It’s no surprise that metals, which were once found in jewelry boxes, have taken over our vanities too—think 24K gold facial oils, diamond powder-infused highlighters and silver eye patches for brightening. While some have stellar antibacterial properties and others improve circulation and boost luminosity, there is one metal that demands more attention: Copper. A key ingredient in a wealth of new products, it combines long-term benefits like delaying signs of aging with short-term results of luminosity and hydration.

In large part, copper’s role in medical and skin care was first discussed in 1500 B.C. in the Ebers Papyrus, the oldest book known to man. The ancient Egyptians, including Cleopatra, believed in the metal’s power—the Egyptian hieroglyphic, ankh, symbolizes eternal life and copper, their sacred metal. A natural biocide, copper has antibacterial and antifungal properties, which is why the Egyptians, along with the Greeks, have used it for healing wounds and infectious diseases for thousands of years. In India too, Vedic texts attribute many therapeutic benefits to Tamra (the Hindi word for copper) and encourage its use to balance the body’s doshas. Shata Dhauta Ghrita, or 100 times washed ghee (clarified butter), is one such example. Traditionally done by hand, this ancient Ayurveda formulation uses copper vessels to make a cream from ghee that is intensely hydrating, and helps to heal all seven layers of the skin.

Fast forward to 2020, while copper’s ‘eternal life’ theory is still up for debate, science agrees that it holds promise for maintaining healthy, younger-looking skin. It is present in our genetic makeup, found in almost all cells of the human body and when reintroduced back into the body, it helps maintain skin’s health and strength. It is known to boost production of melanin (the pigment that gives color to skin, hair and eyes) and activate enzymes like lysyl oxidase, which promote collagen and elastin levels reducing wrinkles and fine lines. Copper also aids in the production of skin-plumping hyaluronic acid. Packed with antioxidants and cell renewing properties, it fights off free radicals, a key contributor to dull and sagging skin. This metal, unlike silver, poses little danger when applied topically. However, it should always be used in the right concentration in skincare products, because the body can easily metabolize copper.

From protective and reparative benefits to exceptional antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, copper is a skin savior. But, there are some rules to be considered when applying this potent metal:

- Combine with hyaluronic acid, amino acids or facial oils but do not apply it with vitamin C, direct acids, retinoids and strong antioxidants

- Always use a moisturizer

- Buy the right product format: Don’t opt for a copper-based cleanser because it will be washed off, instead look for a moisturizer, eye serum or oil

- Remember that no topical treatment, including copper, can be the single solution to aging and other skincare problems—trust a combination of antioxidants, skin-restoring substances and sunscreen to improve the health of your skin

We, at Love, Indus, use copper in the potent cocktail of ingredients found in our Amrutini^® Precious Potion Vital Cream and Amrutini^® Luminosity Dewdrops Serum. In the Precious Potion Vital Cream and True Brew Transforming Serum, you will find the metal blended with liquefied Muga silk, vegan ghee, biotransformed Makaibari tea and Ashwagandha (Indian Ginseng), which optimizes the penetration of copper and helps heal and strengthen the skin while delaying signs of aging. For illumination and hydration, there’s our Luminosity Dewdrops Serum, made of liquefied Muga silk, hyaluronic acid, biotransformed Makaibari tea and Ashwagandha to gently moisturize and add shine. We use this precious extract with precision to deliver an experience that is focused on real results and powerful performance. Because that’s Love, Indus. From us to you.