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What are growth factors, and how do they fix your skin?

Writer's picture: Dr. Sarah YovinoDr. Sarah Yovino

Updated: Apr 7, 2021

We can all recognize many of the visible signs of aging - wrinkles, age spots, and dull skin, to name a few. To some degree, we accept this as a fact of life. However, those who are looking to maintain a youthful glow beyond their early years may ask: Why does our skin lose its luster with age, and can it be reversed?


Growth factors are proteins in our bodies that are responsible for jumpstarting cell growth and repair. These proteins communicate with the receptors on our cells, sending commands to reproduce and repair DNA damaged by the sun or environmental pollutants. In terms of skin care, growth factors are capable of visibly improving skin quality by:


  • Facilitating the repair and regrowth of skin tissue. This improves the health of the skin, as well as its ability to “bounce back” from damage.

  • Increasing collagen and elastin production (the elements that keep our skin soft, smooth, and bouncy).

  • Softening skin texture.

  • Reducing hyperpigmentation (patches of discoloration on the skin, typically as a result of aging, sun damage, or hormones) leading to even-toned skin.


In our youth, growth factors are abundant throughout our bodies - that is one reason our skin is so soft and supple during childhood. However, as we age, our natural growth factor production slows down, and it begins to show in the form of wrinkles, fine lines, and crepiness. By reintroducing effective quantities of growth factor through medical-grade skin care, you can restore the youthful, beautiful skin that you were born with.


The growth factors used in skin care products are derived from four main sources: human cells grown in a lab, our own platelet-rich plasma, snails, and some plants. They are different from growth hormones, which are produced by the pituitary gland.


There has been some debate in the world of dermatology as to whether growth factors are truly effective. This is because growth factors tend to have a large molecular size that can cause difficulty in penetrating the skin. To circumvent this issue, only use growth-factor based products that are medical-grade - medical-grade skin care products use special carrier molecules to ensure active ingredients are optimally delivered. Regular, non-medical grade skin care products are not dermatologically tested - this means they can advertise active ingredients on the label without ensuring there is an effective concentration to deliver results.


Additionally, studies have shown that the beautifying properties of growth factors can be amplified by combining them with antioxidants and peptides. Antioxidants, such as Vitamin C and squalane, help to boost protection from sun damage and pollution. Peptides are the “building blocks” of collagen and elastin, bolstering growth factors in increasing production.



YovinoMD Premium Growth Factor Cream is a medical-grade product clinically proven to deliver results, increasing collagen levels by up to 76%. Synergistically formulated, this cream combines 2 human growth factors with plant stem cells, 4 antioxidant ingredients, and a tripeptide complex to maximize results and restore your healthy, youthful skin. Click here to shop now.


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