Facial Skin Lifting and Brightening Following Sleep on Copper Oxide Containing Pillowcases

Abstract

Abstract:Copper plays a key role in many of the physiological processes that occur in the skin. Previously it was found that sleeping on pillowcases impregnated with microscopic copper oxide particles results in reduction of wrinkles and fine lines. In the current study, it was examined if sleeping on copper oxide impregnated pillowcases results also in skin lifting and skin brightness. A four week, double blind, randomized study was performed, during which 45 women, aged 37-54, slept on copper oxide containing pillowcases (test group, n = 23) or on control pillowcases without copper oxide (control group, n = 22). Facial and eye skin surface was measured using an F-ray 3D measurement system and surface analysis was conducted using Image-pro ® plus. Skin brightness was measured using a tristimulus colorimeter. Sleeping on the test pillowcases resulted in statistically significant skin lifting on the cheek area (p = 0.039) and eye area (p = 0.001) after four weeks of use as compared to baseline. The mean skin brightness in those sleeping on the test pillowcases increased after two (p = 0.024) and four weeks (p = 0.008). No statistically significant changes occurred during the study in the study participants using the control pillowcases. Statistically significant differences between both groups were recorded at two and four weeks for skin brightness and skin lifting, respectively. In conclusion, sleeping on copper oxide containing pillowcases results in facial skin lifting and brightness of the skin.

Increased pro‐collagen 1, elastin, and TGF‐β1 expression by copper ions in an ex‐vivo human skin model

“…Several double blind clinical trials and other observations have demonstrated that continuous contact with the skin of copper oxide-impregnated textiles has a positive effect on the skin. [11][12][13][14][15][18][19][20] Copper can be absorbed through skin. 16 Accordingly, some copper-containing ointments are used, for example, for treatment of rheumatic diseases, reduction in swelling associated with trauma, and improvement of renal function.…”

“…11,12 Sleeping for four weeks on pillowcases impregnated with copper oxide particles also resulted in statistically significant skin lifting on the cheek and eye areas as compared to baseline and as compared to the control group. 13 Likewise, the use of copper oxide-impregnated socks resulted in increased elasticity in the group of healthy volunteers as compared to the group of individuals using placebo socks. 14 All these studies indicated that the exposure of the skin to copper ions had a positive effect on the skin.…”

Improvement to Foot and Skin Appearance by Using Copper Oxide Impregnated Socks - A Report of a Large Scale Internet Based User Survey

“…In addition, a double blind, placebo-controlled study demonstrated that wearing socks impregnated with copper oxide particles increases skin elasticity [35]. Increased skin elasticity is important especially in diabetic individuals, as their skin is less elastic and very dry, increasing significantly the susceptible of their skin to infection and breakdown [29]. We hypothesized that the copper ions liberated from the copper oxide particles impregnated in the socks, by reducing the risk of fungal and bacterial infection of the foot and increasing the skin elasticity, may help protect the feet of diabetics from skin complications [36].…”

“…These infections also have a cosmetic effect, as the skin is usually dry, may have fissures, scales and cracks, and look unhealthy, causing those suffering from these infections to be concerned of the appearance of their foot. Foot fungal infection often goes unnoticed, sometimes mistaken for dry skin [29].…”

“…Those infected may be asymptomatic, while others may experience burning, stinging, or itching. In addition, the skin may become scaled, fissured, inflamed and/or painful [29].…”