At low concentrations (0.01 nM), MMP1 and MMP2 gene expression increases, facilitating removal of damaged extracellular matrix proteins
While it may be a bit uncomfortable and cause some pain, its generally just a minor inconvenience
They work through entirely different mechanisms: GHK-Cu stimulates collagen production and accelerates tissue repair
So what explains the difference
Research has demonstrated that GHK-Cu treatment increases production of collagen (particularly type I and type III collagen, the predominant structural collagens in skin and connective tissues), glycosaminoglycans (including hyaluronic acid, which provides hydration, volume, and biochemical signaling in skin), decorin (a small proteoglycan involved in collagen fibril organization and growth factor regulation), and other matrix molecules critical for tissue structure and function
Rahman, I., Mulier, B., Gilmour, P.S., Jeffery, P.K