Holtman IR, Raj DD, Miller JA, Schaafsma W, Yin Z, et al
A 2022 study in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that subjects who applied L-ascorbic acid followed immediately by GHK-Cu experienced 40% higher transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and delayed barrier recovery compared to those who separated application by eight hours or more
Because retatrutide is not yet licensed in the UK, individuals accessing it through clinical trials or other supervised routes should have a clearly identified healthcare contact for safety concerns

This may be due to copper's ability to enhance the expression of metalloproteinases (MMPs).16 MMPs normally regulate the degradation of collagen, and a specific one, MMP-1, may be responsible for the initiation of collagen fragmentation.17 Supporting this, a 2024 study noted that elevated MMP-1 levels appear to contribute to aging skin and that higher MMP-1 levels in mice led to:18 The loss and fragmentation of dermal collagen fibrils Contracted fibroblast morphology Reduced collagen production Increased expression of pro-inflammatory mediators Additionally, a 2016 study found that GHK-Cu significantly increased gene expression of MMP-1 and MMP-2 at the lowest concentration, which the studys authors considered to be one of the reasons the peptide was able to increase collagen and elastin production.19 So, what this could ultimately mean is that using too much GHK-Cu (or other copper peptides) may in theory increase the skins MMP-1 concentration above the levels involved in healthy collagen production, taking it into the collagen fragmentation and breakdown territory seen in older skin with naturally higher MMP-1 levels
