What Are Growth Factors in Skin Care?

There are often buzzwords that trend in the skin care world from one year to the next. Peptides, for example, have been a popular ingredient in topical skin care products throughout the last couple of years. “The reason that products tend to come into style over time is because cosmetic companies are constantly innovating to create new products and formulations that can be used for a variety of benefits,” says Dr. Parks, a Board-certified dermatologist and the founder of DermWarehouse. “As we see the development of new ingredients and formulations, new things like growth factors in skin care can be used in topical products to significantly increase the efficacy that patients see after use,” he says.

So what are growth factors? Growth factors in skincare refer to naturally occurring proteins capable of stimulating cellular growth, proliferation, and healing. These proteins can help stimulate the natural healing process to help your skin repair damage and hyperpigmentation faster, giving these powerful ingredients their own anti-aging properties as they boost collagen production and skin cell turnover.

One of our most popular growth factor products is the SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum, which uses growth factors to address signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles. Growth factors in the product help to replenish and renew the skin while hydrating and smoothing it for improvements to the skin’s overall texture. “This is a customer favorite that has been clinically proven to have a lifting and plumping effect,” says Dr. Parks. “In fact, it’s been proven to show results that make patients look up to 6 years younger after 12 weeks. It has a hefty price tag, but this product really works and our customers absolutely love it.”

“Growth factors can be derived from several sources, including human cells, animals, plants, and biotechnology. Products containing growth factors are typically formulated as serums, creams, or masks,” says Dr. Parks. There is clinical research to prove the effectiveness that growth factors have in enhancing overall skin health, as well as appearance. But don’t go shopping for a new skincare routine just yet, because it’s important that you choose products with growth factors that are tailored to your individual skin’s needs.

How do growth factors help your skin?

“Growth factors refer to a variety of ingredients that can be derived from various sources, so the ways in which they help your skin will generally vary from one ingredient to another,” says Dr. Parks. “For example, products with plant stem cells can offer healing properties that improve the rate at which our skin cells reproduce,” says Dr. Parks. “These are great ingredients for anyone with acne-prone skin or hyperpigmentation who may want to see results from a quick healing process,” he says.

On the other hand, a Transforming Growth Factor (TGF) can help boost collagen production to make skin appear more supple and radiant overall. Choosing the right growth factor for your skin type will help you get the most out of these powerful ingredients.

Are Growth Factors Safe?

Studies have shown that growth factors are a safe and effective way of promoting healing on treating skin wounds and damage. Some growth factors increase cell growth, which has called into question whether or not the ingredients are safe to use long-term. “Research is ongoing regarding whether or not growth factors may cause harm over time, but evidence from registered dermatologists has shown that these ingredients are safe to use,” says Dr. Parks.

Growth Factors for Dry Skin Types

“For patients with dry skin, I like to recommend products with growth factors that are geared towards replenishing and restoring the skin’s natural moisture barrier,” says Dr. Parks. “Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) is a popular growth factor in skincare products that are formulated for dry skin types because they can improve hydration levels in the skin by improving the skin barrier function,” he adds.

The Replenix Growth Factor Restorative Serum is a great product for those with dry skin because it helps to replenish skin barrier function and improve overall hydration. It also contains peptides, which can help feed the skin’s microbiome and boost collagen production. “Growth factors can synergize well with other hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin, so keep an eye out for products that combine these ingredients into one for even better results,” says Dr. Parks.

Those with dry skin often also have sensitive skin, especially around the eye area. Using products that are designed specifically for the eye area can guarantee that even the most sensitive of skin will not face irritation. We recommend the SkinMedica TNS Eye Repair for areas where you may face sensitivity, as well as the Rejuve MD Anti Aging Growth Factor Eye Serum.

Growth Factors for Oily Skin Types

For oily skin types, selecting growth factors that help regulate oil production, improve skin texture, and minimize the appearance of pores can help improve the overall appearance of oily skin while combating the excess oil production that can be burdensome. With growth factor skincare products, the anti-aging and barrier balancing benefits can help combat oily skin without stripping it of its natural radiance.

“The Biopelle Tensage Daily Serum SCA 15 is a popular choice for patients who have oily skin,” says Dr. Parks. “This is an oil-free daily serum that can help to visibly improve the signs of aging while nourishing the skin with humectants and antioxidants,” he says. The combination of these ingredients can help balance oil production in the skin. This will help prevent the overproduction of oil that causes oily skin to become a problem.

Growth Factors for Aging Skin Types

“Out of all of the skin types that can benefit from growth factors, aging skin really has the most to gain,” says Dr. Parks. As we age, our bodies slow collagen production and often incur damage from external stressors and toxins like pollution and UV from the sun. This can lead to hyperpigmentation and skin damage, along with a loss of elasticity and volume caused by the slowing of natural collagen production.

“Growth factors are proteins that have been taken from plant and animal sources and offer insurmountable benefits when it comes to healing skin damage and boosting natural collagen production,” says Dr. Parks. Clinical studies have shown that growth factors provide anti-aging benefits when used in topical skincare products.

The Osmosis Beauty Stem Factor Serum is a popular product for its anti-aging benefits through the use of growth factors. DermWarehouse customers also love the PCA Skin Pro-Max Age Renewal, Advanced Anti-Aging Serum with Growth Factor Technology for its restorative benefits.

Conclusion

Growth Factors are important ingredients that can help topical skincare products deliver powerful results when combined with the right routine. Whether derived from plants, animals, or bioengineering, growth factors can support a healthy skin barrier to nourish and protect the skin from harmful toxins and sun damage that causes aging. “Growth factor skincare products are some of the most supported skincare products available to consumers on the topical skincare market,” says Dr. Parks.