Effects of topical copper tripeptide complex on CO2 laser-resurfaced skin

Miller TR, Wagner JD, Baack BR, Eisbach KJ · Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery

Computer analysis and blinded evaluators found no significant difference in resolution of erythema, and no significant improvement in wrinkles or overall skin quality at 12 weeks. The one positive result was patient-reported: the validated questionnaire favoured GHK-Cu for overall skin quality (P=.04).

Population

13 patients completing circumoral CO2 laser skin resurfacing

Intervention

Post-treatment skin regimen containing GHK-Cu

Comparator

The same regimen without GHK-Cu

Limitations

13 patients. Objective endpoints null and the significant endpoint is self-reported in an unblinded-to-product regimen; a separation between measured and perceived effect that recurs across the cosmetic literature.