What it does
Proteins that signal skin cells to grow, divide, and produce structural components (collagen, elastin, hyaluronic acid).
Best for
Mature skin investing in clinical-grade rejuvenation. Headline active in SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum.
The full picture
Growth factors are signaling proteins that direct cellular behavior. In skincare they are typically harvested from cultured cells (human fibroblasts, stem cells, or fermented bacteria) and delivered topically to encourage skin renewal. The open scientific question is whether these large protein molecules can meaningfully penetrate the stratum corneum to affect living skin cells underneath. The most prominent clinical data comes from SkinMedica's TNS line, which uses Human Fibroblast Conditioned Media. Results tend to be slow and progressive over 12-24 weeks of consistent use, not immediate.
Evidence
Topical growth factor blends have shown improvements in fine lines, sagging, and skin texture in controlled trials.
Read the source: PubMed: topical growth factors in skin ->