Growth Factors

Anti-aging products are the most sought-after solutions in skincare. Breakthrough ingredients, delivery systems and new in-office treatments are often in the spotlight due to the demand by patients for effective anti-aging benefits. Patients are familiar with ingredients such as retinol for addressing the signs of aging, but there are less well-known solutions such as Growth Factors that have been gaining momentum in recent years that are worthy of discussion when it comes to addressing skin aging. With more and more dialogues about this specific ingredient popping up and more products utilizing them to target skin health restoration, it is the perfect opportunity to learn more and to equip yourself with the knowledge to make the most advantageous decisions in your own skincare regimen.

What are Growth Factors?

They are proteins that are already naturally produced and found in the body. These proteins bind to receptors on cells and communicate crucial messages. In the skin, various growth factors tell cells to “produce collagen” or “create more elastin”. Unfortunately, as we age, our body produces lower quantities. This results in a decrease in collagen production and a weakening of elastin, which causes signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging, and thinning skin.

 Why are Growth Factors Important?

As we age, collagen-rich structures in the dermis start to break down, leading to lines + wrinkles and skin weakening. Growth factors that work in the dermis can encourage the skin to repair itself by producing more collagen + elastin, and by ramping up cellular processes that have slowed down over time.

Growth Factor Products

ZO® Skin Health offers the technology in the form of a Serum and  Eye Serum—both of which contain plant and enzyme derived growth factors. The serum leverages ZO’s clinically proven technology in a powerful yet gentle solution that helps restore a more youthful appearance by visibly improving fine lines and wrinkles. The Growth Factor Eye Serum also contains ZO’s clinically proven technology and is specifically designed with ingredients that target the delicate eye area. It plumps to improve the look of dark circles, creases and hollows while re-invigorating  the look of tired eyes.

Patients experience fast-acting results and long-term benefits by incorporating these products into their daily protocol. In a 12-week clinical study of the Growth Factor Serum, ZO® Skin Health found the following:

• 95% of patients reported improvement in texture and smoothness after 8 weeks.
• 78% of patients said skin appeared tighter and firmer after 12 weeks.
• 92% of patients reported improvement in overall appearance of the skin after 12 weeks.

ZO’s Growth Factor Serum and Growth Factor Eye Serum pair well with other products you may already use. Vitamin C, which is a proven antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals to boost the benefits of growth factors, is a welcome addition. If you’re a retinol lover, you can still use growth factors in tandem for enhanced anti-aging results. Of course, no skincare regimen is complete without the regular use of sunscreen.

In summary, growth factors are a collagen-supporting skincare ingredient that will provide year-round anti-aging benefits.