You're shopping for skincare with "active" ingredients and want to learn what you're putting on your face and how it works — we got you covered.
In this article, we'll look at two popular peptides used in anti-aging skincare: Matrixl and copper peptides.
What Is Matrixyl?
Matrixyl is a trademarked synthetic peptide developed by Sederma, a company specializing in developing active cosmetics ingredients. This ingredient is used in anti-aging serums and creams, promising to reduce signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines.
Matrixyl is a signal peptide that mimics the skin's natural processes, communicating the need to produce more collagen and elastin — two main proteins that support the skin's structure.
What is Matrixyl 3000?
Matrixyl 3000 is a common form of Matrixyl made up of two peptides: palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7. These peptides work in tandem to stimulate collagen production, which can help fill in fine lines and wrinkles by naturally firming and plumping the skin.
What Are Copper Peptides?
Copper peptides are naturally occurring peptides that combine copper molecules and amino acids. Copper is important in the skin for supporting processes such as wound healing and elastin and collagen production.
GHK-Cu (Glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu(II)) is the most well-known and studied copper peptide, often called GHK-Cu.
Copper peptides are carrier peptides, which means they deliver trace elements — in this case, copper — to the skin for various enzymatic processes that support overall skin health. You might find this ingredient at your dermatologist or medi-spa clinics in injectable forms, but it’s more commonly found in over-the-counter skincare serums and creams.
Another popular use for copper peptides is in hair care. Good scalp care is important for encouraging healthy hair growth, and the same benefits copper peptides provide for the face may also help with follicle health.
Copper Peptides Vs. Matrixyl
Both copper peptides and Matrixyl are reputable active skincare ingredients that support aging skin. Choosing between the two will depend on your specific skin goals and concerns.
Let's break this down.
Copper Peptide Benefits
- Wound Healing: One aspect that sets copper peptides apart from Matrixyl is their actions in the skin healing process. They combine their anti-inflammatory properties with collagen and elastin production.
- Antioxidant Protection: Copper peptides may provide antioxidant protection, helping to defend the skin against free-radical management, which is known to speed up signs of aging.
- Fine Lines and Wrinkles: As we've mentioned, copper peptides' primary action is to encourage the skin's production of collagen and elastin, helping to strengthen skin elasticity and firmness.
Considerations When Using Copper Peptides
Because they act on dynamic lines, wound healing, and scarring, copper peptides are a multifunctional active ingredient suitable for different types of skin concerns, from acne, scarring, and signs of aging.
That being said, copper peptides do have limitations. You shouldn't combine your copper peptide products with your vitamin C or retinol (vitamin A) in the same skincare routine, as this could potentially reduce the effectiveness of these active ingredients.
Matryxl Benefits
- Targeted Anti-Aging Ingredient: Matryxl's main action is signaling the body's natural process of creating collagen proteins. This helps to support firmness, tightening up early signs of wrinkling and fine lines, and gives the overall appearance of smooth skin.
Considerations When Using Matryxl
Matryxl is generally tolerated for all skin types, but it's always a good idea to patch test before applying it liberally. This ingredient could be your pick for those concerned about fine lines and wrinkles.
Like copper peptides, it's best to avoid high concentrations of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) in the same routine, as this can interact with the peptides and reduce their effectiveness. Other things you should avoid using in the same routine are lactic acid, AHA, BHA, and other chemical exfoliants, as using these actives simultaneously can increase the risk of irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin.
However, with continued use over months as part of a gentle skincare routine, you could start to see the results you've hoped for. You don't have to pick just one active peptide over the other in your skincare routine.
Can You Use Matryxl and Copper Peptides Together
You can use Matryxl and copper peptide in the same skincare routine. Both ingredients offer complimentary benefits that may enhance your overall skin health and anti-aging results.
Copper peptides and Matrixyl stimulate collagen production but through different mechanisms. Matrixyl mimics broken-down collagen fragments to signal the skin to produce more collagen, while copper peptides encourage skin repair and, in this process, boost collagen production directly.
Combining these two ingredients may help provide a broader range of benefits to your routine — doubling down on anti-aging potential and providing wound healing properties.
The Takeaway: Matryxl and Copper Peptides
To conclude this article, Matryxl and copper peptides are well-tolerated and popular active skincare peptides that, in the right formulation, support healthier-looking and more youthful skin.
Matrixyl is a synthetic and proprietary peptide that excels in stimulating collagen production, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improving skin firmness and elasticity.
On the other hand, copper peptides are found in nature and can be produced in a lab environment to provide comprehensive skin health benefits, including supporting wound healing, anti-inflammatory properties, and antioxidant protection. These ingredients can transform your skincare routine, delivering noticeable results and long-term skin improvement.
At Neurogan Health, we're committed to offering top-quality skincare solutions that harness the best of science and nature. Our Copper Peptide skincare line includes serums, face creams, and even a hair spray designed to create a healthy environment for hair growth.
Find out for yourself the synergy of advanced ingredients and thoughtful formulations that make Neurogan Health a trusted choice for your wellness needs.
