protocols
GLOW & KLOW Protocol: Complete Skincare Peptide Guide
At a Glance
GLOW is a three-peptide blend (GHK-Cu + BPC-157 + TB-4) for skin structure, elasticity, and tissue repair.
KLOW is the same blend plus KPV, an anti-inflammatory peptide for reactive or redness-prone skin.
| Property | GLOW | KLOW |
|---|---|---|
| Components | GHK-Cu + BPC-157 + TB-4 | GLOW + KPV |
| Best for | Firmness, texture, scars | Same + reactive/inflamed skin |
| Timeline | 6-12 weeks for visible results | Same, with faster calming |
| Administration | SubQ daily (activation) → 2-3× weekly (maintenance) | Same |
Who This Is For
People seeking comprehensive tissue repair who want:
- Accelerated wound healing (surgical, traumatic, or chronic)
- Skin rejuvenation and improved elasticity
- Organized, high-quality tissue rather than disorganized scarring
- A single-vial approach that eliminates multi-compound management
This protocol uses a pre-mixed formulation—no separate reconstitution or stacking required.
Why Coordination Matters
Most peptide protocols fail not from lack of signals, but from signal interference.
When you use single peptides or random combinations, repair processes compete:
- BPC-157 alone builds blood vessels, but without organized cell migration, healing is random
- TB-4 alone mobilizes cells, but without vascular infrastructure, cells die before reaching target tissue
- GHK-Cu alone signals collagen production, but without cells or blood supply, nothing happens
GLOW solves this through simultaneous coordination: all three peptides working together from Day 1, each addressing different bottlenecks in the same healing process.
The Three Components
| Component | Amount | Role |
|---|---|---|
| GHK-Cu | 50 mg | Collagen production director |
| BPC-157 | 10 mg | Vascular infrastructure builder |
| TB-4 | 10 mg | Cell migration organizer |
After reconstitution with 5 mL bacteriostatic water:
- GHK-Cu: 10 mg/mL
- BPC-157: 2 mg/mL
- TB-4: 2 mg/mL
How They Work Together
Think of tissue regeneration like building a city:
- BPC-157 builds the roads and utilities (vascular infrastructure)
- TB-4 directs where buildings go (organized cell migration)
- GHK-Cu constructs high-quality buildings (collagen production)
Without all three: roads with no buildings, buildings without roads, or construction without a plan.
The cascade effect:
- BPC-157 stabilizes damaged tissue and initiates vascular repair
- TB-4 mobilizes cells to migrate using BPC-157's vascular roadmap
- GHK-Cu remodels new tissue to match original quality
- All three promote angiogenesis through different pathways simultaneously
Result: complete, organized, high-quality tissue regeneration—not piecemeal repair.
Why the 50/10/10 Ratio
The ratio reflects biological demands:
- GHK-Cu 50 mg: Collagen production continues throughout the entire protocol (highest continuous demand)
- BPC-157 10 mg: Vascular infrastructure establishes early and maintains
- TB-4 10 mg: Migration is precision work, not volume-dependent
Dosing Protocol
Every injection contains the same blend. Phases adjust frequency, not the mixture.
| Phase | Weeks | Dose | Frequency | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activation | 1–4 | 0.25 mL SubQ | Daily | Foundation establishment |
| Remodeling | 5–8 | 0.25 mL SubQ | Daily | Peak collagen synthesis |
| Maintenance | 9+ | 0.25 mL SubQ | 2–3× weekly | Sustained results |
Per 0.25 mL injection:
- GHK-Cu: 2.5 mg
- BPC-157: 500 mcg
- TB-4: 500 mcg
Administration
- Route: Subcutaneous (abdomen or thigh)
- Timing: Consistent daily timing; evening preferred (collagen synthesis peaks overnight)
- Rotation: Rotate injection sites to prevent irritation
Storage
- Refrigerate at 2–8°C after reconstitution
- Stable for 30 days
- Protect from light
- Use sterile technique for all draws
Supply Planning
Each vial provides 20 doses at 0.25 mL:
- Weeks 1–8 (daily): 56 doses = 3 vials
- Weeks 9–12 (2–3× weekly): 8–12 doses = 1 vial
- Total: 3–4 vials for 12-week protocol
Timeline: What to Expect
Weeks 1–2: Foundation
| Peptide | Activity |
|---|---|
| GHK-Cu | Activating collagen synthesis genes |
| BPC-157 | Building vascular networks |
| TB-4 | Initiating organized cell migration |
What you feel: Skin hydration improves, tone begins to even, texture starts softening, redness decreases.
Weeks 3–4: Building Momentum
Collagen production accelerates. Vascular support established. Cell migration coordinated.
What you feel: Texture smoothing becomes noticeable. Fine lines begin softening. Elasticity shows early improvement. Inflammation visibly reduced.
Weeks 5–8: Peak Remodeling
All three peptides at maximum activity. GHK-Cu drives collagen synthesis. BPC-157 maintains vascular perfusion. TB-4 coordinates efficient tissue building.
What you feel: Fine lines soften significantly. Visible "glow" returns. Skin thickness increases (measurable via ultrasound).
Weeks 9–12: Integration
Pulsed dosing (2–3× weekly) maintains results without overwhelming homeostatic mechanisms.
What you feel: Peak aesthetic results. Stable dermal density. Ongoing refinement.
When Progress Stalls
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Verify protein intake (substrate for collagen synthesis) |
| 2 | Check sleep quality (GHK-Cu gene expression peaks overnight) |
| 3 | Increase injection volume to 0.3–0.5 mL if needed |
| 4 | Add vitamin C (500–1000 mg daily) as collagen cofactor |
Safety & Contraindications
Do NOT Use If You Have:
- Active cancer diagnosis or treatment (due to pro-angiogenic effects of all three peptides)
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding (insufficient safety data for peptide combinations)
- Known hypersensitivity to any component peptide (BPC-157, TB-4, or GHK-Cu)
Consult with a healthcare provider before starting any peptide protocol.
FAQ
What is the GLOW protocol?
GLOW combines three peptides (GHK-Cu, BPC-157, TB-4) in a single 50/10/10 vial for coordinated tissue regeneration. Standard dosing: 0.25 mL per injection, reconstituted with 5 mL bacteriostatic water, injected subcutaneously for 8–12 weeks. Results visible by weeks 6–8.
How much does the GLOW protocol cost?
$640–$1,475 for 12 weeks depending on source. Compounding pharmacy: $1,045–$1,475. Research suppliers: $640–$945. Cost per day: ~$11–19 during daily dosing phases.
How is GLOW different from the Wolverine Stack?
GLOW prioritizes skin rejuvenation and cosmetic outcomes with GHK-Cu emphasis. Wolverine Stack focuses on acute injury recovery with higher BPC-157/TB-500 ratios. Choose GLOW for aging skin and aesthetic goals. Choose Wolverine for sports injuries and tendon repair.
What's the difference between GLOW and KLOW?
KLOW adds KPV (10 mg) to the GLOW blend for additional anti-inflammatory control. Use KLOW if skin is reactive, inflamed, or prone to redness. Use GLOW for standard anti-aging and tissue repair.
Can I use GLOW with GLP-1 medications?
Yes. The peptides work through different mechanisms and do not interfere. GLOW may help preserve skin quality during weight loss by supporting collagen synthesis.
Is GLOW safe long-term?
Based on available data, yes. Conservative approach: run 12-week protocols with 4–8 week breaks, or use low-dose maintenance (2–3× weekly) indefinitely. Pulsed dosing prevents receptor downregulation.
Can I make my own GLOW from separate vials?
Yes, but single-vial GLOW offers advantages: optimized ratio, no mixing errors, simplified dosing. DIY requires three daily injections instead of one.
Do I need to cycle off?
Not for maintenance dosing (2–3× weekly). For intensive daily protocols, either take 4–8 week breaks between 12-week blocks, or transition to maintenance dosing indefinitely.
GLOW vs KLOW: Which to Choose
| Use GLOW if... | Use KLOW if... |
|---|---|
| Skin is stable (no active inflammation) | Skin is reactive or redness-prone |
| Goal is anti-aging and firmness | Goal includes calming inflammatory conditions |
| Post-procedure recovery (after acute phase) | Active rosacea, eczema, or inflammatory acne |
| General tissue repair | Chronic inflammation is a barrier to healing |
For most people starting out: GLOW is sufficient. Add KLOW if inflammatory signals are clearly limiting results.
Evidence Quality
| Peptide | Evidence Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| GHK-Cu | Strong | Decades of human studies, clear mechanism |
| BPC-157 | Moderate | Extensive preclinical, Phase II human trials |
| TB-4 | Moderate | Preclinical and clinical use, less standardized |
| KPV | Emerging | Strong mechanistic data, limited human trials |
The combination is well-supported by individual component evidence, but specific GLOW blend clinical trials don't exist.
Related Guides
- GHK-Cu for Skin — GHK-Cu mechanism deep-dive
- Tier II: GLOW/KLOW for Injury — Injury recovery application
- BPC-157 Protocol Guide — BPC-157 standalone use
- Wolverine Stack — BPC-157 + TB-500 for injury
- NAD+ Guide — cellular energy for recovery
- Peptide Synergy Masterclass — stacking principles
This content is for educational purposes only. GLOW and KLOW peptide blends are not FDA-approved medications. Peptide therapy requires proper medical supervision, sterile technique, and individual assessment of risks and benefits. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any peptide protocol.
Medical Disclaimer
The content in this protocol guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new protocol, supplement, or medication.