Do creams with copper help against wrinkles?
HLN, 25 March 2023
Does copper really work against wrinkles? In HLN, aesthetic physician Dr Joren Brassine explains what copper peptides do and where their limits lie.
An American website called copper the only ingredient you really need against wrinkles. HLN put that claim to aesthetic physician Dr Joren Brassine of Clinique Dermatologie Gent.
He explains that the skin absorbs copper well. Copper peptides, recognisable on labels as Cu or Cu-GHK, stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, strengthen the skin and act against bacteria, which supports wound healing. Copper is also safe and rarely causes side effects.
Still, Dr Brassine adds a caveat: the scientific evidence is limited and there are more powerful options against skin ageing, such as retinol, peels, microneedling and laser. In practice, he mainly recommends copper cream to help small wounds heal. The basis remains daily cleansing, moisturising and sun protection.
Key advice
You can recognise copper on the ingredient list as Cu or Cu-GHK.
Start a good skincare routine in good time, preferably between the ages of 20 and 30.
Retinol is better supported as an anti-ageing ingredient than copper.
Cleansing, moisturising and sun protection remain the basis.
“Copper is a good product, but we will only recommend it in a limited number of cases.” — Dr Joren Brassine