In snail organism cells, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are primarily found inside granules and in the shell, and are produced on the exterior of the shell as a mucous-like material. Snail glycosaminoglycan tightly binds divalent copper cations (Cu 2 ) that form copper peptides. This substance reportedly has skin rejuvenation properties. The concentration of copper in the snail mucins is impressive.

Copper peptides have been demonstrated to be active in just minute amounts:

Copper-induced vascular endothelial growth factor expression and wound healing. Sen CK, Khanna S, Venojarvi M, Trikha P, Ellison EC, Hunt TK, Roy S. 2002 May;282(5):H1821-7.

Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Department of Surgery, 512 Davis Heart & Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.

Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, plays a vital role in injury healing. Among many recognized growth factors, the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is believed to be the most prevailing, efficient, and long-term signal that is recognized to promote angiogenesis in injuries. Whereas the active role of copper in facilitating angiogenesis has been known for the past 20 years, the specific targets of copper activity remained unclear.

This report includes initial evidence, showing that inducible VEGF expression is sensitive to copper production, and that the angiogenic potential of copper may be harnessed to accelerate dermal injury contraction and closure.

In physiologically normal proportions, copper sulfate induced VEGF expression has be proven to mutate human keratinocytes. Copper used some of the mechanisms utilized by hypoxia to regulate VEGF expression. Topical copper sulfate speeded up the closure of excisional murine dermal injuries, permitting incisions to heal by secondary intention. Copper-sensitive mechanisms regulate key intermediaries of injury healing, such as angiogenesis and extracellular matrix remodeling.

Copper-based therapeutics represents a feasible approach to promote dermal injury healing, including it among the likely components of natural skin care treatments.

Certain kinds of copper peptide complexes possess both tissue defense and repairing properties. Copper has protective and regenerative actions on several organ systems includinggastric mucosa,bone, skin, hair follicles and intestinal linings. These kinds of copper complexes are increasingly used in cosmetic skin and hair care solutions because of their ability to trigger the regeneration of skin. You will find them among other dermatological skin renewal options, such as chemical peels, laser resurfacing and dermabrasion, to improve post-treatment skin recovery.

Stop Aging in its Tracks

The principal interest in copper peptides is in the area of retarding the effects of human aging and ultraviolet damage of the human skin. During the aging process, skin becomes thinner and is prone to accumulating various skin lesions and blemishes. Within the dermis and epidermis, thin and subcutaneous fat cells decrease in quantity.

Several studies have shown that the application of copper peptide creams to the human skin is even more efficient in promoting collagen development than retinoic acid or vitamin C. It also augments the thickness of the epidermis and dermis, improves cellular regeneration, minimizes wrinkles and removes skin blemishes such as blotchiness and sun damage marks.