Should You Use Copper Peptides Morning or Night?

Deciding whether you should use copper peptides morning or night is one of the first steps after getting your hands on a copper peptide serum. The short answer is it’s entirely up to you. It doesn’t matter. 

What DOES matter is that you’re applying your serum every single day. Consistency is everything with copper peptides, be it AHK-Cu or GHK-Cu. So, think about which time of day you can stick to. And if you really want to maximize your results, consider applying twice a day - morning and evening!

Learn more about how to add copper peptides to your skincare routine below. 

Key Takeaways

• Copper peptides work just as well in the morning as they do in the evening.
• Some people say they fit better at night as part of your skin’s natural repair cycle, which takes place while you sleep.
• Consistency is really the only non-negotiable aspect of using copper peptides. Every day, regardless of when.
• Layer lightest to heaviest. That usually means cleanser > toner > copper peptides > moisturizer > SPF (in the morning).

Overview of Copper Peptides

Copper peptides include GHK-Cu, AHK-Cu, SRCP, GQPR, and a few others. But of all the types of copper peptides, it’s GHK-Cu that most people are intrigued by. It has more research than any other copper peptide, tracing all the way back to the 1970s. 

GHK-Cu occurs naturally in human blood plasma and influences gene expression across more than 4,000 pathways when applied topically. This messenger molecule touches everything from skin firmness to hair follicle health. 

No matter why you use it, though, it’s critical to set the proper expectations going in. Copper peptides are not instant-acting. The effects build over weeks and months, gradually improving the appearance of skin and hair. 

Obviously, you want to do whatever you can to speed up the timeline to results. So, does it matter whether you apply copper peptides morning or night? 

Should You Use Copper Peptides Morning or Night?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. You’re delivering the peptide to the skin whether you do so first thing in the morning or right before bed. 

Does Timing Really Matter?

Some people argue timing is somewhat relevant because the skin follows its own circadian rhythm. Barrier defence and UV resistance are top priorities during the daytime. The skin’s job shifts to healing and restoring at night. Cell turnover peaks while you sleep. Your skin becomes more permeable, so topical ingredients may absorb better.

This is why a lot of dermatologists say it’s best to apply copper peptides before bed. Dr. Joshua Zeichner is one board-certified dermatologist who does have an opinion on copper peptide timing. “I typically recommend applying peptide-containing serums alongside traditional moisturizers in the evening to enhance cell turnover and strengthen the foundation of the skin.”2

But it’s not as if GHK-Cu breaks down in sunlight or makes your skin more sensitive to UV. It can absolutely work in the morning if you already have a long-winded evening protocol and don’t want to make adjustments to it. 

Our Go-To Morning Routine

Cleanse your face with a gentle wash to remove any oil, sweat, and skincare products from the night before. Just apply 2-3 drops of GHK-Cu face serum to clean, dry skin. Massage it in and give it 1-2 minutes to absorb. Then you can follow up with your moisturizer and SPF 30 (or higher) before you run out the door.

How to Use Copper Peptides Before Bed

Start by cleansing your face to remove sunscreen, dirt, and anything the day left behind. Then it’s the same process - apply 2-3 drops of copper peptide serum to clean, dry skin. Massage it into your face, neck, and under-eye area. Let it fully absorb before following up with your nighttime moisturizer. 

What if I’m Using Copper Peptides For Hair?

We prefer to apply GHK-Cu hair serum at night before bed since it can get into your hair and make it look greasy if you apply it very liberally, as you should. You can rinse in the morning and style your hair as you see fit. 

The application process is more or less the same. A few drops on the scalp, massage, and let the peptide work its magic! Same idea for our AHK-Cu peptide, too. 

Should You Apply Copper Peptides Twice a Day?

Who said you could only apply copper peptides once a day? You can apply our products twice daily if you wish. This gives your skin maximum peptide exposure. The beauty of copper peptides is they are very safe, and “overapplying” isn’t going to cause any adverse effects.

Tips on Applying Copper Peptides, Regardless of Timing

No matter when you choose to apply copper peptides, here are some tips on adding them to your daily skincare (or haircare) routine. 

Layering Best Practices

Copper peptides are typically formulated as a serum. They go smack-dab in the middle of your routine. After cleansing and toning, but before anything cream-based like a moisturizer or SPF.

One thing we do want to make clear, though, is you can safely use copper peptides with pretty much anything else in your regimen. Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, azelaic acid - peptides play nicely with all of these skincare superheroes. However, the same cannot be said for harsh acids. These can destabilize copper peptide bonds and basically render them ineffective. 

Consistency is Key

This is really the key takeaway from our conversation on using copper peptides morning or night. All that matters is you use your serum every single day. You can use it morning, afternoon, or night. Doesn’t matter. Consistency does.

Staying Patient

Copper peptides take time. In many cases, you won’t see any progress for a few weeks. But it’s worth the wait. Looking in the mirror after one month and not seeing much of a change is not an indication that peptides aren’t working. Give it a good 6-8 weeks before making any decisions. 

Get Started With Your Copper Peptide Routine Today

Choosing copper peptides morning or night comes down to your schedule and what else is in your routine. Nighttime gives your skin a slight biological advantage. Morning is just as effective. This is totally up to you. Pick whatever you can commit to.

Our blog has more tips on how to use AHK-Cu and GHK-Cu before you get started. Otherwise, take the next step today at PLU Laboratories by placing your order!

References

1. Pickart LV, Margolina A. Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data. Int J Mol Sci. 2018;19(7):1987. PubMed
2. Zeichner J. quoted in "Dermatologists Say These Peptide Serums Help Plump, Firm, and Hydrate Skin." Prevention. Prevention