Looksmaxxing & Appearance

Protocol Overview: The Glow Protocol

Goal: Optimize physical appearance through targeted peptide therapy: improved skin quality, body recomposition (fat loss + muscle gain), enhanced facial aesthetics, and accelerated recovery for more aggressive training.

Overview: Looksmaxxing peptide protocols have gone mainstream, combining growth hormone optimization with skin-enhancing and healing peptides. The "Glow Protocol" targets multiple appearance domains simultaneously: CJC-1295 and Ipamorelin boost GH for body composition and skin collagen; GHK-Cu directly stimulates collagen synthesis; BPC-157 accelerates healing and skin repair; optional Melanotan II provides UV-free tanning. Results typically appear within 4-8 weeks when combined with resistance training and proper nutrition.

Peptide Recommendations and Dosing:

  • Ipamorelin (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide):

    Dosage: 100-200 μg subcutaneously, 1-2x daily. Best taken before bed on empty stomach to align with natural GH pulses.

    Duration: 8-16 weeks, then 4 weeks off.

    Benefits: Selective GH release without cortisol/prolactin spikes. Promotes fat loss (especially stubborn areas), lean muscle gain, improved skin elasticity, better sleep quality, and enhanced recovery.

  • CJC-1295 (no DAC) (Modified GRF 1-29):

    Dosage: 100 μg combined with Ipamorelin, injected subcutaneously before bed.

    Duration: 8-16 weeks, paired with Ipamorelin.

    Benefits: Extends GH elevation for sustained anabolic and skin benefits. The Ipamorelin + CJC-1295 combo is the gold standard for appearance optimization - synergistic GH boost without desensitization.

  • GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide):

    Dosage: 1-2 mg subcutaneously daily, or topically (1-3% serum) for targeted skin application.

    Duration: 4-8 weeks for visible skin improvements.

    Benefits: Direct collagen and elastin synthesis. Improves skin texture, reduces fine lines, enhances "glow," speeds healing from procedures (microneedling, laser). Key for skin quality in looksmaxxing stacks.

  • BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157):

    Dosage: 250-500 μg subcutaneously, 1-2x daily.

    Duration: 4-6 weeks.

    Benefits: Accelerates skin healing (acne scars, procedures), boosts collagen deposition, enables higher training frequency through faster recovery. Essential for aggressive training protocols.

  • Melanotan II (Alpha-MSH Analog (Optional)):

    Dosage: Loading: 0.25-0.5 mg daily for 5-10 days. Maintenance: 0.5-1 mg 1-2x weekly.

    Duration: Ongoing for tan maintenance.

    Benefits: UV-free tanning ("darkmaxxing"). Provides year-round tan appearance associated with health and attractiveness. Note: monitor moles for changes; nausea common initially.

Tissue Repair & Recovery

Protocol Overview: Rapid Recovery Stack

Goal: Accelerate the healing of injuries and damaged tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments, bone, and even gut lining) and reduce inflammation/pain, enabling faster recovery and improved rehabilitation outcomes.

Overview: This protocol leverages two of the most renowned healing peptides – BPC-157 and TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4 fragment) – often used together for synergistic effects. Supporting adjuncts like GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide) or KPV can be added for skin repair and anti-inflammatory benefits. The approach is typically a 6-8 week cycle of daily BPC-157 and weekly TB-500, which can be repeated after a rest period. Administration is primarily subcutaneous (SQ) injections near injury sites for localized impact, though oral forms exist for specific uses (e.g. gut healing). By promoting angiogenesis, collagen synthesis, and stem cell recruitment, these peptides aim to markedly speed up tissue regeneration.

Peptide Recommendations and Dosing:

  • BPC-157 (Body Protection Compound-157):

    Dosage: ~250 μg twice daily, injected SQ. For systemic injuries, injections can be subcutaneous in the abdomen; for a local injury, inject near the affected area (within ~2 inches). Oral capsules (500 μg 1–2× daily) are an alternative for gut or general use, though injection yields more direct tissue delivery.

    Duration: 4 to 8 weeks continuous use, then pause 4+ weeks.

    Benefits: Boosts repair of muscle, tendon, ligament, and even nerve tissue. Shown to increase fibroblast activity, collagen deposition, and new blood vessel formation at injury sites, thereby accelerating wound healing and strengthening injured structures.

  • TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4 Fragment):

    Dosage: 2–2.5 mg twice per week (loading phase for 4-6 weeks), then ~2 mg once weekly (maintenance). Injected subcutaneously or intramuscularly.

    Duration: 6–8 week cycle; can repeat after 4 weeks off.

    Benefits: Promotes cell migration and tissue remodeling. Reduces inflammation and supports flexible scar tissue formation. TB-500 works systemically, helping with injuries anywhere in the body by upregulating actin (a cell-building protein) and promoting new blood vessel growth.

Hormonal Balance & Body Composition

Protocol Overview: GH Optimization Stack

Goal: Optimize natural growth hormone (GH) release and support overall hormonal balance for improved body composition, recovery, and vitality.

Overview: This protocol uses peptide therapy to gently nudge the endocrine system rather than override it. The core is a Growth Hormone (GH) boosting combo: a GHRH analog (CJC-1295 w/o DAC or Modified GRF 1-29) plus a GHRP (Ipamorelin). For sex hormone support, the protocol includes Kisspeptin-10, a peptide that stimulates GnRH release in the hypothalamus, thereby signaling the production of LH and FSH – the hormones that drive testosterone and estrogen production.

Peptide Recommendations and Dosing:

  • CJC-1295 (no DAC) (Modified GRF 1-29):

    Dosage: 100 μg combined with Ipamorelin, injected subcutaneously before bed on an empty stomach.

    Duration: 8-12 weeks, then cycle off for 4 weeks.

    Benefits: Stimulates pulsatile GH release from the pituitary. Works synergistically with GHRPs for amplified effect. Supports fat loss, muscle gain, and improved sleep quality.

  • Ipamorelin (Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide):

    Dosage: 100 μg combined with CJC-1295, injected subcutaneously before bed.

    Duration: 8-12 weeks continuous use.

    Benefits: Selective GH secretagogue with minimal impact on cortisol or prolactin. Promotes lean muscle, fat loss, and improved recovery. Gentler than other GHRPs with fewer side effects.

  • Kisspeptin-10 (GnRH Stimulator):

    Dosage: 100-200 μg subcutaneously, 3x weekly.

    Duration: 4-8 weeks.

    Benefits: Stimulates natural testosterone/estrogen production by activating the HPG axis. Supports fertility and libido without suppressing natural hormone production.

Fat Loss & Muscle Gain

Protocol Overview: Metabolic Enhancement Stack

Goal: Accelerate fat loss while preserving or building lean muscle mass through targeted metabolic optimization.

Overview: This protocol combines compounds that enhance metabolic rate, improve insulin sensitivity, and support muscle protein synthesis. The approach targets multiple pathways: reducing fat storage, increasing fat oxidation, and optimizing nutrient partitioning toward muscle rather than fat.

Peptide Recommendations and Dosing:

  • 5-Amino-1MQ (NNMT Inhibitor):

    Dosage: 50-150 mg daily, taken orally.

    Duration: 4-8 weeks, then cycle off.

    Benefits: Blocks NNMT enzyme which is associated with fat accumulation. May increase NAD+ levels and support metabolic health. Users report increased energy and fat loss.

  • Retatrutide (Triple Agonist (GLP-1/GIP/Glucagon)):

    Dosage: Start low (0.5mg weekly), titrate up based on tolerance.

    Duration: Ongoing with medical supervision.

    Benefits: Powerful appetite suppression and metabolic enhancement. Activates three metabolic pathways for enhanced fat loss. Significant weight loss reported in clinical trials.

Immune Support

Protocol Overview: Immune Modulation Stack

Goal: Support and optimize immune function for better defense against pathogens and improved overall health resilience.

Overview: This protocol uses peptides that modulate immune responses, support tissue barriers, and provide antimicrobial effects. The approach aims to balance immune function rather than simply boost it, which is important for those with autoimmune tendencies.

Peptide Recommendations and Dosing:

  • Thymalin (Thymic Peptide Complex):

    Dosage: 10 mg intramuscularly, daily for 10 days. Repeat cycle 1-2x yearly.

    Duration: 10-day cycles, 1-2 times per year.

    Benefits: Enhances T-cell function and immune surveillance. Studied for chronic infections, autoimmune conditions, and longevity. Helps restore immune balance and reduce illness frequency.

  • LL-37 (Antimicrobial Peptide):

    Dosage: 50-100 μg subcutaneously, daily or every other day.

    Duration: 2-4 weeks for acute use.

    Benefits: Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Supports wound healing and tissue repair. Modulates inflammatory responses.

Cognitive Enhancement

Protocol Overview: Nootropic Stack

Goal: Enhance cognitive function, memory, focus, and mental clarity through targeted nootropic compounds.

Overview: This protocol combines various nootropics that work through different mechanisms: increasing neurotransmitter levels, enhancing cerebral blood flow, supporting neuroplasticity, and providing neuroprotection. The stack is designed for sustainable cognitive enhancement without harsh stimulant effects.

Peptide Recommendations and Dosing:

  • Semax (Synthetic ACTH Fragment):

    Dosage: 200-600 μg intranasally, 1-2x daily.

    Duration: 10-20 days on, then equal time off.

    Benefits: Enhances BDNF and NGF for neuroplasticity. Improves focus, memory, and mental clarity. Anxiolytic effects without sedation.

  • Selank (Tuftsin Analog):

    Dosage: 250-500 μg intranasally, 1-2x daily.

    Duration: 14-21 days, then cycle off.

    Benefits: Reduces anxiety while enhancing cognition. Modulates GABA and serotonin systems. Improves memory consolidation and learning.

  • Noopept (N-Phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine):

    Dosage: 10-30 mg sublingually or orally, daily.

    Duration: Can be used continuously with periodic breaks.

    Benefits: Potent nootropic with neuroprotective effects. Enhances memory, learning, and focus. Works quickly with effects noticed same day.

Anti-Aging & Longevity

Protocol Overview: Longevity Stack

Goal: Support cellular health, slow aging processes, and optimize longevity through targeted interventions.

Overview: This protocol focuses on compounds that address fundamental aging mechanisms: telomere maintenance, mitochondrial function, cellular senescence, and systemic inflammation. The approach combines peptides known for their regenerative and protective properties.

Peptide Recommendations and Dosing:

  • Epitalon (Epithalon / Epithalamin):

    Dosage: 5-10 mg daily for 10-20 days, injected subcutaneously.

    Duration: 10-20 day cycles, 2-3x per year.

    Benefits: Activates telomerase to maintain telomere length. May slow cellular aging. Supports pineal gland function and melatonin production.

  • GHK-Cu (Copper Peptide):

    Dosage: 1-2 mg daily, subcutaneously or topically.

    Duration: 4-8 weeks.

    Benefits: Promotes tissue remodeling and wound healing. Stimulates collagen and glycosaminoglycan synthesis. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.

  • Glutathione (Master Antioxidant):

    Dosage: 250-500 mg liposomal orally, or 200-600 mg IV weekly.

    Duration: Ongoing supplementation.

    Benefits: Essential for detoxification and antioxidant defense. Supports mitochondrial function. Protects cells from oxidative damage.