By Yoana
Looking for the perfect anti-ageing ingredient? Ask any skin expert for the ingredient they swear by and you will hear at least two of the following: sunscreen, retinol, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, peptides. These are the ultimate wrinkle-fighters and radiance warriors that any skincare lover keeps in their stash. But there’s a new complexion mandate that has quietly entered the fold: growth factors.
Here’s everything you need to know about how they work and how to incorporate a growth factor serum in your routine:
What are growth factors?
Growth factors are groups of proteins that occur naturally in our bodies. They’re produced by all types of cells and are responsible for the regulation of vital cellular functions, such as survival, proliferation, migration and differentiation. Simply put, growth factors can command your cells to replicate, repair and rejuvenate.How growth factors benefit the skin?
When it comes to fighting skin ageing, growth factors are the true all-rounders.By our late 20s the natural production of growth factors in the skin starts to decline which lays the groundwork for wrinkles, sagging and skin thinning. Adding them topically through your skincare will stimulate the production of fibrous proteins such as collagen and elastin to improve skin thickness and texture. Boosting collagen production also enhances the skin’s natural ability to heal and hydrate.
Do they really work?
[video width="640" height="512" mp4="https://zo-skinhealth.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/43021119_2177365359199913_7762917739118795857_n.mp4"][/video]In a word? Yes. In our most recent study 92% of participants noticed significant improvement in fines and crow’s feet after following the simple routine of cleansing, applying Growth Factor Serum and wearing SPF every day for 12 weeks. Furthermore, clinicians observed 31% improvement of skin thickness after just 4 weeks of using Growth Factor Serum in the morning and evening and PM and the number continued to increase throughout the completion of the study.
Overall, 95% of participants reported visible improvement in their skin texture and smoothness, 92% reported overall improvement in all signs of ageing and 78% said their skin felt tighter and firmer.
How can I incorporate them in my skincare routine?
While growth factors are one of the best active ingredients for skin rejuvenation, they can’t replace the basics of your routine – sun protection, exfoliants and antioxidants. Think of them as the icing on the cake that can bolster your existing skincare regime and slow down the ageing process with much less irritation than other gold-standard ingredients such as retinol.
