The regenerative properties of the NL-GHK-Cu peptide for skin. Peptide therapy for the elimination of post-surgical and post-acne scars.

Peptide therapy with NL-GHK-Cu stimulates regenerative processes, thereby leading to the elimination of scars of various origins and reducing the risk of such skin lesions.

Introduction

NL-GHK-Cu, as a signaling peptide, consists of 3 amino acids: glycine, histidine, and lysine, structurally bound with copper. The copper binding is particularly important, as many enzymes in the human body cannot function without it. Copper is present in numerous enzymes in the body, including the important antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD). The NL-GHK-Cu peptide promotes highly effective regenerative processes in damaged skin, including scars of various origins, visibly alleviating existing scars as well as inhibiting the formation of new ones.

SKIN STRUCTURE

The skin covering our body is considered the largest organ of the human body. The condition of our skin often reflects the condition of the entire organism. The skin is composed of three layers: the epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. The first layer, the epidermis, is the outermost layer of the skin and consists of the basal, spinous, granular, lucid, and horny layers. The epidermis has no blood or lymphatic vessels. The dermis consists of the papillary and reticular layers, as well as skin appendages. The subcutaneous tissue, together with the adipose tissue it contains, gives shape to the skin. It connects the dermis with structures such as tendons, muscles, and bones. Additionally, in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue there are skin appendages, including hair follicles, eccrine and apocrine sweat glands, sebaceous glands, as well as blood and lymphatic vessels and nerve endings. The nerve network is located in the dermis, and the skin is supplied by arterial, venous, and lymphatic circulation. In addition, the skin surface is covered by a lipid film and exfoliated epidermis.

SKIN FUNCTIONS

Human skin performs many physiological functions. As an important physiological organ, it protects internal organs from harmful environmental, physical, chemical, and microbiological factors. It also helps maintain balance between the body and the environment. The most important skin functions include the protective function and thermoregulation, involvement in water and excretory balance, participation in protein and certain compound synthesis, as well as involvement in the metabolism of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. Additionally, it plays an important role in immune responses and in the conduction of sensory stimuli. Healthy skin is free from damage caused by improper care or harmful environmental influences, tolerates changes in temperature and humidity well, and responds properly to most skincare products.

EXPOSOME – FACTORS AFFECTING SKIN CONDITION

The exposome, as a relatively new concept used in research on skin damage, refers to the totality of factors that influence the condition and health of human skin. In general, the exposome consists of all factors the organism is exposed to in everyday life. Exposure to these factors is divided into three groups:

A. Internal factors, including metabolism, hormone levels, body structure, physical activity, gut microbiota, presence of inflammation, oxidative stress, and aging;

B. General external factors related to stress, climate, or living environment (urban/rural);

C. Specific external factors, including chemical pollutants, environmental pollution, infectious agents, radioactivity, smoking, alcohol consumption, work, diet, and sleep deprivation. It is worth noting that 80% of cases of skin deterioration and improper skin condition are associated with an unhealthy lifestyle, which includes many factors such as stress, UV radiation, lack of sleep, poor diet, smog, smoking, and alcohol consumption.

SCAR FORMATION

Scar formation consists of three main phases:

1. Inflammatory or exudative phase The body’s first response after injury is bleeding, followed by clot formation. This clot acts as a natural dressing that protects the wound from contamination and excessive water loss. It also serves as a layer under which healing processes take place. An inflammatory state develops at the injury site, triggering immune responses and skin regeneration processes. At this stage, growth factors are activated, stimulating new tissue formation. The inflammatory phase lasts several days and ends with a cleansing phase in which phagocytic cells (macrophages) remove debris, pathogens, and dead cells from the wound.

2. Proliferative phase During this phase, rapid epithelialization or granulation occurs. New cells are formed at the site of injury. Collagen, the main structural protein of connective tissue, is produced, marking the beginning of scar formation. New blood vessels and cells are also formed, strengthening the damaged tissue.

3. Scar maturation phase The maturation phase involves the complex remodeling of skin at the injury site, including gradual removal of water from the wound. Collagen fibers become more densely packed, forming the basis of the developing scar. The scar becomes covered with epithelium, and the damaged skin strengthens, becoming more resistant to mechanical injury. After two months, with proper healing, the scar is about 80% as strong as healthy skin. However, this phase may last several years, during which the scar continues to remodel, changing its appearance and characteristics. A raised, dark, and hard scar becomes smoother, lighter, and more elastic over time.

TYPES OF SCARS

Types of scars vary depending on different criteria and are classified as follows:

A. By time of formation:

• Immature scars are usually red and slightly raised; over time they become flat. Immature scars may cause discomfort such as itching or even pain.

B. By appearance:

• Hypertrophic scars result from prolonged healing. They overgrow within the damaged skin area, are characteristically red, thickened, raised, and extend above the skin surface.
• Atrophic scars result from the breakdown of collagen fibers. They are round and sunken in shape. This group includes stretch marks and acne scars.
• Keloids are scars that grow beyond the original wound boundary and do not regress spontaneously.

C. By origin:

• Post-surgical scars, resulting from various surgical procedures, are limited to the margins of the original incision.
• Burn scars are extensive, raised, and often itchy or even painful. Their treatment is complex and long-lasting.
• Acne scars most often appear on the face and are typically atrophic. Their size depends on the severity of acne and the healing process.
• Traumatic scars are common in children and in individuals who actively engage in sports.

THE EFFECT OF NL-GHK-CU PEPTIDE ON SCARS

The copper tripeptide NL-GHK-Cu is useful not only in primary treatment but also in tissue remodeling, i.e., restoring normal structure and function to damaged tissue. The peptide accelerates keratinocyte migration and proper collagen synthesis, improves skin thickness, elasticity, and firmness, improves the appearance of wrinkles, photoaging effects, and discoloration, brightens the skin, and tightens proteins forming the protective barrier. In addition, scar formation processes are minimized, and due to direct effects on fibroblasts, protein synthesis is increased. NL-GHK-Cu stimulates an active, multi-dimensional remodeling of the extracellular matrix of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, increasing its elasticity and stability with a visible firming effect. These properties allow NL-GHK-Cu to reduce or even significantly remove scars of various origins, as well as prevent their formation.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. M.Przewłocka-Gągała. Contemporary model of scar management in cosmetology and aesthetic medicine. Aesth Cosmetol Med. 2021;10(1):39-47
2. Newton.V, Bradley.R, Seroul.P, Cherel.M, Novel approaches to characterize age-related remodeling of the dermal-epidermal junction in 2D, 3D and in vivo. Skin Res. 2017; 23:131–148.

3. Amano.S, Characterization and mechanisms of photoageing-related changes in skin. Damages of basement membrane and dermal structures. 2016; 25: 14–19.