Cosmetic and skin treatment compositions

A skin treatment composition, comprising GHL--Cu or a derivative of GHL--Cu having the formula:

• ##STR4## wherein R is selected from the group consisting of alkyl moieties containing from 1 to 18 carbon atoms, aryl moieties containing from 6 to 12 carbon atoms, alkoxy moieties containing from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and aryloxy moieties containing from 6 to 18 carbon atoms, or where R is L-prolyl-L-valyl-L-phenylalanyl-L-valine or L-valyl-L-phenylalanyl-L-valine, in combination with a cosmetically and dermatologically acceptable carrier or diluent.