In the world of skincare, there’s always a new “miracle” ingredient that’s promises to transfer your skin. Yet, few skincare ingredients manage to hold the kind of intrigue and desirability that epidermal growth factor (EGF) does. This is due to its potential in promoting skin regeneration, reducing signs of ageing and boosting overall skin health. For these reasons, EGF has become a bit of star player in advanced skincare products. But what exactly is epidermal growth factor and what can it actually do for skin? In this article, we’ll break down the science behind the potential benefits of EGF for skin. We’ll also review whether EGF skincare is worth adding to your routine and alternatives.
What is Epidermal Growth Factor?
Epidermal growth factor is a naturally occurring protein made by our skin and other cells in the body. It plays a vital role in regulating the growth, repair and regeneration of cells by binding to specific receptors on their surface. In the skin, this process stimulates cell turnover, boosts collagen production helping maintain the skin’s strength and elasticity. As we age, the natural production of EGF declines leading to slower skin healing, thinning and the development of fine lines and wrinkles.
EGF was first discovered in the 1950s when researchers were looking into how certain proteins influence cell development. This breakthrough work earned scientist Stanley Cohen a Nobel Prize. His work paved the way for a deeper understanding of how skin cells repair and regenerate. Since then, EGF has been widely studied in a number of areas including dermatology. More recently it has become a popular ingredient in advanced skincare products and clinical treatments for those seeking to improve skin texture and firmness.
Evidence for Using EGF Skincare
Our skin naturally produces growth factors like EGF to help it maintain healthy cell turnover, repair damage and maintain skin structure. For skincare, epidermal growth factor is typically derived using laboratory measures. This is either by extracting it from plant sources, bacteria or human fibroblast cells. These methods ensure to ensure purity, consistency and enable mass production. When applied topically, EGF binds to specific receptors (EGFR) on the surface of skin cells. This triggers a cascade of signals that encourage regeneration and healing that can help:
- Stimulate the production of new skin cells
- Boost collagen and elastin synthesis
- Speed up wound healing and skin recovery
- Improve overall skin texture and tone
A number of clinical studies have provided some evidence to support the use of EGF in skincare. In particular, there’s a lot of evidence for EGF’s role in enhancing re-epithelialisation which the process by which the skin repairs itself after injury. Small-scale studies have shown that EGF skincare can improve hydration, texture and elasticity. It may also improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone and treat mild to moderate acne as well as scarring. Lastly, EGF skincare may also improve healing time and cosmetic outcomes in patients undergoing laser treatments for hyperpigmentation. Although these findings are encouraging, it’s important to note that much of the current evidence comes from small or industry-funded studies. Larger, independent clinical trials are still necessary to properly confirm the long-term benefits and safety for using epidermal growth factors in skincare.
Benefits of Epidermal Growth Factor for Skin
EGF skincare products are designed to mimic its natural function by helping to boost cell renewal and accelerating recovery from damage. From the evidence so far, the main benefits of epidermal growth factor for skin include:
- Accelerates Skin Repair & Healing: One of the most researched benefits of epidermal growth factor skincare is its ability to promote skin healing. Studies have shown that EGF can speed up the healing of injuries, burns and after procedures like laser or microneedling.
- Reduces Fine Lines & Wrinkles: EGF stimulates collagen and elastin production which may have anti-ageing benefits. As such EGF skincare can help to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time.
- Improves Skin Texture & Tone: The regenerative properties of EGF can contribute to smoother and more even-toned skin. Regular use of epidermal growth factor skincare may help fade hyperpigmentation, refine pores and improve overall skin luminosity.
- Strengthens Skin Barrier: EGF has been shown to aid in reinforcing the skin barrier. This may help make the skin more resilient to damage from pollution, UV exposure and harsh skincare products.
- Treats Acne & Acne Scarring: Studies show that EGF can help speed up skin healing, increase cell turnover, reduce acne causing bacteria and reduce inflammation. This can be beneficial for acne-prone skin and scarring over time.
Whilst epidermal growth factor can have a variety of skin benefits, it may not be useful for everyone. You might want to consider EGF skincare if you’re looking to:
- Address early signs of skin ageing
- Improve skin recovery post-procedures
- Boost skin radiance and texture
- Strengthen the skin barrier
- Clear mild-to-moderate acne and post-acne scars
Safety & Considerations
As with everything in life, not everything is for everyone. Whilst EGF is naturally occurring in the human body, external application of epidermal growth factor skincare products can carry some risks. Below are a few things to consider if you’re thinking of adding RGF to your skincare routine:
- Potential Sensitivity: Whilst generally considered safe for topical use, people with sensitive skin may experience irritation, redness or breakouts when introducing EGF skincare. Regardless of your skin type, its best to start slowly and monitor how your skin responds. As with any new skincare product, always perform a patch test first to check for allergy.
- Source Considerations: Not all epidermal growth factors are created equal. EGF can be sourced from human, animal or synthetic origins. Always check the ingredient sourcing if the source is important to you (e.g.g if you’re vegan or have ethical or moral objections). Also only ever purchase from reputable brands to ensure safety and quality.
- Cost: EGF skincare products tend to sit at the higher end of the price spectrum due to the complexity involved in making growth factors.
- Limited Long-Term Evidence: Whilst the short-term benefits of epidermal growth factor skincare are supported by science, more robust data is necessary to confirm its long-term safety and efficacy.
How to Add EGF in Your Skincare Routine
Its not just enough to add a new skincare ingredient and expect it to do its magic. EGF like any skincare ingredient requires effective use. Here are our top tips for the best way to add EGF skincare into your routine:
- Choose the Right Product: Look for serums or creams where epidermal growth factor is listed high up on the ingredients list. These products typically offer the highest concentration and are designed to better absorb into the skin.
- Timing Matters: Apply EGF skincare to freshly cleansed skin to maximise absorption. Night time is generally the best time to use it as that’s when skin is most metabolically active. However, you can also use it during the day.
- Complementary Ingredients: EGF pairs well with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and barrier reinforcing agents like niacinamide. Avoid layering with strong acids or retinoids initially as these can increase risk of irritation.
- Consistency is Key: Visible results typically take several weeks if not months of consistent use.
Alternative Skincare Ingredients to Epidermal Growth Factor
If EGF isn’t right for you, there are a number of skincare ingredients that have similar benefits. Below are the main alternatives to EGF for skin regeneration, brightening and anti-ageing benefits:
- Peptides: These short chains of amino acids signal skin cells to produce collagen and elastin. As such, peptides can help to improve firmness and elasticity. They may also support skin repair and boost hydration.
- Retinoids: Retinol and prescription forms such as Tretinoin increase cell turnover and stimulate collagen production. They cant help to treat acne, wrinkles, pigmentation and skin texture over time.
- Vitamin C: This potent antioxidant helps neutralise free radical damage whilst boosting collagen production to help with skin ageing. Vitamin C also helps brighten the complexion and improves uneven skin tone.
- Niacinamide: Vitamin B3 strengthens the skin barrier and boosts moisture retention. It also helps reduce redness, improve skin texture and minimise pores.
- Bakuchiol: This plant-derived ingredient has collagen-boosting and skin-smoothing effects. Bakuchiol is gentle on the skin and suitable for use even in pregnancy.
- Exosomes: These are tiny vesicles that deliver growth factors and proteins directly into skin cells to support regeneration and healing. Exosomes are increasingly used in advanced skincare due to their role in stimulating collagen and elastin and overall skin regeneration.
- Pigment Suppressors: Ingredients like Arbutin, Kojic Acid and medications like Hydroquinone help reduce the production of excess melanin. They help to fade hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone.
Epidermal growth factor skincare is a potentially exciting intersection of biotechnology and beauty. Whilst there is scientific evidence to support its role in skin regeneration and healing, more higher level clinical trials are still needed to assess its long term effectiveness. If you’re keen to add EGF to your skincare routine, remember that mindful use and consistency are necessary. Also with all things skincare, EGF it may not be suitable for everyone. People with highly sensitive skin, active acne or inflammatory conditions like rosacea should get medical advice before introducing EGF products.
At City Skin clinic, we are super passionate about personalised skincare. Our virtual skin clinic offers safe and effective custom skin and hair loss treatments. Where appropriate our doctors use ingredients such as Tretinoin and Hydroquinone to treat skin conditions like acne, hyperpigmentation, melasma and skin ageing. Start your online consultation today. The journey towards great skin starts here.
