GROWTH FACTOR SERUMS

Growth factor serums are the latest in skin rejuvenation technology. I will try to keep my explanations as understandable as possible:

How Growth Factor Serums Work:

Growth factors are proteins that communicate with your skin cells. They cause new cells to grow and older cells to rejuvenate. This thickens your skin by increasing collagen production, speeds up natural healing, and stimulates regenerative stem cells to work better, causing an overall anti-aging effect.

 

Growth factors also cause reduced inflammation and a smoother skin texture.

You may be wondering- what’s the difference between growth factor serums and peptides? From my research, it seems that growth factors appear to offer more comprehensive anti-aging benefits, addressing multiple aspects of skin aging simultaneously.

In contrast, peptides penetrate deeply due to their small molecular size, stimulating new collagen formation, and are particularly effective in reducing skin wrinkles; they also have other anti-aging effects.

So if you want comprehensive anti-aging effects, go for growth factor serums, but if your main problem is wrinkles, then you should aim for peptides.

Types of Growth Factors:

Human-Derived:

• Fibroblast growth factors (SkinMedica)
• Processed skin proteins (Neocutis)

These human-derived growth factors are the most compatible with human skin, and many clinical studies have demonstrated their effectiveness. They are likely to be the most effective of the various growth factors because they are already in human skin (although less as you get older).

Plant-Derived:

• Stem cell extracts from apples, grapes, etc.
• Benefits: Natural, sustainable, generally well-tolerated
• Limitations: May be less potent than human-derived

Synthetic/ Biomimicking:

• Peptides that mimic growth factors (DefenAge)
• Benefits: Consistent potency, no contamination risk
• Innovation: Cutting-edge technology

Here are some examples of growth factor serums worth considering:

SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum

This contains human growth factors derived from human fibroblast cells, with antioxidant Vitamins C and E, and a blend of peptides. Research studies have confirmed that topical human fibroblast growth factors (applied to the skin) caused significant improvement in photo-aged and wrinkled skin.

If you are interested, have a look at this study:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5479475/

The SkinMedica TNS growth factor serum causes improved skin texture, thicker, healthier skin with a reduction in fine lines. it is an expensive investment at around $285 for 1 oz. But you only need to apply 2-3 drops to your skin twice a day after cleansing.

Neocutis Bio-Serum Intensive Treatment

This is obtained from ethically sourced fetal skin cells, and contains PSP, which is a proprietary blend of growth factors. It also contains other proteins and antioxidants.

Key Features:

• PSP (Processed Skin Cell Proteins) – proprietary growth factor blend
• Originally produced to improve skin regrowth in patients suffering from severe burns
• Contains amino acids, antioxidants, and matrix proteins
• Lightweight serum texture that absorbs quickly
• Price Range: High-end ($150-180 for 1 oz)
• Best For: Post-laser/procedure recovery, sensitive aging skin
• Obtained from cultured foetal skin cell proteins (ethically sourced)
• Accelerated healing, improved skin quality, reduced inflammation
• Apply thin layer twice daily to clean skin

DefenAge 1-Day Radiance Renewal Serum

• Contains peptides that activate dormant stem cells
• Niacinamide provides further support to damaged skin barrier
• Also contains Bakuchiol which is a natural retinol alternative
• Price Range: Premium ($195-220 for 1 oz)
• Best For: All skin types, stem cell activation, natural anti-aging
• Results: Visible improvement in 24 hours, long-term skin renewal effects.
• Application: Use morning and/or evening on clean skin
• A feature of DefenAge1 renewal serum is its ability to target and stimulate “sleeping” stem cells in skin to produce new healthy skin cells.

How to Use Growth Factor Serums:

1. Cleanse skin thoroughly first
2. Apply 2-3 drops to face and neck
3. Gently pat into skin—don’t rub vigorously
4. Wait 5-10 minutes before applying other products
5. Follow with moisturizer and SPF (morning)

Order of Application-from First to Last:

1. Cleanser
2. Growth factor serum (first treatment)
3. Other serums (vitamin C, hyaluronic acid)
4. Moisturizer
5. Sunscreen in the morning and every 2-3 hours if you are spending time outside.

You should start using the growth factor once a day (in the evening) and  you can increase to twice a day after 2-3 weeks if you are not getting any irritation. Long-term use is once or twice a day.

Effects You Should Notice:

Within 24-48 hours you will notice a plumping effect on your skin, which will look smoother and brighter.

By 2-4 weeks there will be a noticeable reduction in fine lines, and your skin texture should continue to improve.

Your skin should continue to improve in all aspects of aging for up to six months after you commence treatment.

Storage and Handling:

• Refrigerate some formulations for stability
• Dark, cool place away from sunlight
• Use within 6-12 months of opening
• Clean hands when applying to prevent contamination

The people who most benefit from using growth factors:

• 35+ years old with signs of early skin aging or solar damage- fine lines and pigmentation, rough “bumpy” skin  becoming more obvious
• Post-procedure patients (laser, chemical peels)
• Sun-damaged skin

Things to Consider before starting treatment with Growth Factor serums:

• Pregnancy/nursing: Consult dermatologist
• Sensitive skin: Start with lower concentrations
• Active acne: May not be first-line treatment

Are Growth Factors worth the Investment?

• Only small amounts are needed
• They work in several ways to produce their anti-aging effects, and so you don’t have to use so many other products.

If you find these Growth Factors too expensive, you could try:

• Peptide serums – similar benefits at lower cost
• Retinol products – proven anti-aging, much less expensive
• Vitamin C serums – antioxidant and collagen support

Growth factor serums represent the cutting edge of anti-aging skincare, offering professional-level results through advanced biotechnology. While expensive, they can provide dramatic improvements in skin quality, especially for mature skin or post-procedure recovery.