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Dr. Pickart’s Copper Peptides – from Magic to Science
Ancient mages and alchemists striving to find the Fountain of Youth were the first to discover the remarkable rejuvenating effects of young blood. For centuries, young blood was a key ingredient in many magic potions. However, it was not until the twentieth century when the ancient magic of rejuvenation finally received scientific validation.
Scientists had been interested in the youth preserving ingredients of young blood for years. In 1973, Dr. Loren Pickart (then a young scientist working on his PhD thesis in San Francisco) observed that when blood from young patients was added to liver cells obtained from older patients, old liver cells began to secrete proteins characteristic of young cells.
When blood from older patients was added to young liver cells, those cells started producing proteins like old cells. Dr. Pickart was then able to isolate the ingredient responsible for this rejuvenating effect, a peptide consisting of only three amino acids – glycine, histidine and lysine.
The most remarkable quality of this peptide was its high affinity for copper ions. Now, this molecule is known as tripeptide GHK-Cu, where GHK represent three amino acids – glycine-histidine-lysine- and Cu stands for copper (II).
For information, see the following chapters:
• How to Care for Sensitive and Extra Dry Skin
The Pandora's Box Opened – Discoveries Pile Up
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In those days, Dr. Pickart possessed no idea what kind of Pandora's Box he had opened. Would his discovery bring only hard work or hope and pleasure to many? Adding momentum to this growing scientific movement, a group in France began investigating the remarkable wound healing properties of GHK-Cu, and they observed its ability to boost collagen, elastin and DNA production in skin.
More wound healing studies followed in different laboratories all over the world – GHK was discovered to heal such difficult to manage wounds as diabetic and ischemic wounds, to help heal bones and ligaments (even horses’ hoofs), improve hair growth, repair skin cells damaged by X-rays (DNA repair), and improve blood vessel growth, accelerating healing processes.
Researchers found that it also demonstrated remarkable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. A number of clinical studies showed its ability to improve the appearance of aging skin – to reduce wrinkles and mottled pigmentation, and to improve skin elasticity and thickness; this small, blue molecule is now recognized as an essential anti-aging agent. Recent investigation indicates that this molecule is also an effective gene regulator. GHK was selected out of 1,309 compounds studied as one of the two molecules that can down-regulate expression of 70% of genes that are overexpressed in aggressive metastatic cancer, preventing healthy tissue from becoming malignant.
Dr. Pickart’s Skin Research
Since many effects of the GHK-Cu peptide were observed in skin and hair, Dr. Pickart eventually developed a keen interest in skin and its various disorders. He noticed a great similarity between the skin remodeling process in the course of wound healing and skin rejuvenation. Could there be an inexpensive way to present this regenerative small protein fragment to the general public? In 1985, Dr. Pickart started a company (Procyte) to turn his discoveries into useful products.
Between 1986 and 1990, he found that creams containing GHK-Cu, when applied to human skin, increased the thickness of the dermis and epidermis, increased skin elasticity, improved wrinkles and pigmentation and resulted in removing imperfections such as blotchiness and damage marks.
Today, Dr. Pickart continues to investigate the useful properties of the GHK-Cu peptide. A second generation of copper-peptides has been developed with even more pronounced skin rejuvenating properties.
In the four decades that he has spent researching the causes and mechanisms of aging, Dr. Pickart couldn't help but notice how often cosmetic products that promise skin improvement actually do the opposite, damaging the skin and hampering its natural healing processes.
Alternatively, he recommends a gentle, easy-to-use approach that allows for babying the skin back to health, assisting inherent repair forces within the skin. Consumers should tackle their skin care issues by using reputable products that are rigorously tested for safety, purity, and efficacy.
Your Skin Has Power
Your skin is endowed with regenerative power. This means that given an adequate supply of nutrients, protection from environmental assaults and available regenerative regulators, it will heal itself, repair damage, rebuild its structures and restore its glowing appearance and natural resilience.
Many methods used by modern cosmetology bring fast and impressive results. However, since they violate the skin’s biology and impair natural protective systems, the effects do not last. Sometimes, skin looks worse by morning – Cinderella becomes Count Dracula.
Only by respecting the skin’s biology, by following its rules and obeying its laws, can we reverse damage and turn back the wrinkled hands of time. The result may be not as quick as many modern treatments promise you, but if you learn to be patient and make it a habit to nurture your skin and support its regenerative power, you will be rewarded with a radiant appearance.
Explore this site to discover natural, effective methods of caring for your skin to avoid damage and to bring forth its radiant beauty. A flawless, attractive complexion has the power to influence and attract others, a gift of confidence that is well worth the wait.
Any suggestions mentioned are not for the treatment or prevention of any skin disease or condition.
If you have a special skin concern, please consult a physician or dermatologist first.
Questions or Advice?
Ask Dr. Loren Pickart: drlorenpickart@gmail.com
Call us at 1-800-405-1912 Monday through Friday (8 am to 6 pm) PST