It is always easier to prevent the damage than to repair it later. To an important degree, skin aging is caused by the accumulation of minor day-to-day damage from detergents, abrasions, acne, wind, sun and so forth. As these small lesions heal, they leave microscopic imperfections, which, eventually, accumulate to become evident signs of aging. While it needs to be further researched, it seems that copper peptides can help reduce the harm from daily wear and tear of the skin. For example, one study shown that copper peptides helped recover 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 intact 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 lesser degree, in wrinkles). They also promote the production of "regular" collagen found in normal skin. In one short study, copper peptides promoted collagen production 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 use of copper peptides stimulates collagen production and has antioxidant effect (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 stimulates free radical harm and collagen rupture leading to premature skin aging. These problems do not appear to happen among the majority of copper peptide users. However, there are anecdotal reports showing that such side-effects might happen 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 several types of skin lesions is well established. It is likely that copper peptides can slow down the formation of the signs of skin aging by reducing the consequences 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 significant skin harm in some cases of over use or high sensitivity.