By Amy Tara Koch

Americans who quest for youthful skin may find their antidote in the form of copper peptide products, the revolutionary anti-aging technology which combats wrinkles, firms skin, and secures a smoother complexion without the harsh aftermath of popular wrinkle fighting treatments like acid peels, dermabrasion, or retinoids. Anti-aging potions are the beauty obsession du jour. Sadly, women often discover that forking over $50 for “youth in a jar” at Bloomingdales often does not deliver the radiance of yore. Copper Peptides’ claim to fame lies in both its success in the anti-aging arena and the fact that its benefits are championed by doctors and skincare experts, not just department stores.

The presence of copper in living tissue has been known for more than 200 years. In ancient times, copper bracelets were worn to ease painful joints and muscles. Almost every cell in our body relies on copper to jumpstart the enzymes necessary for skin healing and renewal. When one falls off a bike, for example, copper bolsters the enzymes to heal the scab and create new skin. Copper’s debut in the beauty arena came about by way of science. The cosmetics industry kicked into high gear to harness copper’s restorative powers when they noted the success doctors had in healing the wounds (and renewing the skin) of ulcer patients and burn victims with copper-infused ointments.

Cutting-edge dermatologist Dr. Amy Newburger of Columbia University has virtually replaced the use of Alpha hydroxy acids and retinoid treatments in her office with copper peptides. “Alphahydroxy acids, retinoids, and vitamin C solutions can beat up the skin. There is an enormous amount of science behind copper peptides. They are ideal for patients with sensitive skin (like rosacea) and patients who seek rejuvenation and clarity.” “Copper peptides are cosmeceutical – everyone can use them,” explains Nina Curtis, founder of the Niles Institute in Beverly Hills. “Copper peptides fuse the best of wisdom and nature in the twenty-first century.”

Beware! Not all copper peptides are the same. One cannot simply melt pennies (or copper salts) and blend them into cream. Copper must be technologically melded into a format which mimics the body’s copper transport mechanisms. Healthcare authority ProCyte introduced a high-tech patented version of copper peptides to the public three years ago in three different formulas – Simple Solutions for spas, Neova for medical professionals, and Johnson& Johnson’s (Neutrogena’s Visibly Firm) for the mass market.

Annette Hanson, founder of Simple Solutions, categorizes copper peptides as “a breakthrough in anti-aging.” Hanson describes the results of using copper peptides by invoking the Six Rs: “repairs elasticity, reduces wrinkles, relieves redness, replaces moisture, restores antioxidants, and reinstates radiance.” Charmaine Tulloch, founder of Chicago-based day spa Love the Skin You’re In, describes copper peptide treatments as “a multivitamin for the skin – essential for people over twenty-five”.

For more information on spas that offer copper peptides services please visit healinglifestyles.com.

January/February 2004

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