Increase in skin surface elasticity in normal volunteer subjects following the use of copper oxide impregnated socks

BackgroundCopper is an essential mineral involved in the formation and stabilisation of extracellular skin proteins. As copper can be absorbed through intact skin, we reasoned that using socks containing copper-impregnated fibres may have an effect on skin elasticity. MethodsA double blind, placebo controlled study was conducted in which one group of healthy volunteers (n=32) wore socks with fibres containing microscopic copper oxide particles and the other group wore identical socks without copper oxide (n=28). The socks were worn for at least 10h a day for 4weeks. Skin elasticity measurements were taken from three separate test sites on the side of the ankle using a Cutometer at baseline and after 2 and 4weeks of product use. ResultsThere was an increase in the mean net skin elasticity (R5) of 6.4% (P=0.6) and 31.4% (P=0.004) after 2 and 4weeks respectively, in the group of individuals that used the copper oxide containing socks, but no increase in the group of individuals that used the control socks. Similarly, there was an increase in the mean biological elasticity (R7 values) of 3% (P=0.55) and 20.7% (0.014) after 2 and 4weeks, respectively, only in the group of individuals that used the copper oxide containing socks. The differences between treatments (i.e. socks used) were statistically significant at 4weeks (P=0.0058 and P=0.0327 for R5 and R7, respectively). ConclusionUsing copper oxide containing socks results in an increase in skin elasticity of the feet.