The Science-Backed

Benefits of GHK-Cu
for Younger, Healthier Skin
 Restart Your Body’s
Natural Rejuvenation
Process for Smoother,
Healthier Skin
by Debbi Barber

Some of the most common signs of aging include
fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes (crow’s feet)
and mouth (laugh lines) in the mid-to-late 20s or
early 30s. They are caused by decreased collagen
and elastin production, the proteins that give skin
structure and elasticity.
The loss of collagen and fat also leads to a loss
of volume in the face, making the cheeks appear
sunken, the jawline less defined, and lips thinner.
As we age, our skin loses its ability to retain mois-
ture, making it appear drier and less plump. One of
the reasons is the decrease in keratin production, a
protein in the outermost layer of
the epidermis. This decrease can also lead to thin-
ner and more fragile skin and a loss of skin tone,
making the face appear saggy.
A tri-peptide, GHK-Cu, naturally present in your
body, helps keep your skin firm, smooth and hy-
drated. Unfortunately, the levels of GHK-Cu decline
with age. To put things into perspective, someone
20 would have approximately 200ng/mL of GHK. At
60 years of age, this amount goes down to 80 ng/
ML. This represents a 60% decrease in GHK levels
from age 20-60. As a result, our skin loses its firm-
ness and elasticity.
Thankfully, Vitali’s innovative skincare formulas
incorporating GHK-Cu (Copper Peptides) can help
bridge the gap. By mimicking the action of natural
GHK-Cu, these formulas stimulate collagen, elas-
tin, and keratin synthesis, smoothing wrinkles and
plumping the skin, effectively turning back the clock
on your skin’s health. Regularly using these innova-
tive formulas can keep skin looking better despite
aging and environmental damage.
Vitali Skincare is formulated with natural and or-
ganic ingredients; Formulated without Parabens,
Phthalates and free of fragrance and artificial color.
The most basic explanation is that GHK-Cu (Copper
Peptide) causes rejuvenation by telling the body
what to do. To quote Vitali’s Medical Advisor, Dr.
Suzanne Feree, “As far as skin goes, GHK-Cu tells
your skin fibroblast, the STEM Cells of the skin, to
repair and regenerate as if they were younger cells.
We’re talking about every single tissue where this
molecule is used; it is able to repair and regenerate
a more youthful expression of the cell.”
Multiple studies show that this peptide not only
improves the look of skin on a superficial level but
also improves how the body behaves towards the
skin and increases the skin’s overall health.
The Research
Several placebo-controlled clinical studies found
GHK-Cu to improve skin quality in women around
50. A survey of collagen production determined by
studying skin biopsy samples using immuno-
biological techniques found that after applying
creams to the thighs for one month, GHK-peptides
significantly affected collagen production. Increases
were seen in 70% of women treated with GHK-Cu,
in contrast to 50% treated with Vitamin C cream and
40% treated with retinoic acid.

A GHK-Cu facial cream reduced visible signs of
aging after 12 weeks of application to the facial skin
of 71 women with mild to advanced signs of pho-
toaging. The cream improved skin laxity, clarity, and
appearance, reduced fine lines and the depth of
wrinkles, and increased skin density and thickness.
A GHK-Cu eye cream, tested on 41 women
for twelve weeks with mild to advanced photo-
damage, was compared to a placebo control
and an eye cream containing Vitamin K. The
GHK-Cu cream performed better than both
controls in reducing lines & wrinkles, improving
overall appearappearance, & increasing skin
density and thickness.
In another 12-week facial study of 67 women
between 50 and 59 years with mild to advanced
photodamage, a GHK-Cu cream was applied
twice daily and improved skin laxity, clarity,
firmness, and appearance, reduced fine lines,
coarse wrinkles, and mottled pigmentation,
and increased skin density, and thickness.
The cream also strongly stimulated dermal
keratinocyte proliferation as determined
by the histological analysis of biopsies.
Restart your body’s natural rejuvenation
process with Vitali’s beautiful blue Copper
Peptide Skincare products.
 The Power Duo
for Healthy,
Glowing Skin
by Debbi Barber

In our last blog, we explored how the combination of

GHK-Cu Copper Peptides and brown algae battles
the damaging impact of Glycation on the skin. Today,
let’s dive deeper into the benefits brown algae brings,
safeguarding and revitalizing your skin.

At Vitali, we incorporated this powerhouse from the

sea as a part of our skincare line because we believe
in the potency of natural and safe bioactive compounds
found within marine organisms. Brown Algae is loaded
with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, amino acids,
phytonutrients, and essential fatty acids readily
absorbed to nourish and support healthy skin.

In human clinical trials, the Fucus vesiculosus extract,

an ingredient in Vitali Skin Awakening Moisturizer and
Restorative Body Cream, reduced wrinkle depth and
improved overall skin appearance. It was also shown
to reduce age spots and increase radiance.

Vitali’s Restorative Skin Cell Serum is formulated

with the powerful brown Giant Sea Kelp (Macrocystis
pyrifera). This algae contains a variety of polysaccha-
rides that can help to hydrate the skin and strengthen
the skin barrier.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/
S000398610500456X
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/
S1011134416302111

https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/2/2/66
 Revitalize the
Skin Around
your Eyes
by Debbi Barber

Your eyes are often the first thing people notice;

unfortunately, they can show your age. The skin around
the eyes is quite delicate and more susceptible to
wrinkles. A combination of skin movement from the
many expressions we make with our eyes and the loss
of collagen and elastin are the leading causes of wrinkles.

Your skin produces less oil as you age, resulting in drier

skin. This dryness can make wrinkles and fine lines
around your eyes even more pronounced. During the
aging process, the rate at which skin cells renew slows
down, making this delicate area even more fragile.

As we age, our hair follicles produce less hair, resulting

in thinner eyebrows, eyelashes, and hairs on our heads.
Hormonal changes and medications can also cause hair
loss on the eyebrows and eyelashes.

Vitali has created an Advanced Eye and Lash Formula

with four bio-active Peptides that can help to improve
skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles, brighten dark circles, and
enhance eyelash and eyebrow thickness when used
consistently.
These four powerful bio-active peptides are formulat-
ed with natural ingredients such as Sweet Almond Oil,
a non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic oil that gives
the delicate skin around the eyes a soft and smooth
appearance, and Shea Butter. This natural ingredient is
rich in fatty acids, which helps to keep the skin around
the eye hydrated and plump. (Vitali’s Eye and Lash
Cream is made without parabens or phthalates and
free of fragrance and artificial color.)
When it comes to combating the signs of aging around
your eyes, peptides offer a powerful solution. These tiny
protein molecules can revitalize and rejuvenate the
delicate skin around your eyes.
So don’t let wrinkles, crow’s feet and puffy eyes make
you look older than you feel. Harness the power of
peptides and give your eyes the attention they deserve.
Incorporate Vitali’s Advanced Eye and Lash Formula into
your daily skincare routine and unlock the potential for
revitalized, youthful-looking eyes and embrace a more
confident, radiant you.
What Glycation
Does to your Skin
Three Ways to Fight it
by Debbi Barber

This reaction can occur in any tissue in the body and

it happens over time. However, the rate of glycation
can be accelerated by factors such as high sugar
consumption, smoking, increased blood-glucose
levels caused by stress, and oxidative stress caused
by UV exposure, air pollution, or poor lifestyle habits.

Oxidative radicals are the most important participants

in glycation reactions. Antioxidants protect the protein
structure from damage and inhibit the highly reactive
precursor compounds of AGEs (carbonyl compounds)
that result from sugar chain cracking or lipid peroxidation.
When glycation reactions continue for an extended
period, it can undergo further chemical reactions, and
the protein molecules cross-link and form Advanced
Glycation End Products (AGEs). AGEs lead to several
health problems, including diabetes complications,
heart, and Alzheimer’s disease. In recent years, many
scientific studies have revealed that advanced glyca-
tion end products are among the crucial contributory
factors of skin aging.
When sugar molecules bind to collagen and elastin
proteins in the skin, such essential proteins cannot
correctly support the skin’s structure, leading to wrinkles
and other signs of accelerated aging. The external signs
of glycation start to appear between the ages of 30 to 35.
Glycation presents the skin as cross-hatched lines and
wrinkles. If you think of “normal wrinkles, they are linear
and parallel to each other in areas of facial movement.
Lines created by glycation cross over each other and
are often seen over the cheeks and chin.
Comprehensive studies have shown that AGEs not
only reduce skin elasticity, accumulate pigments, and
produce appearance changes such as wrinkles but
also destroy the skin barrier, cause the apoptosis of
skin-related cells, and induce inflammation.
In addition, AGEs are irreversible and difficult to
metabolize. As AGEs accumulate year-by-year, the
skin undergoes profound changes from the inside to
the outside. AGEs affect all levels of the skin, causing
inflammation, ageing, yellowing and other issues.
The good news is that there are steps you can take
to reduce the effects of glycation and keep your skin
looking its best.
1. Eat an anti-AGEs diet. According to Mary Sabat,
Registered Dietician and Nutritionist that means to cut
down on sugars and refined carbohydrates, as they
can elevate blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of
glycation. Opt for complex carbohydrates like whole
grains and veggies instead. Embrace a rainbow of
antioxidant-rich foods, including berries, leafy greens,
and colorful vegetables, as they combat oxidative stress.
2. Use anti-glycation products, such as Vitali
Skincare with GHK-Cu. This potent regenerative
peptide can help your skin in a number of ways by:
• Stimulating the production of collagen and elastin
• Inhibiting the activity of enzymes that break down
collagen and elastin
• Neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidative
stress, which can lead to glycation
Another effective anti-glycation ingredient in
Vitali is brown algae. Brown Algae’s antioxidant
effect protects against the skin’s firming collagen
degradation. It supports cellular energy production,
increasing the skin’s oxygen supply. This process
positively affects cell renewal skin’s overall appearance.
In addition to the GHK-Cu Copper Peptides,
Brown Algae is a key ingredient in the Vitali Serum,
Moisturizer, and Body Cream. Research shows that
Research Links:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9131003/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6073405/
https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/2/3/236
phlorotannins from brown algae inhibited the
formation of advanced glycation end products
by scavenging reactive carbonyls.
3. Consider supplementing with L-Carnosine.
Research has shown Carnosine can prevent AGE
formations through the reduction of blood glucose,
prevention of early glycation, and even reversing
previously formed AGEs. Carnosine is a potent
free-radical scavenger and anti-glycating agent that
inhibits AGE formation and its cross-linked proteins,
helping to keep them functioning correctly. While
you get Carnosine in your diet through animal
protein, supplementing with L-Carnosine can boost
you. Vitali’s Medical Advisor, Dr. Suzanne Ferree
Turner recommends that her patients supplement
with 1,000 milligrams of L-Carnosine daily.
By following these tips, you can help reduce the
effects of glycation and keep your skin looking
healthy and vibrant for years to come.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/
S000398610500456X
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6155720/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33350165/
As we age, our skin becomes a reflection of our
overall health. But the signs of aging are not simply
a result of time passing. There are various factors
at play, many of which we can actually influence.
One such factor is the presence of senescent cells,
which contribute to both intrinsic and extrinsic ag-
ing. These damaged cells stop dividing and cannot
repair themselves, but they don’t die either. Instead,
they release harmful aging factors that affect the
health of your skin and tissues.
Over time, the accumulation of senescent cells not
only leads to aging but also increases the risk of
age-related diseases. Senescence can be induced
prematurely as a consequence of direct and per-
sistent DNA damage, oxidative stress, mitochondri-
al dysfunction and chemotherapy.
Senescent cells can wreak havoc on your skin,
causing wrinkles, age spots, reduced collagen
production, and even the growth of cancer cells.
That’s where GHK-Cu can make a difference.
GHK-Cu, also known as Copper Peptides, has
been scientifically proven to fight aging skin and
prevent the formation of senescent cells. This
powerful peptide combines small amino chains
with blue copper to promote the skin’s natural
ability to restore itself. This powerful peptide
combines small amino chains with blue copper to
promote the skin’s natural ability to restore itself.
Here’s how GHK-Cu accomplishes this:
Unleashing Powerful Antioxidant Activity:
The skin is constantly exposed to damaging
UV radiation, which produces harmful free
radicals known as Reactive Oxygen Species
(ROS). While the skin contains antioxidants to
neutralize these free radicals, excessive sun
exposure can overwhelm its defense system,
leading to oxidative stress and senescence.
GHK-Cu steps in by blocking reactive carbon
species, detoxifying toxic lipid peroxidation
products, and protecting keratinocytes from
lethal UVB radiation.
continued >

UVA rays are more penetrating and affect cells
deeper indirectly damaging DNA and causing
wrinkles. UVB rays damage the outermost layer
of the skin directly damaging DNA and they cause
the most skin cancers. GHK-Cu not only protects
keratinocytes from lethal UVB radiation, GHK-Cu
can activate genes for DNA repair.
Restoring Vitality to Skin Fibroblasts: Fibroblasts
play a crucial role in skin regeneration, but their
activity and function decline with age, resulting in
the loss of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid.
GHK-Cu has been proven to rejuvenate fibroblasts,
restoring their normal function even after exposure
to radioactive treatment.
Activating Genes for DNA Repair: Recent research
has shown that changes in gene activity can be
reversed with the help of natural molecules. GHK-
Cu has the incredible ability to modulate gene
expression, stimulating the activity of DNA repair
genes and resetting them to a healthier state. This
ensures that the skin can effectively repair itself
from the damages caused by metabolic activities
and environmental factors.
Resources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4180391/
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/psc.2455
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34884444/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6073405/
Excessive sun exposure can
overwhelm our skin’s defense
system, leading to oxidative
stress and senescence.
Removing Damaged Proteins: GHK-Cu activates
and strengthens the protective Ubiquitin/Protea-
some System, which is responsible for eliminating
damaged proteins from cells. This crucial system
ensures that cells function properly and aids in re-
pairing DNA damage caused by exposure to harm-
ful Ultraviolet radiation. Research has demonstrated
that activation of Proteasome slows down aging.
Preserving Stem Cells and Proliferation Capacity:
GHK-Cu maintains the survival and proliferation
of stem cells in the basal epidermis by regulating
integrins and p63 proteins. These proteins connect
skin cells to the underlying structures, promoting
the longevity and vitality of the skin.
With GHK-Cu, you can fight aging skin and
prevent the detrimental effects of senescent cells.
This revolutionary peptide has been thoroughly
researched and established as a powerful solution
for rejuvenating your skin. By incorporating Vitali’s
high-quality formulas with GHK-Cu (Copper Pep-
tides) into your skincare routine, you can combat
the detrimental effects of senescent cells and
rejuvenate your skin from the inside out.
This article has been medically reviewed by
Dr. Suzanne J. Ferree, M.D., FAARM, ABAARM

How to heal faster from sunburn with
Copper Peptides
This past month, I have had several customers
ask about using Copper Peptides (GHK-Cu) for
sunburn. GHK-Cu, the great wound healer, can
be a great protector as well as a healer for sun
damage. Today, I would like to share more
about how it works.
What happens when your skin gets sunburned?
Sunburn is a radiation burn caused when the sun’s
ultraviolet (UV) rays damage DNA in the upper
layer of skin cells. The sun emits three kinds of UV
radiation - UVA, B, and C. UVC is absorbed by the
earth’s atmosphere, but UVA and B rays reach the
ground and can penetrate unprotected skin.
UVB penetrates the
epidermis, the top
layer of the skin, which
can induce a suntan
and sunburn. It can
also cause DNA
damage. UVA has
low energy and never
burns the skin. However,
it is the most danger-
ous type of UV radiation as it can penetrate much
more profoundly than any other UV radiation,
damaging skin collagen and cell DNA.
What Happens
When your Skin
Gets Sunburned?
by Debbi Barber
Once the cells of the top layer of skin (called
keratinocytes) detect DNA damage in themselves,
they begin producing molecules to attract
immune cells into the skin. This action causes
the skin’s blood vessels to leak into the spaces
between cells and other skin structures.
This extra fluid and the swelling leads to red skin,
a hot sensation, and painful sensitivity of freshly
sunburnt skin.
Immune cell invasion begins while you’re still
sitting in the sun but increases about an hour
after you come in from the sun. The process
peaks 24 to 48 hours later, which is why the
redness and pain of a sunburn can continue
developing for a couple of days.
How do Copper Peptides help?
Copper Peptides demonstrate remarkable
anti-inflammatory and antioxidant power that
can speed up sunburn healing and help treat
the redness caused by sunburn inflammation.
Research shows that GHK-Cu increases the
healing rate following burn by as much as 33%.
In addition to recruiting immune cells and fibro-
blasts, GHK-Cu promotes blood vessel growth,
crucial in wound healing as burned skin often
has impaired blood vessel regeneration.
(See Research)
continued >
 The healing power
of Vitali Skin Cell
Restorative Serum
with Copper Peptides
To demonstrate the results, here are before and
after photos from a Vitali customer who suffered
a second degree burn while cooking. She used
the serum on the wounds immediately and twice
a day for two weeks.
In addition to the sunburn and DNA healing
that GHK-Cu offers, Vitali’s skincare products are
formulated with multiple ingredients that heal
sun-damaged skin. The Skin Cell Restorative
Serum (available in 2% and 3% GHK-Cu strength)
is formulated with other natural skin-healing
ingredients that help you recover from too much
sun. Some of these ingredients include:
Macrocystis Pyrifera (Giant Sea Kelp) which
replenishes proteins and minerals lost in the
sun, firms the appearance of skin and protects
against photo-aging,
Allantoin is a botanical extract found in the
comfrey root. It is moisturizing and can also
cause the keratin in the skin to soften. The soft-
ening enables the skin to heal quickly and bind
moisture more effectively, making it ideal for dry
skin, wound healing, burns, and scars.
Silk Amino Acids from the silkworm’s cocoon
have a chemical composition close to protein
in human skin. It has been shown to inhibit the
formation of excess melanin in the skin, helping
prevent dark spots and freckles.
Once you’ve applied the serum, you can layer
more hydration and moisture with Vitali’s Skin
Awakening Moisturizer and Restorative Body
Cream. Both combine Copper Peptides with
natural and organic ingredients such as Sea
Buckthorn to strengthen skin and Shea Butter,
known for healing irritated and stressed skin.
The moisturizer includes Jojoba Seed Oil, which
provides a durable layer of moisture for the skin,
while the Body Cream contains both Aloe Leaf
Juice and Aloe Butter.
Undoubtedly, it is better not to be overexposed
to the sun. Use Vitali serum with Copper Peptides
followed by mineral sunscreen BEFORE sun
exposure. However, if and when sunburn
happens, you can speed up the recovery with
Vitali Copper Peptide products.