GHK-Cu: The Longevity & Skin Copper Peptide Guide

What is GHK-Cu?

GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-Histidyl-L-Lysine Copper) is a naturally occurring copper peptide complex found in human blood, saliva, and urine. It was first discovered in the 1970s and has since become one of the most researched peptides for:

• Skin rejuvenation and anti-aging
• Hair regrowth and follicle health
• Wound healing and tissue repair
• Collagen synthesis and skin elasticity

Why GHK-Cu Declines with Age

Your body's natural GHK-Cu levels are highest in your 20s and decline significantly by age 60. This decline correlates with:

• Slower wound healing
• Reduced skin firmness and elasticity
• Thinning hair and slower growth
• Decreased collagen production

The Copper Connection

The copper (Cu) bound to GHK is essential - it's what makes this peptide uniquely effective. Copper plays a critical role in:

• Collagen and elastin synthesis
• Antioxidant enzyme function
• Wound healing processes
• Hair follicle health

Visual Indicator: Properly reconstituted GHK-Cu has a distinctive blue tint due to the copper content.

Benefits of GHK-Cu

Skin & Anti-Aging

Clinical studies have shown GHK-Cu can:

• Stimulate collagen production - Increases skin firmness and reduces wrinkles
• Boost elastin synthesis - Improves skin elasticity
• Reduce hyperpigmentation - Evens out skin tone
• Reset gene expression - Shifts aged skin cell patterns toward younger profiles
• Accelerate healing - Reduces wound healing time by 30-50%

Research shows that after 12 weeks of use, participants noted significant reduction in coarse wrinkles and improved overall skin appearance.

Hair Regrowth

GHK-Cu promotes hair growth through multiple mechanisms:

• Stimulates hair follicle cells - Activates dermal papilla cells
• Improves scalp circulation - New blood vessel formation delivers nutrients
• Inhibits TGF-beta - Prevents premature follicle shrinking
• Reduces inflammation - Creates healthier scalp environment
• Non-hormonal - Safe for both men and women (unlike finasteride)

Best results for hair typically appear after 8-12 weeks of consistent use, with meaningful cosmetic changes often taking 3-6 months.

Wound Healing & Tissue Repair

GHK-Cu enhances all phases of wound healing:

• Reduces inflammation
• Promotes new blood vessel formation
• Increases collagen deposition
• Accelerates tissue remodeling

Reconstitution Guide

For a 50mg Vial

Recommended: Add 2.5mL bacteriostatic water = 20mg/mL

Dosing calculation:

• For 1mg dose: 0.05mL (5 units on U-100 syringe)
• For 2mg dose: 0.1mL (10 units on U-100 syringe)

Step-by-Step Mixing

1. Allow vials to reach room temperature
2. Clean vial tops with alcohol swabs
3. Draw bacteriostatic water into sterile syringe
4. Inject slowly down vial wall - avoid direct stream on powder
5. Swirl gently - DO NOT SHAKE
6. Verify appearance - Solution should be clear with a blue tint
7. Label with date and concentration
8. Refrigerate immediately at 2-8°C (36-46°F)

Storage

Lyophilized (Powder):

• Store frozen at -20°C (-4°F)
• Stable for 12+ months
• Keep dry and protected from light

Reconstituted:

• Refrigerate at 2-8°C (36-46°F)
• Use within 30 days
• Never freeze reconstituted solution
• Discard if cloudy, discolored, or loses blue tint

Dosing Protocol

Standard Injectable Protocol

| Protocol | Dose | Frequency | Duration |

|----------|------|-----------|----------|

| Anti-Aging | 1-2mg | 3x weekly | 8-12 weeks |

| Skin Rejuvenation | 2mg | Daily | 30 days |

| Hair Growth | 2mg | 3x weekly | 12-16 weeks |

| Wound Healing | 1-2mg | Daily | Until healed |

Fixed Dosing

Unlike some peptides, GHK-Cu uses fixed doses rather than weight-based calculations:

• Standard dose: 1-2mg per injection
• Maximum: 2mg per injection, up to daily

Timing

• Best time: Morning injection preferred
• Food timing: Not affected by meals - inject whenever convenient
• Consistency: Same time each day for best results

Injection Guide

Administration

GHK-Cu is administered via subcutaneous injection into fatty tissue.

Injection Sites (Rotate)

• Abdomen - 2 inches from navel
• Thigh - Front or outer thigh
• Upper arm - Back of arm

Injection Technique

1. Clean injection site with alcohol swab
2. Pinch a fold of skin
3. Insert needle at 45-90 degree angle
4. Inject slowly and steadily
5. Wait 5-10 seconds before withdrawing
6. Rotate sites to prevent irritation

Tips

• Do NOT aspirate for subcutaneous injections
• Rotate sites systematically to avoid lipohypertrophy
• Use insulin syringes for accurate dosing

Cycling Protocol

Recommended Cycle

Standard: 30 days on, 14 days off

Extended: 8-12 weeks on, 4 weeks off (may extend to 16 weeks)

Why Cycling Matters

While GHK-Cu is naturally occurring, cycling helps:

• Prevent potential copper accumulation
• Maintain peptide effectiveness
• Allow tissue response normalization
• Assess baseline improvements

Important: Avoid taking additional copper supplements during GHK-Cu use.

What to Expect

Week 1-2

• Possible mild injection site redness (temporary)
• Beginning of healing response
• No visible changes yet

Week 4-6

• Improved skin texture and hydration
• Enhanced wound healing if applicable
• Hair may feel stronger

Week 8-12

• Noticeable skin improvements
• Reduced fine lines and wrinkles
• Hair growth visible in thinning areas
• Improved skin firmness

Month 3-6 (for hair)

• Significant hair regrowth in weakened follicles
• Improved hair density
• Better scalp health

Managing Side Effects

Common Side Effects (Rare)

• Temporary injection site redness
• Mild itching or irritation
• Brief discomfort during injection

How to Minimize

• Rotate injection sites
• Inject slowly
• Allow solution to warm slightly before injection
• Ensure proper sterile technique

When to Stop

Discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider if you experience:

• Severe or persistent skin reaction
• Signs of allergic response
• Unusual symptoms

Stacking GHK-Cu

For Maximum Anti-Aging

• GHK-Cu + NAD+ - Cellular rejuvenation + collagen synthesis
• GHK-Cu + Epitalon - Skin repair + telomere support

For Hair Growth

• GHK-Cu + BPC-157 - Popular combination in hair restoration
• Works synergistically for follicle health

For Healing

• GHK-Cu + TB-500 - Tissue repair + flexibility
• GHK-Cu + BPC-157 - Comprehensive healing support

Topical vs Injectable

Topical Application

• Best for localized skin or scalp treatment
• Concentrations: 0.1-1% in skincare products
• Apply 1-2x daily to clean, dry skin
• Results take longer (3-6 months for hair)

Injectable

• Systemic benefits throughout body
• Faster onset of effects
• More efficient delivery
• Better for comprehensive anti-aging

Many users combine both - injections for systemic benefits plus topical for targeted areas.

Contraindications

GHK-Cu may not be suitable for those with:

• Wilson's disease (genetic copper overload disorder)
• Copper allergy
• Active cancer (GHK-Cu promotes cell growth - relative contraindication)

Important Notes

• GHK-Cu is non-hormonal - safe for both men and women
• Results are cumulative - consistency is key
• Best results come from a holistic approach - healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep
• While effective for hair thinning, it may not reverse advanced baldness

Research Disclaimer

GHK-Cu is available as a research peptide and in cosmetic formulations. It is not FDA-approved for treating specific medical conditions. This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting any peptide regimen. Individual results may vary.