You may have heard the term copper peptides. Being used in anti wrinkle creams, copper peptides are a wound healing compound that are part of the quick regeneration of cell. If you cut your finger and the blood clots, copper peptides speed up the healing of the skin, before scarring is produces, then when the scar fades, new skin is produced with the blood vessels. Basically, this is how the principle of copper peptides contribute to the anti-aging, anti wrinkle process.
An application might include Alpa Hydroxy Acids to remove dead or dry skin cells might be followed with copper peptides to speed up the rejuvenation of the area. Dermatologists often use strong Alpha Hydroxy Acid peels, followed by Copper peptides to enhance the healing process. This results in newer, healthier-looking skin.
Some anti aging creams and anti wrinkle creams use this same technology, except in a milder application. It has been argued whether an over-the-counter simulation of this process is possible, since it is essentially a two-part step that in dermatology is usually best left to an expert for best results. It is possible to buy a simulated treatment, however, results may take a longer time to measure, and in some cases, the copper peptides available over-the-counter do not have the strength to show the same results.
It is a method that is meant to be more than skin-surface, it is more of a skin remodeling and rebuilding technique, like is used to treat burn patients. This comparison makes it easier to understand the complex nature of this effective method, yet hard to buy at the cosmetics counter. This is a technique used in the newer laser abrasive treatments, which can leave scabs and scarring for a couple weeks, then healing with new skin underneath. This is not a technique you would necessarily want to try at home, although there may be topical treatments you could use on a lesser scale, but not with the same effectiveness.
Other anti aging and anti wrinkle creams which include Copper peptides may also include a wound-healing ingredient similar to a topical antibiotic, like Neosporin. This type of wrinkle reduction usually involves removal of the outer layer of skin. This will reveal a newer layer of skin which is free of blemishes, age spots or the discoloration of typical aging skin. Microdermabrasion kits are on the market that utilize this type of rebuilding. The results are a newer layer of skin and can take multiple applications over periods of time.
You would need to do research on what will work best for you based on the your skin type, where you are in the aging process, and know what side effects to look for. Since this normally involves an alpha hydroxy acid treatment, which can cause redness, burning or blistering in some individuals, followed by a copper peptide based healing moisturizer, you need to exercise caution for side effects and check with a dermatologist, when in doubt.