I've been a loyal user of retinol serums and creams for years, but when I turned 32 in June, I felt like I needed to step up my anti-aging routine a little and try different products and ingredients.
After weeks of research and consultations with dermatologists, I discovered the Growth Factor Facial Serum. Many experts have told me that growth factors are one of the most important ingredients for smoothing, plumping and tightening skin because of their ability to stimulate collagen and elastin production and signal skin cells to repair and rejuvenate themselves. Of course, I had to experience all of these benefits myself, so over the course of four months
I tested over 20 different growth factor serums, weighed their pros and cons, and created this top list. Here's a little preview: Read on for a complete list of the best growth factor serums, as well as important information you need to know when choosing a growth factor serum according to dermatologist Heather Rogers, MD, and plastic surgeon Dr. Catherine Chang .
1. PCA SKIN Pro-Max Age Renewal Advanced anti-aging serum using micro-growth factor technology. After just a month of testing this growth factor serum, I'm hooked.
Normally I wouldn't expect any difference in my skin after such a short period of testing, but I do think my forehead wrinkles look smoother and the skin around my mouth and lower cheeks looks firmer . Using this serum allows me more time between Botox injections, which I really like.
2.Bioeffect EGF Eye Serum: Recently I started noticing some fine lines and crow's feet around my eyes. The Derms suggested I use a retinol based eye cream to smooth it out, but I usually have a hard time tolerating retinol around my eyes.
This is where Growth Factor Eye Serum comes in handy. It helps visibly plump and smooth the wrinkles around my eyes without causing any dryness or flaking - in fact, I think it helps reduce my stubborn dark circles too.
3. SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum: Even if you're not particularly familiar with growth factors, you've probably heard of this legendary serum before. SkinMedica's TNS Advanced+ Serum is a favorite among dermatologists, estheticians, and beauty editors.
It's a blend of growth factors, peptides, green microalgae and marine extracts that firm, tone and smooth skin with continued use. Just watch these before and after videos for proof.
4. Glo Skin Beauty BioRenew EGF Drops: Glo Skin Beauty has some of my favorite tinted moisturizers (highly recommend C-Shield Anti-Pollution Hydrating Tint SPF 30). When I saw that they also make an epidermal growth factor (EGF) serum, I knew I had to try it.
The formula is designed to be a boosting serum, so you can easily add a few drops to your favorite moisturizer, facial primer, or facial foundation. In terms of ingredients, the combination of vegan growth factors (they mimic proteins found in human skin cells), hyaluronic acid, and peptides are the perfect trio for firming and plumping skin.
5. Doctor. Metacine InstaFacial Plasma by Diamond: I tested this growth factor serum for the first time when I met with Dr. Diamond’s signature InstaFacial (which, by the way, celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian, Hilary Duff, and Olivia Culpo are fans of ).
I immediately fell in love with its lightweight texture and the way the formula absorbed into my skin without any greasy residue. As for the result? I was impressed with the smoothness and firmness of my skin, and also thought my pores looked tighter and less noticeable.
6. Neocutis Bio Serum Firming Moisturizing Anti-Aging Serum: Bio Serum by Neocutis is an absolute anti-aging powerhouse. Yes, it's expensive, but the formula has all the good stuff, including growth factors and peptides to smooth wrinkles and tighten sagging skin acetyl glucosamine to gently exfoliate and brighten, and hydrating, replenishing Hyaluronic acid for moisture. Its texture is thicker than other serums on the list. So, if you have combination or oily skin, you can easily use it as a moisturizer.
7. Biopelle Tensage Growth Factor Enhanced Serum 40 Ampoules Postoperative:I tested these growth factor ampoules after a clear and bright laser treatment and they speeded up my recovery time and left my skin soft and smooth, literally miraculous.
Normally I wouldn't expect any difference in my skin after such a short period of testing, but I do think my forehead wrinkles look smoother and the skin around my mouth and lower cheeks looks firmer . Using this serum allows me more time between Botox injections, which I really like.
2.Bioeffect EGF Eye Serum: Recently I started noticing some fine lines and crow's feet around my eyes. The Derms suggested I use a retinol based eye cream to smooth it out, but I usually have a hard time tolerating retinol around my eyes.
This is where Growth Factor Eye Serum comes in handy. It helps visibly plump and smooth the wrinkles around my eyes without causing any dryness or flaking - in fact, I think it helps reduce my stubborn dark circles too.
3. SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum: Even if you're not particularly familiar with growth factors, you've probably heard of this legendary serum before. SkinMedica's TNS Advanced+ Serum is a favorite among dermatologists, estheticians, and beauty editors.
It's a blend of growth factors, peptides, green microalgae and marine extracts that firm, tone and smooth skin with continued use. Just watch these before and after videos for proof.
4. Glo Skin Beauty BioRenew EGF Drops: Glo Skin Beauty has some of my favorite tinted moisturizers (highly recommend C-Shield Anti-Pollution Hydrating Tint SPF 30). When I saw that they also make an epidermal growth factor (EGF) serum, I knew I had to try it.
The formula is designed to be a boosting serum, so you can easily add a few drops to your favorite moisturizer, facial primer, or facial foundation. In terms of ingredients, the combination of vegan growth factors (they mimic proteins found in human skin cells), hyaluronic acid, and peptides are the perfect trio for firming and plumping skin.
5. Doctor. Metacine InstaFacial Plasma by Diamond: I tested this growth factor serum for the first time when I met with Dr. Diamond’s signature InstaFacial (which, by the way, celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian, Hilary Duff, and Olivia Culpo are fans of ).
I immediately fell in love with its lightweight texture and the way the formula absorbed into my skin without any greasy residue. As for the result? I was impressed with the smoothness and firmness of my skin, and also thought my pores looked tighter and less noticeable.
6. Neocutis Bio Serum Firming Moisturizing Anti-Aging Serum: Bio Serum by Neocutis is an absolute anti-aging powerhouse. Yes, it's expensive, but the formula has all the good stuff, including growth factors and peptides to smooth wrinkles and tighten sagging skin acetyl glucosamine to gently exfoliate and brighten, and hydrating, replenishing Hyaluronic acid for moisture. Its texture is thicker than other serums on the list. So, if you have combination or oily skin, you can easily use it as a moisturizer.
7. Biopelle Tensage Growth Factor Enhanced Serum 40 Ampoules Postoperative:I tested these growth factor ampoules after a clear and bright laser treatment and they speeded up my recovery time and left my skin soft and smooth, literally miraculous.
As recommended by my doctor, I used one ampoule daily for 10 days after treatment so that the combination of growth factors, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants could help repair my skin and enhance the renewal and regenerative effects of the laser.
In fact, I love the serum in these little bottles so much that I use it when traveling, or for a week or two when my skin feels like it needs a reboot.
8. Allies of Skin Peptide and GF Advanced Lifting Serum: I'm addicted to almost every Allies of Skin product I've tried, including this Firming and Lifting Serum . The bottle contains a blend of growth factors to repair and strengthen skin as well as peptides to tighten loose skin and smooth fine lines. Unlike other anti-aging serums I've tested that take weeks (and sometimes even months) to take effect, I noticed that my skin looked smoother and less dull within a few days of using it twice a day. Very important.
9. ZO Skin Health Growth Factor Serum: Over the years, several dermatologists and estheticians have recommended this growth factor serum from ZO to me and have said that their patients and clients always get compliments on their skin when they add it to their skin care routines.
It leaves your skin visibly brighter and plumper, and reduces signs of aging including fine lines, rough texture and uneven skin tone. The gel-like formula also has a velvety texture and absorbs well into the skin.
In fact, I love the serum in these little bottles so much that I use it when traveling, or for a week or two when my skin feels like it needs a reboot.
8. Allies of Skin Peptide and GF Advanced Lifting Serum: I'm addicted to almost every Allies of Skin product I've tried, including this Firming and Lifting Serum . The bottle contains a blend of growth factors to repair and strengthen skin as well as peptides to tighten loose skin and smooth fine lines. Unlike other anti-aging serums I've tested that take weeks (and sometimes even months) to take effect, I noticed that my skin looked smoother and less dull within a few days of using it twice a day. Very important.
9. ZO Skin Health Growth Factor Serum: Over the years, several dermatologists and estheticians have recommended this growth factor serum from ZO to me and have said that their patients and clients always get compliments on their skin when they add it to their skin care routines.
It leaves your skin visibly brighter and plumper, and reduces signs of aging including fine lines, rough texture and uneven skin tone. The gel-like formula also has a velvety texture and absorbs well into the skin.
Do growth factors really have an effect on skin?
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If your goal is smoother, tighter, firmer skin, then growth factors really work. "Growth factors stimulate fibroblasts, the cells responsible for collagen production, thereby improving skin texture and firmness and reducing fine lines and wrinkles," says Dr. Rogers. Growth factors also improve the skin's wound healing process and help repair damaged skin.
Some growth factors can even help soothe skin by shutting down inflammatory pathways, improving skin barrier function and reducing redness. Rogers added.
PhD. With regular use, it usually takes six to eight weeks for the skin to show the above changes, Zhang said. So, remember that patience is the key to success when adding growth factor serums to your daily routine.
Are growth factors better than retinol?
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No, growth factors are not better than retinol at treating signs of aging. "I tell my patients that growth factor serum is the sixth skin care product they should buy," says Dr. Rogers. "Facial cleanser, facial moisturizer, sunscreen, an antioxidant serum during the day and an AHA or retinol serum at night are all non-negotiables, followed by a growth factor serum," Dr. Rogers.
Retinol is one of the most researched skin care ingredients, and its ability to stimulate collagen and elastin production and promote cell renewal has been proven time and time again.
No, Growth Factor Serum does not necessarily replace a retinol serum or cream, but it is a great product to use in combination or overnight.
What is the best facial growth factor serum?
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The best growth factor serums are specifically tailored to your skin type and concerns. If you have sensitive skin, you should make sure the growth factor serum you choose does not contain potential skin irritants, such as fragrances and dyes. If your skin is oily or acne-prone, it's wise to choose a growth factor serum that's labeled oil-free and/or non-comedogenic. If you have dry or dehydrated skin, a growth factor serum containing moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin is your best option.
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