If you haven't listened to the copper peptides episode yet — go back and start there. This mini episode builds directly on it, and it'll make a lot more sense with that context.

This week we're zooming in on one specific molecule involved in how copper peptides actually repair the skin: decorin. It doesn't get nearly enough airtime in the skincare conversation, and for acne-prone skin especially, it's a pretty big deal.

📌 What we cover:

• What decorin actually is
• Why just stimulating collagen isn't enough
• What happens during prolonged inflammation like acne?
• Why cystic acne scars more severely
• How decorin changes with age — and why this is part of the aging story almost nobody is talking about
• Can topical options that can actually influence decorin?

🔗 Resources mentioned:

• 🗂️ The Peptide Database — find products with Tripeptide-10 Citrulline (and GHK-Cu) at meaningful levels, without the marketing noise
• 📚 Skincare Made Simple: The Course — build a routine that addresses all of this in the right order for your specific skin

GHK-Cu — aka copper peptides — has been crowned the "beauty peptide," but the real story is way bigger than anti-aging marketing. In this episode, we go deep on why this molecule (one your body already makes and relies on for repair) might be one of the most important things you can add to both your skincare routine and your supplement stack.

In this episode:

• What GHK-Cu actually is and why it's different from signal peptides
• How your natural GHK-Cu levels drop by more than half between ages 20–60 — and why that matters
• The four main jobs copper peptides do in the skin (and why "collagen stimulation" is just the beginning)
• The basal cell layer, P63 expression, and what it means when your skin cells stop acting like stem cells
• Why chronically inflamed skin (hi, acne-prone skin) needs copper peptides more than almost anyone
• How GHK-Cu supports post-procedure recovery and why it's one of the best things to microneedle with
• The vitamin C + retinoid compatibility conversation — what actually matters and what you can stop worrying about
• How to work copper peptides into your routine and what to look for on the ingredient list (hint: copper tripeptide-1)

Resources mentioned:

• 🗄️ The Peptide Database — 30+ serums analyzed, searchable by skin type, concern, and more → On sale $22 through March, goes to $29 in April
• 💌 Work with Ella 1:1
• 🛍️ Shop Ella's Vanity

Products Mentioned

PEACH & LILY | Copper Peptide Pro Firming Serum: https://go.shopmy.us/p-45564947

INNBEAUTY PROJECT | Elastic Skin Firming Serum: https://go.shopmy.us/p-46892245

MEDIK8 | Liquid Peptides: https://go.shopmy.us/p-45564326

BIOSSANCE | Squalane + Copper Peptide Plumping Serum: https://go.shopmy.us/p-46892540

Literature to read:

• The big one: PMC4508379 — "GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration"
• PMC6073405 — "Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide"
• MDPI Cosmetics 2018 — "Skin Regenerative and Anti-Cancer Actions of Copper Peptides" — has some fascinating context on Lester Pickart who basically discovered GHK-Cu

PDRN is having a major moment in skincare — and for good reason. In this bite-size episode, we're breaking down everything you actually need to know about polydeoxyribonucleotide (yes, that's a mouthful): what it does, why the source matters more than you might think, and how to read a label so you're not just buying the hype.

🐟 What we cover:

• What PDRN is and why it started in medicine, not beauty
• How it works and what the studies say
• Salmon-derived PDRN vs. Centella (plant-based/phyto) PDRN — the research gap, the biocompatibility argument, and what each does well
• What to actually look for on a label (ingredient names, concentration clues, delivery systems)
• Who each source is best suited for
• & more!

Favorite topical PDRN products

REJURAN | Rejuran Turnover Ampoule C-PDRN 0.5% Renewing Serum for Smooth Texture & Glass Skin 1.01 Oz/30 mL: https://go.shopmy.us/p-46008243

REJURAN | Rejuran Turnover Mask C-PDRN 5-Pack for Uneven Texture & Brightening Dull Skin 1.35 Fl. oz./40 mL X 5 Sheets: https://go.shopmy.us/p-46008254

ANUA | PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Capsule 100 Serum: https://go.shopmy.us/p-46008112

ANUA | PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisturizing Cream: https://go.shopmy.us/p-46008122

Shop more of my favorite products here: https://shopmy.us/ellaelston

📚 Want to go deeper on peptides and DNA-based ingredients? Check out the Skincare Made Simple Peptide Database

💬 Work with me 1:1: If you want personalized help building a routine around ingredients like PDRN, I'd love to work with you. Book your Virtual Session HERE