How Copper is Revolutionizing Wellness and Skin Health

When we think of wellness, we often picture the latest fitness craze or superfood that promises to boost our health. But what if one of the secrets is an ancient element, used for centuries? Enter copper—the age-old metal being hailed as a groundbreaking solution for everything from skin health to pain relief. Whether it’s copper-infused fabrics, water bottles, or supplements, copper is becoming the must-have ingredient in wellness. 

So, why is everyone talking about it, and how can it improve health? We deep dive into the science and benefits of copper for wellness.

Copper’s History: From Ancient Civilizations to Modern Science

Copper isn't just a trendy new wellness discovery. It's been used for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. The ancient Egyptians used copper for wound healing, while the Greeks and Romans appreciated its ability to fight infection. For example, historical records show that the ancient Egyptians applied copper to wounds to prevent infection, a practice that is still studied today. The Greeks and Romans also used copper in various forms to treat infections and to purify water, recognizing its antibacterial qualities (1). 

Fast forward to today, and modern science is revisiting the healing properties of copper, especially when it comes to skin, inflammation, and overall health. But what makes copper so special?

The Science Behind Copper’s Healing Properties

Copper is a vital trace mineral that our bodies need in small amounts to function. It plays an essential role in the production of red blood cells, supports our immune system, and even contributes to the production of collagen, the protein that keeps our skin elastic and youthful. Copper's role in collagen production is well-documented, as it is a cofactor for lysyl oxidase, an enzyme involved in the cross-linking of collagen fibers (2). It's also a key player in antioxidant defense, which helps protect cells from oxidative stress that can lead to aging (3).

Copper doesn’t just work inside our bodies—it also works on our skin. The growing popularity of copper-infused fabrics and wellness products is due to their ability to harness copper's natural benefits. By allowing copper to interact directly with the skin, these products can deliver the mineral’s restorative effects 24/7. Studies have shown that copper-infused textiles can offer antimicrobial properties and promote skin health, reducing inflammation and accelerating wound healing (4).

Copper in Wellness Products: How Does it Work?

Copper-infused fabrics, such as copper-infused sheets, pillows, clothing, and even socks, are making waves in the wellness industry. These fabrics have tiny copper ions woven into or bonded onto them, which are believed to release positively charged ions that are absorbed through the skin.

What does this mean for your health? Here are some of the ways copper-infused products can enhance wellness:

1. Anti-Aging and Skin Health

Copper is sometimes called the "anti-aging mineral" because of its ability to boost collagen and elastin production. As we age, our skin loses elasticity, which can lead to wrinkles and sagging. Copper helps support skin regeneration and can promote healthier, more youthful skin by encouraging the production of these proteins. A study published in the journal Pharmaceutics highlighted copper's role in wound healing and collagen production, which are critical for skin health and the prevention of wrinkles (5).

2. Fighting Inflammation

Copper has natural anti-inflammatory properties, which can help with pain relief, particularly for conditions like diabetes. A study published in the peer-reviewed journal PLoS One in 2023 examined the use of copper-infused fabrics effect on inflammation. The authors stated, “Given the importance of excessive inflammation in diabetes, [our analyses] show that copper can reduce insulin resistance mediated by inflammatory cytokines in muscle cells” (6).

3. Iron Absorption, Free Radical Scavenging, & Immune Response

Copper is a key component in multiple enzymes in the body, including those that help detoxify free radicals and support iron absorption in the blood. It even plays a role in the immune system, supporting the activity of cellular immunity (7). These activities help maintain a healthy and active body and skin throughout our lives.

Copper as a Natural Antibacterial and Antiviral Agent

In addition to its skin health and wellness benefits, copper is well-known for its antibacterial properties. In fact, copper is one of the few metals that has been scientifically proven to kill harmful microbes, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, upon contact. This has made it a key material in everything from medical instruments to hospital surfaces.

Recent studies have confirmed that copper-infused fabrics can help prevent the spread of bacteria and other pathogens. For example, a 2018 study published in the Journal of Hospital Infection found that copper fabrics were effective at reducing the incidence of healthcare associated infection, a key risk for patients undergoing recovery in a hospital setting (8). As a result, copper-infused clothing and bedding can offer an added layer of protection against infections and promote overall hygiene.

What's even more remarkable is copper’s ability to combat viruses, including those as recent as the coronavirus (COVID-19). Copper surfaces have been shown to reduce the viability of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (the virus responsible for COVID-19) within minutes (9). Copper can destroy the virus's outer coating, making it an effective material for reducing viral transmission in high-touch areas, such as hospital rooms and public spaces. A review of medical studies published in the journal Biometals in 2020 stated that copper surfaces were significantly more effective than other materials at inactivating the virus (10). Copper-infused products can offer extra protection, particularly for those in high-risk environments.

Copper’s Role in Acne Treatment

One surprising benefit of copper is its potential role in combating acne. Many people struggle with acne due to excess oil production, bacteria, and inflammation. Because of copper’s antimicrobial properties, it may help to reduce acne-causing bacteria on the skin. Additionally, its ability to regulate collagen and support skin healing can help prevent scarring and improve the appearance of existing acne marks. Copper-infused pillowcases or face masks can be an easy and effective way to incorporate this mineral into your skincare routine.

The Growing Trend of Copper Wellness Products

As more people seek natural ways to improve their health and appearance, copper-infused products are becoming increasingly popular. From clothing to bed linens to lotions, people are embracing copper for its purported wellness benefits. 

The beauty of these products is that they allow you to experience copper’s benefits while going about your daily life. Whether you’re sleeping on copper-infused bedding or wearing copper-infused garments, the metal works continuously to enhance your wellness with no effort on your part.

Is Copper Right for You?

If you're considering incorporating copper-infused products into your wellness routine, it’s important to know that they aren’t a cure-all. While there’s compelling evidence to support copper’s health benefits, individual results may vary. Also, they are not a fit for anyone with a known copper allergy. However, for many people, copper-infused fabrics and wellness products provide a non-invasive, natural way to boost skin health, reduce inflammation, and promote overall wellness.

It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor if you have specific health concerns or conditions that might benefit from copper. And, as with any wellness trend, it’s important to choose high-quality products from trusted sources to ensure you're getting the full benefits of copper.

Conclusion

Copper may have been around for centuries, but its wellness benefits are only now gaining the attention they deserve. Whether it's improving skin health, fighting bacteria, viruses, or reducing inflammation, copper is proving to be a powerful and versatile solution for a range of wellness concerns. So, if you're looking for a simple yet effective way to boost your health, consider adding copper-infused products to your daily routine. After all, this ancient metal just might be the modern-day wellness solution you never knew you needed.

References

1. Grass, G., et al. (2010). “Metallic Copper as an Antimicrobial Surface.” Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 77(5):1541–1547. Link
2. Rucker, R.B., et al. (1998). “Copper, lysyl oxidase, and extracellular matrix protein cross-linking.” The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 67(5 Suppl):996S-1002S. Link
3. National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements (Updated: 2022, Accessed Dec 2024). “Copper: Factsheet for Health Professionals.” Link
4. Arendsen, L. P., et al. (2019). “The Use of Copper as an Antimicrobial Agent in Health Care, Including Obstetrics and Gynecology.” Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 32(4):e00125-18. Link
5. Sandoval, C., et al. (2022). “Effectiveness of Copper Nanoparticles in Wound Healing Process Using In Vivo and In Vitro Studies: A Systematic Review.” Pharmaceutics, 14(9):1838. Link
6. Zangiabadi, S., et al. (2023). “Copper infused fabric attenuates inflammation in macrophages.” PLOS One, 18(9):e0287741. Link
7. Tapiero, H., et al. (2019, final edit 2003). “Trace elements in human physiology and pathology. Copper.” Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 57(9):386–398. Link
8. Butler, J. P. (2018). “Effect of copper-impregnated composite bed linens and patient gowns on healthcare-associated infection rates in six hospitals.” Journal of Hospital Infection, 100(3):e130-e134. Link
9. Glass, A., et al. (2022). “Efficacy of copper blend coatings in reducing SARS-CoV-2 contamination.” Biometals, 36(1):217–225. Link
10. Govind, V., et al. (2021). “Antiviral properties of copper and its alloys to inactivate covid-19 virus: a review.” Biometals, 34(6):1217–1235. Link