It is always easier to avoid the damage than to fix it later. To an important degree, skin aging is inflicted by the accumulation of minor day-to-day aggressions from abrasions, detergents, sun, acne, wind and so forth. As these minute lesions heal, they leave microscopic imperfections, which, eventually, accumulate to become visible signs of aging. While it remains to be further researched, it seems that copper peptides can help minimize the damage from daily wear and tear of the skin. For instance, one study demonstrated that copper peptides helped restore skin continuity after exposure to SLS, a common detergent found in many shampoos, cleansers, and dishwashing/laundry solutions.

It remains unclear whether copper peptides can eliminate wrinkles and other signs of aging in the intact skin. Hypothetically, it is possible since copper peptides stimulate the rupture of exceptionally large cross-linked collagen (the one produced in scars and, to a minor degree, in wrinkles). They also stimulate the synthesis of "regular" collagen found in healthy skin. In one small study, copper peptides stimulated collagen synthesis in the intact skin. In fact, in that research copper peptides produced a stronger stimulation of collagen synthesis than tretinoin (Retin A, Renova) or ascorbate (vitamin C).

While moderate application of copper peptides promotes collagen synthesis and has antioxidant action (by promoting the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase), excessive use of copper peptides extracted from soy proteins can have a negative effect by increasing the levels of free copper. Free copper promotes free radical damage and collagen breakdown leading to accelerated skin aging. These problems do not appear to occur among the majority of copper peptide users. However, there are anecdotal reports indicating that such side-effects might happen with overuse or, rarely, even normal use in sensitive individuals. Ideally, a sufficiently large research is needed to better evaluate these risk.

Finally, copper peptides are a promising skin treatment with an excellent safety profile. Their ability to improve the healing of various types of skin lesions is well established. It is likely that copper peptides can slow down the development of the signs of skin aging by reducing the consequences of daily wear and tear. Also, copper peptides can improve the results of the skin rejuvenation treatments based on controlled skin damage, such as laser resurfacing, dermabrasion and peels. Also, it seems that certain copper peptide solutions can cause rare but important skin damage in some cases of over use or unusual sensitivity.