an ideal choice for any skin types that want to target the signs of aging. When combined with retinol products they can act as a powerful skin-rejuvenating combo.

What to look for in a skincare product

When you scan the ingredients list look for Copper Tripeptide-1, Copper PCA, Copper Peptide, and similar ingredients.

Ishtar product that contains Copper

Time CODE Anti-aging Moisturiser

The most recent addition to the Ishtar range is the Time CODE Anti-aging moisturiser. It combines Copper PCA with Ectoin to deliver a Copper Optimised Dermal Extremolyte (C.O.D.E.). Extremolytes are molecules that stabilise biological structures like membranes.

Star ingredients include:

Copper PCA helps to diminish redness, acts as a super antioxidant, improves elasticity and hydration.

Ectoin is a natural molecule that has a multi-function action. It helps organisms withstand extreme osmotic stress. In skincare products, it counteracts photoaging, soothes inflammation and improves hydration by creating a protective hydro-complex.

Plant Phytosterols include sitosterol, stigmasterol, and campesterol. These molecules are one of the components of the skin’s natural lipid layer and essential to maintain a healthy skin barrier. When applied topically they soothe the skin and have anti-aging properties.

Hydrolised Glycosaminglycans are similar to the natural Glycosaminglycans found in the skin’s extracellular matrix. They hydrate and plump up the skin.

Time CODE is suitable for all skin types concerned with the signs of aging. For powerful skin rejuvenation, you can combine it with one of our Retinol serums.

Do you use products with copper? Are you happy with the results?

Roberta Striga