Skin aging is a natural process influenced by internal and external factors. Among the most visible changes is the appearance of wrinkles, resulting from the decrease of collagen and elastin in the dermis. Anti-wrinkle peptides are one line of skin ageing research, studied at the level of cell signalling.
Cellular longevity peptides
Cellular longevity peptides are short chains of amino acids involved in cellular communication. They act as messengers and can influence the synthesis of structural proteins such as collagen, which carries skin elasticity and firmness.
GHK-Cu
One of the most studied peptides in this context is GHK-Cu, a tripeptide consisting of glycine, histidine, and lysine, along with a copper ion. In skin models it has been reported to stimulate collagen and elastin production.
What preclinical models report
Several studies in preclinical models report effects of GHK-Cu on wrinkle formation and cell regeneration. The reported effects are:
- Stimulate the synthesis of type I and III collagen, enhancing skin structure.
- Increase fibroblast activity, on which collagen and elastin production depends.
- Decrease inflammatory signalling in the dermis.
Collagen and its role in the skin
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the skin and is fundamental for maintaining its integrity and elasticity. As we age, collagen production decreases, resulting in thinner and more wrinkled skin. GHK-Cu is studied against this background, with collagen synthesis as the measured endpoint.