How Do Growth Factors in Skincare Products Work?

In This Article

Growth factors are a revolutionary component in skincare, particularly for anti-aging products. These proteins are naturally produced in the body and play a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin. They stimulate cell division and growth, and are responsible for producing collagen, a vital component for skin’s structure and firmness. However, with aging, the body’s production of growth factors reduces, leading to less collagen and elastin, which results in thinner, more wrinkled skin. Topical application of growth factors in skincare aims to supplement these diminishing natural proteins, thereby helping to reverse some of the aging effects by stimulating collagen growth and improving the skin’s overall appearance​​.

Fast Facts

Key Idea:
Growth factors in skincare are natural proteins that stimulate cell growth, division, and collagen production, helping reverse aging signs like wrinkles and thinning skin​​.
Popular Ingredients:
EGF (epidermal growth factor), sh-Olighopetpide-1, animal, human stem cells, plant-derived growth factors​​​​.
Potential Benefits:
Improved skin firmness and elasticity, strengthened skin barrier, skin repair and rejuvenation​​.
Application:
Apply topically to clean, damp skin, followed by a moisturizer. Suitable for all skin types, especially beneficial for damaged or aging skin​​.

Expert Tips

Understanding Growth Factors
Dr. Michele Green, a board-certified dermatologist, explains that growth factors support skin repair, new collagen formation, and help in providing elasticity and firmness. As we age, the natural production of these factors slows, hindering the skin’s ability to repair itself​​.

Effectiveness in Skin Rejuvenation
Clinical studies have shown that growth factors can effectively repair skin by promoting collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan production. These proteins initiate cellular communication that instigates cellular replication and production, addressing signs of skin aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and textural irregularities. A 12-week clinical trial demonstrated significant improvements in facial skin appearance, firmness, elasticity, and hydration when using growth factor-based products​​.

Usage and Tolerance
According to Dr. Peterson Pierre, growth factors in skincare products activate mechanisms that allow the skin to repair itself. They boost collagen and elastin production, significantly improving fine lines, wrinkles, tone, texture, and discoloration. Growth factors are well-tolerated, making them suitable for every skin type. They can be a milder alternative to retinols for those with sensitive skin. It is recommended to apply growth-factor products to clean, damp skin, allowing a few minutes for absorption before applying a moisturizer​​.

European Perspectives
In Europe, there’s a focus on using growth factors derived from various sources, including human, animal, and plants, ensuring their efficacy and tolerance for different skin types. European skincare experts emphasize the importance of understanding individual skin needs and choosing products accordingly.

3 Power questions and answers

What are the main sources of growth factors in skincare?

Growth factors in skincare products can come from various sources including human stem cells, animals, and plants. They are either extracted or bioengineered and incorporated into skincare formulations.

Can growth factors in skincare reduce wrinkles?

Yes, growth factors can effectively reduce wrinkles by stimulating collagen and elastin production, which helps in repairing and rejuvenating the skin, resulting in a smoother, more youthful appearance.

Are growth factor skincare products suitable for sensitive skin?

Generally, growth factor skincare products are well-tolerated and considered suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. They can be a milder alternative to retinoids.

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Conclusion

Growth factors in skincare offer a promising solution to combat signs of aging, such as wrinkles and loss of skin elasticity. By stimulating collagen production and skin repair and rejuvenation, these proteins effectively restore a more youthful, healthy appearance to the skin. When selecting growth factor products, it’s crucial to consider individual skin needs and preferences, especially in terms of ingredients and skin tolerance. The growing availability and variety of growth factor-based skincare products, especially in the European market, provide ample choices for those seeking to incorporate these powerful ingredients into their skincare routine.

Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30909351/
https://www.dermstore.com/blog/growth-factor-skin-care/