How GHK-Cu Works
→ Stimulates Collagen and Elastin Production
GHK-Cu promotes the synthesis of collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans—key components of the skin’s extracellular matrix. These molecules are vital for:
→ Skin firmness→ Elasticity→ Structural support
As we age, collagen production declines, leading to wrinkles and skin thinning. GHK-Cu helps reverse this process by enhancing gene expression involved in matrix regeneration and suppressing matrix-degrading enzymes like MMPs.
“GHK-Cu increases collagen, decorin, glycosaminoglycans, and promotes fibroblast activity in aged human skin.”— Pickart & Margolina, Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity
→ Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
GHK-Cu neutralizes free radicals and protects against oxidative stress caused by environmental factors such as UV radiation and pollution. It also reduces inflammation by modulating the expression of cytokines, aiding skin regeneration and reducing redness or irritation.
“GHK-Cu acts as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, enhancing tissue repair and protecting against cellular damage.”— Pickart, Rejuvenation Research
Benefits of GHK-Cu for Skin Health
1. Improves Skin Firmness and Reduces Wrinkles
Research shows that GHK-Cu enhances dermal remodeling by:
→ Increasing skin density→ Boosting elasticity→ Minimizing fine lines and wrinkles
These effects are largely due to increased collagen production and reduced breakdown of structural proteins.
“Application of GHK-Cu significantly improved skin laxity, density, and firmness in aged subjects.”— Pickart, Rejuvenation Research
2. Brightens Skin and Reduces Hyperpigmentation
GHK-Cu reduces excessive melanin production by modulating melanocyte activity, helping to:
→ Fade dark spots→ Lighten age-related pigmentation→ Promote a more even skin tone
“GHK-Cu treatment led to reduced pigmentation and improved brightness in clinical studies.”— Shim et al., Cosmetics
3. Enhances Skin Barrier Function
GHK-Cu reinforces the epidermal barrier, improving:
→ Moisture retention→ Protection from environmental stressors→ Resilience against irritants
This strengthens the skin’s natural defenses and reduces transepidermal water loss.
“GHK-Cu enhances barrier repair and increases the rate of epidermal regeneration following insult.”— Abdulghani et al., International Journal of Cosmetic Science
4. Soothes Inflammatory Skin Conditions
Due to its anti-inflammatory mechanisms, GHK-Cu may help manage:
→ Acne→ Eczema→ Rosacea
It reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-α, calming irritated or reactive skin and accelerating recovery.
“GHK-Cu suppresses inflammation, supports tissue regeneration, and modulates immune signaling.”— Pickart & Margolina, Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity
GHK‑Cu and Its Role in Wound Healing
1. → Accelerates the Healing Process
GHK‑Cu supports all four phases of wound healing—hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling—by promoting angiogenesis and enhancing the expression of TGF‑β and VEGF, which are critical for new tissue formation and vascularization.
“The human peptide GHK stimulates blood vessel and nerve outgrowth, increases collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, and supports fibroblast activity in aged skin.”— Pickart & Margolina, International Journal of Molecular Sciences
2. → Stimulates Cell Proliferation
GHK‑Cu increases the proliferation of:
→ Fibroblasts, responsible for producing collagen and extracellular matrix→ Keratinocytes, essential for re‑epithelialization and skin barrier restoration
This leads to faster wound closure, reduced scarring, and more effective tissue regeneration.
“GHK-Cu accelerates wound healing, improves the take of transplanted skin, and enhances keratinocyte proliferation and epidermal regeneration.”— Pickart, Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity
3. → Regulates Enzymatic Remodeling
During the remodeling phase, GHK‑Cu balances extracellular matrix degradation and rebuilding by modulating matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs).
→ Clears damaged ECM→ Promotes proper collagen remodeling→ Enhances long-term tissue strength
“GHK-Cu regulates both MMPs and their inhibitors, enabling balanced matrix remodeling and improved skin regeneration.”— Pickart et al., Biomed Research International
4. → Reduces Excess Inflammation
Chronic or prolonged inflammation can delay wound healing. GHK‑Cu limits this by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α) and promoting antioxidant defenses.
→ Decreases oxidative stress→ Promotes anti-inflammatory gene expression→ Supports healing in diabetic ulcers and chronic wounds
“GHK-Cu reduces inflammatory cytokines and increases antioxidant enzyme levels, contributing to accelerated healing and reduced scarring.”— Pickart, Geriatrics
Summary: Why GHK-Cu Is a Skincare Breakthrough
Benefit | Mechanism | Application |
Collagen & Elastin Boost | Stimulates ECM production | Anti-aging, wrinkle reduction |
Antioxidant Protection | Neutralizes free radicals | Environmental stress defense |
Brightening Effect | Regulates melanocyte activity | Hyperpigmentation reduction |
Barrier Repair | Enhances epidermal strength | Moisture retention, sensitivity support |
Wound Healing | Stimulates growth factors and angiogenesis | Post-procedure recovery, chronic wounds |
GHK-cu 50mg
Dosing & Reconstitution Guide
Educational guide for reconstitution and dosing protocol
Standard / Gradual Approach (3 mL = ~16.7 mg/mL)
WEEK
DAILY DOSAGE (MG)
UNITS (PER INJECTION)
Weeks 1–4
1 mg once daily
~6 units (0.06 mL)
Weeks 5–8
2 mg once daily
~12 units (0.12 mL)
Reconstitute one 50 mg vial with 3 mL of bacteriostatic water (do not exceed 3 mL). This creates a ~16.7 mg/mL solution. Note: A 1 mg dose is about 6 units, which is under 10 units. For greater precision, consider using smaller (50-unit or 30-unit) insulin syringes.
Draw 3.0 mL of bacteriostatic water into a sterile syringe.
Inject the water slowly along the vial wall to reduce foaming.
Gently swirl the vial—avoid vigorous shaking.
Store the reconstituted solution at 2–8 °C (refrigerator), protected from light.