# Reading list

> Reading list for Formula Med Spa — The Formula Med Spa reading list brings together the GHK-Cu collagen experiment, topical reviews, skin-transport measurements and hair studies.

**Reading list**

The culture dish, the skin sample and the combined topical preparation each leave a different kind of record.

## Cells and genes

The [fibroblast collagen experiment](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3169264/) is the most tightly bounded starting point here. The [GHK gene-data review](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6073405/) asks a much broader mechanistic question. I give these different jobs when considering the [laboratory findings](/collagen).

## Topical preparations and skin transport

The [skin-regeneration review](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4508379/) and the [topical anti-wrinkle review](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11830136/) bring the cosmetic argument into focus. The [human skin-layer experiment](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3016279/) gives the delivery discussion an actual transport measurement. I favour putting the [cosmetic outcomes](/skin) alongside that [delivery question](/delivery).

## Hair formulations

The [human combination trial](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4969472/) and the [AHK-Cu laboratory experiment](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17703734/) reward attention to the compound named in each. Their differences are the subject of the [hair-formula entry](/hair). The complete source titles follow.

## References

[1] Stimulation of collagen synthesis in fibroblast cultures by the tripeptide-copper complex glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3169264/
[2] Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6073405/
[3] GHK Peptide as a Natural Modulator of Multiple Cellular Pathways in Skin Regeneration https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4508379/
[4] Human skin penetration of a copper tripeptide in vitro as a function of skin layer https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3016279/
[5] Topically applied GHK as an anti-wrinkle peptide: Advantages, problems and prospective https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11830136/
[6] Efficacy of a Complex of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid and Glycyl-Histidyl-Lysine Peptide on Hair Growth https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4969472/
[7] The effect of tripeptide-copper complex on human hair growth in vitro https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17703734/

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Formula Med Spa houses my curiosity about published research on cosmetic formulations, an editorial site with no healthcare business behind it and no medical advice to give.