You may have heard of the term growth factors in cosmeceutical marketing and skin care articles. As one of the hottest trends in the anti-aging industry, growth factors are being included in the formulations of select premium skin products.
At a very basic level, growth factors are natural proteins in the human body that regulate and control complex cellular processes such as growth, proliferation and differentiation. Secreted by cells that make up the epidermis and dermis, growth factors are an important part of maintaining healthy skin structure and function.
Growth Factors In Cosmeceuticals
Since the number and performance of growth factors decline with age, clinical studies began to examine the cosmetic use of growth factors on the skin. In theory, growth factors applied to the skin surface penetrate the epidermis and ‘fertilize’ the skin. When it was discovered that synergistic interaction of multiple growth factors with other proteins in the epidermis and dermis promotes skin repair and regeneration, it grabbed the attention of the cosmeceutical industry.
Since certain growth factors have been shown to promote the formation of collagen and elastic fibres, topical skin creams and serums containing a mixture of growth factors and other proteins have been developed to reverse multiple signs of aging.
Clinical studies such as those performed by SkinMedica® have shown that the addition of select growth factors to their products has the ability to treat photodamaged skin, specifically by:
- Reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Improving the appearance of pigmentation (age spots)
- Improving skin texture, tone & elasticity
SkinMedica’s research has shown that by supplementing the skin with growth factors, cells are prompted to perform more efficiently again, leading to fresher and younger-looking skin. If you are interested in learning more about what growth factors can do for your skin, please speak with your dermatologist or a skin care consultant.