It is always easier to avoid the damage than to repair it later. To a significant degree, skin aging is caused by the accumulation of minor day-to-day aggressions from detergents, acne, sun, abrasions, wind and so forth. As these small lesions heal, they leave microscopic blemishes, which, eventually, accumulate to become evident signs of aging. While it remains to be further researched, it seems that copper peptides can help minimize the harm from daily wear and tear of the skin. For example, one study shown 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 uncertain whether copper peptides can eliminate wrinkles and other symptoms of aging in the healthy skin. Theoretically, it is possible since copper peptides stimulate the degradation of abnormally 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 healthy skin. In one small study, copper peptides stimulated 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 promotes collagen production and has antioxidant action (by promoting the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase), exaggerated use of copper peptides taken from soy proteins can have an opposite effect by increasing the levels of free copper. Free copper promotes free radical harm and collagen rupture leading to accelerated skin aging. These problems do not seem to occur among the majority of copper peptide users. However, there are anecdotal reports showing that such side-effects can happen with overuse or, rarely, even normal use in sensitive individuals. 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 several 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 effects of daily wear and tear. Also, copper peptides can augment 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 products can cause rare but important skin harm in some cases of over use or high sensitivity.