This Wrinkle-Smoothing Ingredient Doesn't Get Nearly Enough Hype

We say it all the time here at mbg: Your skin is a reflection of your overall health and your body's largest organ. So that being said, if you're really serious about increasing longevity and health span, you'll want to make skin health a significant part of the equation. 

Just take it from Dave Asprey: On a recent episode of the mindbodygreen podcast, the professional biohacker and founder of Bulletproof discussed the importance of minerals for energy and overall health—some of which you can actually absorb through your skin. 

When Asprey mentions rubbing copper on your skin, what he's really referring to is copper peptides. Peptides are chains of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds that act as chemical "messengers" for the skin when applied topically, signaling your cells to produce more collagen, elastin, and keratin, board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, M.D., previously told mbg. 

There are many types of peptides, each with a unique efficacy and function; for instance, some peptides are known for reducing inflammation, while others are superb at barrier support. You can read all about the different types here, but just know that copper peptides are A+ for collagen production. 

See, "The skin does naturally contain copper," says board-certified dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali, M.D., FAAD, founder of Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery, and it's essential for fibroblast proliferation, upregulating collagen and elastin fiber components, and wound healing. By applying copper peptides topically on the skin, he says you can stimulate collagen production and slow down wrinkle formation. 

You'll likely find copper peptides in various antioxidant serums and moisturizers since its main gig is to provide collagen-building benefits. "In formulas, it pairs well with other skin care actives like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid," Bhanusali notes. You might even want to use copper peptides alongside other known collagen-enhancing ingredients, like AHAs (only at night), collagen powders, and the aforementioned vitamin C.

Here's the thing about copper: It's an essential mineral, but it can cause GI discomfort, abdominal pain, and even organ toxicity3 if you get too much. True toxicity is pretty rare for most people, and even more so in skin care formulations. The products you use will not have nearly enough of a copper concentration to wreak havoc (especially if you use them as directed), but still, it's something to keep in mind with the mineral.