Skin firmness
For people who notice their skin feels thinner or less firm.
Physician-prescribed · San Francisco telehealth
GHK-Cu Copper Peptide Therapy in San Francisco
GHK-Cu is a copper peptide your body already makes, best known for its role in collagen and skin repair. Learn how it works, how prescription GHK-Cu compares with store-bought serums and whether it may fit your goals, starting with a free telehealth consult.
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First step
Free consult by telehealth
Prescribed by
Board-certified M.D.
How it's used
At home, as directed
Delivered
Shipped to your home
The basics
What is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is a small peptide made of three amino acids, glycine, histidine and lysine, bound to a copper ion. It was first discovered in human blood in the 1970s.
Your body uses GHK-Cu as a repair signal. It helps deliver copper to tissues, and copper is needed by the enzymes that build collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep skin firm and springy.
GHK-Cu levels are much higher in young adults than in older adults. That is one reason it has become one of the most talked-about peptides for skin and healthy aging.
How GHK-Cu works
- Collagen and elastin. GHK-Cu has been shown to support the production of collagen, elastin and other building blocks of skin.
- Repair signals. It helps attract the cells involved in repair to where they are needed.
- Gene activity. Research has found that GHK-Cu influences many genes involved in tissue repair and protection.
GHK-Cu is one of several options in our peptide therapy program.
Common reasons
Why people ask about GHK-Cu
Here are the goals patients most often bring up. Individual results vary.
Fine lines
For people interested in the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
Skin tone and texture
For people who want smoother, more even-looking skin.
Hair
For people interested in the research on hair follicles.
Healing and recovery
For people interested in how skin and tissue repair.
Healthy aging
For people thinking long term about how they age.
What researchers have looked at
GHK-Cu has been studied for decades. Researchers have looked at its effects on collagen and elastin, skin firmness and thickness, fine lines, wound healing and hair follicles. In studies of skin creams, GHK-Cu has been compared with ingredients such as vitamin C and retinoic acid for its effect on collagen.
Your options
Prescription GHK-Cu vs. copper peptide serums
People researching GHK-Cu usually come across three options. Here is how they compare.
What we offer
Prescription GHK-Cu
What it is
GHK-Cu prepared by a pharmacy for you
Form
Chosen by your physician for your goals
Strength
Set for you and clearly labeled
Oversight
Prescribed and guided by a physician
At the store
Copper peptide serums
What it is
Skin care products that contain GHK-Cu
Form
Serums and creams
Strength
Varies widely by brand
Keep in mind
No medical review of your goals or health
Online sellers
“Research peptides”
What it is
Powders sold online, often labeled not for human use
Form
You mix it yourself
Quality
No way to verify what is in the vial
Keep in mind
No physician review of your health history
What to expect
How GHK-Cu therapy works at TruSpine
- 01
Book your free consult
Choose a time online. Your telehealth consult has no cost and no obligation.
- 02
Meet with Dr. Supreet Shah
By telehealth, you go over your skin and health goals and whether GHK-Cu may fit. Then you complete a short intake with your health history and medications.
- 03
Physician review
Dr. Crystal Broussard, M.D. reviews your intake, orders labs only if needed, and decides whether GHK-Cu is appropriate and which form fits you.
- 04
Delivered to your door
If prescribed, GHK-Cu ships to your home from a pharmacy. Dr. Broussard provides instructions for your dose and schedule.
Your care team
You meet with Dr. Shah. A board-certified M.D. prescribes.
Your free telehealth consult is with Dr. Supreet Shah. Because GHK-Cu requires a prescription, a physician makes the medical decision.
Step 1: your free consult
Dr. Supreet Shah
DC, MS, CCSP · TruSpine clinic director
You meet with Dr. Shah by video to talk through your goals and whether GHK-Cu may fit. He then sends you a short health intake.
Step 2: physician review
Dr. Crystal Broussard
M.D. · Board certified in internal medicine
Dr. Broussard reviews your intake, decides whether GHK-Cu is appropriate, and handles any prescription, dose and follow-up. She does not take bookings directly. She is licensed in all 50 states.
About Dr. Broussard →Safety
Is GHK-Cu right for you?
Tell your physician if you
- Are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive
- Have a copper allergy, Wilson disease or another copper problem
- Have now or have had cancer
- Take prescription medications
- Have had an allergic reaction to a medication
Possible side effects
The most commonly reported is redness, itching or irritation where it is applied or injected.
Call 911 for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, chest pain or a severe reaction.
About compounded GHK-Cu
GHK-Cu is compounded for individual patients by prescription. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. Your physician will explain what that means before you decide.
Be careful buying peptides online. “Research peptides” give you no way to verify what you are getting.
FAQs
GHK-Cu questions, answered
What is GHK-Cu?
GHK-Cu is a small peptide made of three amino acids (glycine, histidine and lysine) bound to copper. Your body makes it naturally, and it is found in your blood, saliva and urine. It is often called the copper peptide.
What is GHK-Cu used for?
People most often ask about it for skin quality, firmness, fine lines and the look of aging skin. It has also been studied for wound healing, hair and recovery.
How do I get started at TruSpine?
Book a free telehealth consult with Dr. Supreet Shah. After your consult you complete a short intake, and Dr. Crystal Broussard, M.D. reviews it and decides whether GHK-Cu is appropriate for you.
Why do GHK-Cu levels matter?
GHK-Cu levels in the blood are much higher in young adults than in older adults. That drop is one reason people interested in healthy aging ask about it.
How does GHK-Cu work?
GHK-Cu acts as a signal to your cells. It has been shown to support collagen and elastin production, help skin repair itself and influence many genes involved in tissue repair.
Is GHK-Cu an injection or a cream?
It can be both. Dr. Broussard decides which form is right for you, along with your dose and schedule.
Can I do it at home?
Yes. If prescribed, GHK-Cu ships to your home with instructions from Dr. Broussard.
Is prescription GHK-Cu different from copper peptide serums?
Yes. Store serums vary widely in how much GHK-Cu they contain. A prescription is prepared by a pharmacy for you and comes with a physician's guidance on how to use it.
Is GHK-Cu FDA-approved?
No. GHK-Cu is not an FDA-approved medication. When prescribed, it is prepared by a compounding pharmacy for an individual patient. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. Dr. Broussard will explain what that means before you decide.
How long does it take to see a difference?
It varies from person to person. Skin changes build gradually as new collagen forms, so Dr. Broussard will set a time frame for checking in.
Can GHK-Cu help with hair?
Researchers have looked at GHK-Cu and hair follicles, and it is an ingredient in some hair products. Let us know at your consult if hair is one of your goals.
Can I combine GHK-Cu with red light therapy?
Many people pair skin-focused peptides with red light therapy, which we offer in our clinic. Ask about it at your consult.
What are the side effects?
The most commonly reported are redness, itching or irritation where it is applied or injected. Tell your provider about anything unusual.
How much does GHK-Cu cost?
It depends on the form, your dose and how long you use it. We will go over the exact cost during your free consult, before you decide anything. Insurance usually does not cover peptides.
Who should not use GHK-Cu?
It is not appropriate during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Tell your physician if you have a copper allergy, Wilson disease or another problem with copper, if you have now or have had cancer, or if you take prescription medications.
This page is for general information and is not medical advice. Prescriptions are issued only when a physician determines they are appropriate. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. Individual results vary.
Curious whether GHK-Cu is right for you?
Book a free telehealth consult. There is no cost and no obligation, and you can do it from home.