Reversal of photodamage with topical growth factors: a pilot study

Cosmeceuticals: peptides, proteins, and growth factors

“…The results were measured by profilometry and with a punch biopsy of the treated skin. There was a statistically significant reduction in facial wrinkles, fine lines, and photodamaged skin at the periorbital level . In addition, the long‐term results were even more satisfactory.…”

Comparative study of various growth factors and cytokines on type I collagen and hyaluronan production in human dermal fibroblasts

“…Growth factors can carry out a prominent role in reversing the outcomes of skin aging . Topical application of human growth factors has been shown to reduce the signs and symptoms of skin aging, including reduction in fine lines and wrinkles and increase in dermal collagen synthesis in several clinical studies . They are unlikely to penetrate through the stratum corneum to produce biological effects because growth factors are large hydrophilic molecules.…”

Endogenous growth factors as cosmeceuticals

“…During this stage low strength, unorganized type III collagen and elastin structures produced during the ECM production phase are replaced by stronger type III collagen and structured elastin fibers to provide strength and resiliency to the dermis. This remodeling phase can last for several months and is the key to reversing the visible effects of skin aging (37).…”

“…Several cosmeceutic products containing either a single human growth factor or combination of multiple human growth factors and cytokines are currently marketed for skin rejuvenation. Clinical results are now available for some of these products and the results show that human growth factors when applied topically provide beneficial effects in reducing the signs of facial skin aging (37)(38)(39).…”

“…Measurements of Grenz-zone collagen and epidermal thickness measured from the biopsy show a 37% increase in Grenz-zone collagen and a 30% increase in epidermal thickness (FIG. 4) (37). Studies of longer durations show dramatic improvement in visible signs of aging.…”