This may be due to copper's ability to enhance the expression of metalloproteinases (MMPs).16 MMPs normally regulate the degradation of collagen, and a specific one, MMP-1, may be responsible for the initiation of collagen fragmentation.17 Supporting this, a 2024 study noted that elevated MMP-1 levels appear to contribute to aging skin and that higher MMP-1 levels in mice led to:18 The loss and fragmentation of dermal collagen fibrils Contracted fibroblast morphology Reduced collagen production Increased expression of pro-inflammatory mediators Additionally, a 2016 study found that GHK-Cu significantly increased gene expression of MMP-1 and MMP-2 at the lowest concentration, which the studys authors considered to be one of the reasons the peptide was able to increase collagen and elastin production.19 So, what this could ultimately mean is that using too much GHK-Cu (or other copper peptides) may in theory increase the skins MMP-1 concentration above the levels involved in healthy collagen production, taking it into the collagen fragmentation and breakdown territory seen in older skin with naturally higher MMP-1 levels

10 mg Vial Reconstitution BAC water added 2 mL Concentration 5,000 mcg/mL 250 mcg dose volume 0.05 mL = 5 units 500 mcg dose volume 0.10 mL = 10 units Doses per vial at 250 mcg 40 BAC water added 3 mL Concentration 3,333 mcg/mL 250 mcg dose volume 0.075 mL = ~7.5 units 500 mcg dose volume 0.15 mL = 15 units Doses per vial at 250 mcg 40 Units shown are U-100 insulin syringe units (where 100 units = 1.0 mL)
Intake of bean fiber, beans, and grains and reduced risk of hormone receptornegative breast cancer: the San Francisco Bay Area Breast Cancer Study
Cosmeceuticals and Cosmetic Practice