What Are Growth Factors in Skincare?
Learn about the science of skincare growth factors and their role in targeting the signs of damaged skin.
We want to introduce you to a not-so-secret skincare ingredient in our growing industry: growth factors. But what are they? And what role do growth factors play in skincare?
Recently emerging in mainstream products, growth factors are proteins naturally occurring in each and every one of our body’s cells. If there’s a cell, there’s a growth factor. They play a vital role in things like skin renewal and cellular regeneration. These processes help repair skin damage and treat visible signs of aging such as fine lines, wrinkles and loss of elasticity.
The Science Behind Growth Factors
In essence, growth factors are the body’s messengers. They’re signaling molecules that help activate the skin’s natural repair mechanisms. Growth factors play a key role in cell growth and help support collagen production, cell renewal, and skin regeneration.
Mimetic growth factors, like those found in skincare, are lab-created molecules mimicing the function of natural growth factors in the body. We can harness this function in growth factor serums, offering a way to replenish what our skin is losing over time.
What are Growth Factors in Skincare
Growth factors were first introduced into skincare products in 1999. Since then, they’ve gained attention for their ability to address multiple skin concerns at the same time. When applied to the skin, growth factors interact with receptors on the surface of skin cells, triggering crucial processes.
The main purpose of growth factors in skincare is to support the skin’s natural repair and regeneration mechanisms. By boosting collagen production and promoting cell turnover, growth factors help target fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin texture, and even out skin tone. There’s more. Growth factors also help strengthen the skin barrier making it more resilient to environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution.
Stages of Skin Support: What Do Growth Factors Do
As we age, our body’s natural production of growth factors slows down. This leads to visible signs of aging like uneven texture, fine lines and wrinkles, and loss of firmness and elasticity. Growth factors act as a way to reactivate and support this natural process, helping skin function as it did when it was younger.
The benefits we see from growth factors can be categorized in three stages: react, regenerate, and restore.
- React: In this initial stage, growth factors help support the skin during immediate stress responses that occur from exposure to damaging external stressors such as UV light and pollution.
- Regenerate: In this stage, growth factors help support the skin’s natural structural molecules like collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid for visible skin renewal.
- Restore: Over time, growth factors help support the organization of these key structural molecules into a sturdy foundation, promoting younger looking, firmer skin.
Consistent use of growth factors supports healthier, visibly younger-looking skin better equipped to handle the effects of aging and environmental stressors.
Q&A
Are growth factors necessary in your skincare routine?
Necessary? No. Worth it? Absolutely!
Growth factors can be a valuable addition to your skincare regimen, especially when it comes to advanced signs of aging. They work great alongside other anti-aging solutions like retinoids for a multi-targeted approach to skin regeneration.
Is there a specific age you should start using growth factors?
There’s no set age to start using growth factors, but they can be particularly beneficial in your late 20s to early 30s; this is when the body’s natural production of growth factors begins to decline. Starting early can help slow the progression of aging and maintain younger-looking skin for longer.
Are physical symptoms like fine lines and wrinkles the only reason to start using growth factors?
While growth factors are excellent for addressing advanced signs of aging, they also play a role in maintaining overall skin health. Even if you don’t have visible aging signs, growth factors can help strengthen the skin barrier, improve hydration, and protect against environmental damage. They’re a valuable preventive tool.
Something’s Coming
Understanding the science behind growth factors and their role in skincare helps introduce them into your skincare regimen. Whether you’re looking to address visible signs of aging or simply want to maintain healthy, radiant skin, growth factors offer a treatment and prevention solution!
Did we catch your interest? Explore the benefits of growth factors with our very own innovative solution. Keep an eye out for The Ordinary GF 15% Solution, coming soon.
