It is always easier to avoid the damage than to fix it later. To a significant degree, skin aging is caused by the accumulation of minor day-to-day damage from wind, detergents, sun, acne, abrasions and so forth. As these minute injuries heal, they produce microscopic imperfections, which, eventually, accumulate to become evident signs of aging. While it remains to be further researched, it appears that copper peptides can help reduce the damage from daily wear and tear of the skin. For instance, one study demonstrated that copper peptides helped restore skin integrity after exposure to SLS, a common detergent used in many shampoos, cleansers, and dishwashing/laundry products.

It remains unclear whether copper peptides can reverse wrinkles and other symptoms of aging in the healthy skin. Theoretically, it is possible since copper peptides promote the degradation of exceptionally large cross-linked collagen (the one found in scars and, to a minor degree, in wrinkles). They also promote the synthesis of "regular" collagen found in normal skin. In one small study, copper peptides promoted collagen synthesis in the intact skin. In fact, in that study copper peptides yielded a stronger stimulation of collagen production than tretinoin (Retin A, Renova) or ascorbate (vitamin C).

While controlled application of copper peptides stimulates collagen production and has antioxidant effect (by stimulating the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase), excessive use of copper peptides taken from soy proteins can have an opposite effect by elevating the levels of free copper. Free copper stimulates free radical damage and collagen breakdown leading to premature skin aging. These problems do not seem to happen among the majority of copper peptide users. However, there are curious reports indicating that such side-effects can appear with overuse or, rarely, even normal use in sensitive people. Ideally, a sufficiently large study is needed to better evaluate these risk.

Finally, copper peptides are a promising skin treatment with an excellent safety profile. Their capability to improve the healing of various types of skin injuries is well established. It is likely that copper peptides may slow down the formation of the signs of skin aging by reducing the effects of daily wear and tear. Also, copper peptides may improve the results of the skin rejuvenation treatments based on controlled skin injury, such as laser resurfacing, dermabrasion and peels. Also, it appears that certain copper peptide products may cause rare but significant skin damage in some cases of over use or high sensitivity.