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Someone tried a peptide called GHK/Cu for about three months and says it gave them acne instead of helping. They used different versions one after the other and didn't notice any benefits. Now they're asking how long it will take for their skin to return to normal. GHK/Cu (often just called GHK) is a small protein fragment that naturally occurs in the body and can be attached to copper (hence the “/Cu”). It’s popular in skincare and peptide communities because some lab studies suggest it can help with wound healing, collagen production, and skin repair. In plain terms: people use it hoping for firmer, healthier-looking skin. But it’s not the same as a cream that has gone through big drug trials — much of the excitement comes from small studies and lab work, and formulations and dosages vary a lot. The Reddit post is a single person’s report, not a controlled study. That means we can’t draw reliable conclusions about cause and effect. Acne-like reactions have been reported anecdotally with GHK/Cu and other peptides: for some it seems to trigger clogged pores, inflammation, or increased oiliness. Because this is one user’s experience, we don’t know exactly what dose, product purity, application method, or other skin products they were using — all of which can affect outcomes. There’s also no objective measurement here of how bad the acne was or whether a dermatologist confirmed it was caused by the peptide. For a regular person wondering what to expect, mild skin reactions from topical products typically improve within a few days to a few weeks after stopping the offending product. If the breakouts are more severe or inflammatory, clearing can take several weeks to a few months, especially if scarring or cysts formed. Practical steps: stop using the peptide and any other new products, keep to a gentle cleanser and non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) moisturizer, avoid irritating scrubs or acids for now, and consider seeing a dermatologist if it’s bad or persistent. A doctor can recommend treatments that speed healing and reduce scarring, like topical retinoids, antibiotics, or professional procedures. Caveats: because this is an anecdote, we can’t be certain GHK/Cu caused the acne. Other factors — hormones, diet, stress, other products, or infections — might be involved. GHK/Cu products vary widely in quality and concentration; impurities could also cause reactions. It’s not a regulated prescription drug in most places when sold as a cosmetic ingredient, so safety data is limited. Anyone with severe reactions, spreading inflammation, fever, or swelling should seek medical attention. Pregnant or breastfeeding people, or those with certain skin conditions, should be cautious and consult a clinician before trying new peptides. Bottom line: stopping the peptide is the first step — mild breakouts often clear in weeks, while more severe cases may take months and might benefit from dermatologist care.
Source: r/Peptides