What are growth factors?
Growth factors are proteins that are in platelets and platelets in the blood. Its main function is the repair and regeneration of tissues.
They were discovered in 1986 by Rita Levi-Montalcini, which earned her the Nobel Prize in Medicine.
They are used in different medical fields, such as cellular recovery, hematological diseases, bone marrow transplants and different oncological treatments.
It has recently begun to be used in the field of cosmetics, for skin regeneration.
Therefore, growth factors have very quickly become a successful resource in the fight against aging, whether produced by age or by external factors such as pollution or ultraviolet exposure.
The cells, when in contact with the growth factors, are activated and increase the production of fibroblasts to generate collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, which are the three most important organic components in the maintenance of the skin.
Where do growth factors come from?
Currently, there are growth factors of plant, human and animal origin, after passing through bioengineering laboratories.
- When the growth factors come from the patient’s own blood, the cost is much higher and it is an invasive treatment. For example, plasma treatment.
- However, when the source is plant, human (skin cells, bone marrow stem cells or fat) or animal, with bioengineered modifications, the treatment is usually topical and much cheaper.
Due to their properties, human-derived growth factors are most effective in reducing wrinkles, improving firmness, elasticity and stimulating skin renewal.
When to use growth factors?
Topical products with growth factors should be used a couple of times a day, on dry, clean skin, for 6 to 12 weeks.
It is advisable to use it with a broad-spectrum sunscreen to mitigate sun damage. In addition, they can be combined with antioxidants and retinoids, which can help accelerate results.
According to several studies, the use of growth factors helps reduce expression lines, eye bags and increases skin luminosity.
Commitment to quality
This text on growth factors has been written by professional editors and reviewed by Sisneo’s medical-aesthetic team. In addition, we have relied on experts in medicine, engineering and aesthetics as a source of information, as well as specific studies to maintain the quality of what we publish.
At Sisneo Bioscience we are committed to publish truthful and contrasted information. And to update or correct it as soon as new knowledge becomes available.
Among others, we have used the following references:
- Pamela RD. «Topical Growth Factors for the Treatment of Facial Photoaging: A Clinical Experience of Eight Cases» en J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2018 Dec;11(12):28-29. Epub 2018 Dec 1.
- Ren X, Zhao M, Lash B, Martino MM, Julier Z. «Growth Factor Engineering Strategies for Regenerative Medicine Applications» en Front Bioeng Biotechnol. 2020 Jan 21;7:469. doi: 10.3389/fbioe.2019.00469.