Copper Deficiency, Zinc Overuse, and Intracellular Copper

Vitamin C, copper peptides, and glutathione behave very differently once you understand how skin absorbs nutrients at the cellular level. This episode shows you how to target collagen production, strengthen mitochondria, improve detox capacity, and upgrade skin density with pharmaceutical grade delivery systems that outperform conventional skincare. You learn why most topical antioxidants never reach their intended targets, how intracellular copper changes longevity pathways, why glutathione affects everything from pigmentation to detox, and how to build a streamlined routine that matches the way high level biohackers actually age. These strategies can help you improve collagen, elasticity, hair density, mitochondrial function, and whole body performance with fewer steps and far more impact.  

Watch this episode on YouTube for the full video experience: 

https://www.youtube.com/@DaveAspreyBPR 

Host Dave Asprey talks with Dr. Nayan Patel, a pharmacist, wellness expert, and industry leader who has worked with physicians since 1999 to design custom medications and patient specific protocols. He has been the pharmacist of choice for celebrities, CEOs, and medical professionals seeking precision level formulations. Dr. Patel is the author of The Glutathione Revolution, which summarizes more than a decade of clinical research on glutathione. His team created a patented transdermal technology that delivers glutathione systemically through the skin, and he has since expanded this work to include advanced peptides and new delivery systems that improve absorption far beyond standard topical products. He also developed the Auro GSH Antioxidant Delivery System, a skincare line that uses pharmaceutical grade ingredients at potent concentrations to achieve deeper penetration and more reliable biological effects. 

Together they break down why vitamin C acts as a stimulant that drives collagen rather than a classic antioxidant, how GHK copper peptide thickens aging skin, and why retinoids often speed up cell turnover at the cost of long term resilience. Dr. Patel explains the difference between cosmetic grade and injectable grade peptides, why purity matters when a delivery system pushes molecules deep into the skin, and how zinc overuse has created widespread copper deficiency that affects hair, metabolism, and mitochondrial health. Dave shares his own protocols for using GHK, glutathione, and vitamin C, along with practical dosing strategies that create visible changes in skin density within four to six weeks. 

You will learn: 

• How vitamin C stimulates collagen and why glutathione regenerates oxidized antioxidants 

• How GHK copper peptide improves elasticity, firmness, and structural integrity 

• Why purity, molecular size, and delivery tech determine whether peptides actually reach target tissues 

• How topical copper supports intracellular stores and influences hair health and metabolism 

• Why zinc overload causes silent copper deficiency and what it means for longevity 

• How targeted glutathione improves detox, pigmentation, and oxidative stress 

• The fastest protocol for visible skin density improvements and how long results take to show 

• How to combine these tools with lasers and skin procedures for stronger outcomes 

Dave Asprey is a four-time New York Times bestselling author, founder of Bulletproof Coffee, and the father of biohacking. With over 1,000 interviews and 1 million monthly listeners, The Human Upgrade brings you the knowledge to take control of your biology, extend your longevity, and optimize every system in your body and mind. Each episode delivers cutting-edge insights in health, performance, neuroscience, supplements, nutrition, biohacking, emotional intelligence, and conscious living. 

New episodes are released every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday (BONUS). Dave asks the questions no one else will and gives you real tools to become stronger, smarter, and more resilient. 

Keywords: GHK copper peptide, topical glutathione delivery, dextrin absorption technology, intracellular copper uptake, vitamin C collagen stimulation, antioxidant regeneration, cosmetic peptide purity, injectable grade peptides, zinc copper imbalance, mitochondrial skin health, hair follicle regeneration, oxidative stress reduction, glutathione detox support, peptide based skincare, collagen crosslinking support, DMAE skin firmness, CoQ10 topical benefits, skincare biohacking, longevity dermatology, pharmaceutical transdermal systems 

Resources:   

• Go to https://aurowellness.com/ ‘DAVE10’ for a discount!  

• Dave Asprey's Latest News | Go to https://daveasprey.com/ to join Inside Track today.  

• Danger Coffee: https://dangercoffee.com/discount/dave15   

• My Daily Supplements: SuppGrade Labs (15% Off)   

• Favorite Blue Light Blocking Glasses: TrueDark (15% Off)   

• Dave Asprey’s BEYOND Conference: https://beyondconference.com   

• Dave Asprey’s New Book – Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated  

• Upgrade Collective: https://www.ourupgradecollective.com   

• Upgrade Labs: https://upgradelabs.com   

• 40 Years of Zen: https://40yearsofzen.com  

Timestamps: 

0:00 - Trailer 

1:30 - Introduction 

5:51 - Delivery Technology and How It Works 

9:34 - Product Development and Formulations 

21:29 - Application and Usage Guidelines 

32:17 - Hair Growth and Specific Concerns 

37:22 - Copper, Deficiency and Body Systems 

40:52 - Special Topics and Protocols 

52:00 - Dosing Protocols and Closing 

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