Have you been hearing a lot about Epidermal Growth Factor in skincare lately but you may be asking what are growth factors and how do they benefit my skin?
We've put together a few of your most frequently asked questions to help you understand how growth factors workand what they actually do.
Should I add EGF to my skincare routine?
Theanswer is a resounding YES! KateRyanSkincare is youralternativetomass-marketed productsthat are seriously lacking in proven, high-quality ingredients. For years, we've been using the protein sh-Oligopeptide-1, more commonly known asepidermal growth factor (EGF), in some of your Kate Ryan favorites-Vitamin C Daytime Repair Serum, Revitalizing Intensive Daily Moisture, Advanced Eye Therapy Complex, and Collagen Booster Intense Repair Serum. As sciencecontinues to discover even more about the rejuvenating potential of this hard-working active, we've elevated EGF to its own signature formula.
Starting in ourlate 20's,skin makes fewergrowth factors,resulting inthinner, lesssupple skinthat isprone to wrinkles and sagging. Topical EGF signalscells to act younger andregenerate faster. The result is more collagen, reduction in wrinkles, and firming of lax skin.
Where does EGF come from?
Our EGF is made using 'protein expression' (a laboratory process that has been done forover 30 years). We use synthetic DNA to teach bacteria to make bio-identical EGF.
There are brands on the market that use human-derived growth factors. For many reasons, you will never find aformula at KRS with any human component.
Can EGF be usedwith Vitamin C?
EGF andVitamin C work very well together but need a little separation if you are using aVitamin C product. Many brands of C Serums, especially thosewith l-ascorbic acid, are formulated at a low pH. Thecomplex ingredients in our EGF Serum can bedamaged by the acid. If you are using another brand of C Serum, we recommend waiting at least 15 minutes before applying EGF. EGF andVitamin C are a perfect duo when used correctly, as both worktoreplenish collagen.
Can EGF be usedwith Retinol?
EGF and Retinol are an excellent combination for anti-aging and can be used seamlessly in the same regimen.
Do you recommend using EGF withmicro needling?
YES! EGF serum can be used during or post-treatment. Growth factors rev-upcollagen synthesis, making it a perfect compliment tomicro needling. In addition, applying EGFfollowing chemical peels and laser treatments helps speed the repair and renewal process for better, faster results.
Is EGF safe in skincare?
Researchers have used EGF for many applications with noindications for safetyconcerns, especially at the concentrations we use. The use of topical EGF has beenstudied and there hasbeen no evidence that it can lead to cancer. Some cancers have been linkedto mutation in the receptors (EGF itself does not have DNA and cannot mutate). Research into these receptors is ongoing but independent of the topical use of EGF.
EGF andtheingredients we use in our products are designed to accelerate production of new skin cells. Melanoma does not have a receptor for EGF but we do not recommend the use of EGF or any other nutritional product on areas affected by cancer, as "feeding" thosecells is not a good idea. If you've had anyhistory ofskin cancer, you should have any products (with orwithout EGF) approved by your doctor or practitioner.
How long will it take to see results?
Used asdirected, thebeneficial effects of EGF can beperceivable within days.Improvements in lines and wrinkles are often noticed within 1-2 weeks, however, depending on your skin condition, it may take acouple of months to seemore dramatic results.Remember that skin cell turnovertakes on average 40-50 days and longer as we age.The key issticking with the regimen! We recommend taking a before and after picture to better visualize your results.
What is a basicrecommended regimen usingEGF:
AM:
Step 1:Cleanse using a gentle cleanser.
Step 2:ApplyVitamin C Daytime Repair Serum to face, neck and chest.
Step 3:Moisturize with Complete Daily Moisture.
PM:
Step 1:Cleanse using a gentle cleanser.
Step 2:ApplyEGF Skin Rejuvenation Serum to clean dry skin on face, neck and chest.
Step 3:Apply Total Nutrition Night Repair Complex for retinol and hydration.
What other questions do you have? Send us a message at hello@kateryanskincare.com - we're here to help!
FAQs
What are the side effects of epidermal growth factor? ›
The most common skin manifestations are papulopustular lesions in the seborrhoeic areas (upper torso, face, neck, and scalp). Other cutaneous side effects include xerosis and hair and nail changes.
What should not be used with an EGF? ›A: “EGF is a so-called cell signaling protein. These types of proteins are very delicate and highly sensitive to many other chemicals. They don't work properly with oils and fat, alcohol, emulsifiers”.
How long does it take EGF to work? ›How long will it take to see results? Used as directed, the beneficial effects of EGF can be perceivable within days. Improvements in lines and wrinkles are often noticed within 1-2 weeks, however, depending on your skin condition, it may take a couple of months to see more dramatic results.
Does epidermal growth factor work? ›EGF stimulates cells in the skin called fibroblasts, which produce collagen and elastin to clarify, thicken, and tighten skin. As you age, your EGF decreases and so too does skin's elasticity, leading to signs of aging such as dullness, wrinkles, lines, and general skin-sagging.
Is EGF cancerous? ›A gene that makes a protein that is involved in cell growth and cell survival. Mutated (changed) forms of the epidermal growth factor receptor gene and protein have been found in some types of cancer, including non-small cell lung cancer. These changes may cause cancer cells to grow and spread in the body.
Does EGF help scars? ›Recently, several clinical studies have revealed that EGF stimulates collagen production and improves the appearance of acne scars, fine lines, rhytids, and skin texture. After a 12-week period of twice-daily treatment of topical EGF, atrophic acne scars significantly improved.
What are the side effects of EGF Serum? ›Potential side effects associated with using an EGF serum may include redness, irritation, dryness, and sensitivity. In some cases, EGF serums can also cause minor breakouts or blemishes due to the active ingredients stimulating regeneration of skin cells.
Is EGF better than retinol? ›EGFs can be more gentle on the skin than retinols, according to Liakas. "If your skin is too sensitive to tolerate retinoids, then growth factors can be a substitute to stimulate collagen, even tone, and decrease roughness with much less irritation," dermatologist Dr. Hadley King told Coveteur.
Can I use vitamin C with EGF? ›Due to the presence of ascorbic acid, the formulation has a low pH, which CAN interfere with peptides and reduce the effectiveness of EGF. Simply put: layering our Vitamin C 15% and 20% serums with EGF or KGF can, indeed, cancel out some effectiveness.
Is EGF a steroid or peptide hormone? ›Although EGF is a peptide hormone and EGFR is a plasma membrane receptor, EGF-EGFR and E2-ERα share the same general pathway for rapid anticipatory activation of the UPR (Fig.
Are growth factors safe? ›
Though the long-term effects of growth factors in skin care have not been robustly studied in a clinical setting, anecdotal evidence from board-certified dermatologists is reassuring when it comes to safety.
Can you use EGF and retinol together? ›Can you use EGF with retinol? YES again! EGF Serum and retinol can be used together, and yield even better results than when used alone! Collectively, the ingredients have been found to increase the effectiveness of anti-aging skincare regimens.
Do growth factors really help skin? ›Controlled clinical studies have shown that the application of skin creams containing growth factors: Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as a result of new collagen synthesis. Improves the appearance of age spots and evens out pigmentation.
Do growth factors tighten skin? ›In simpler terms, the purpose of growth factors is to act as a healing agent. The substance can help to "boost collagen synthesis, prompt cells to produce components that improve skin firmness and elasticity, strengthen the skin barrier and repair and rejuvenate skin," added board-certified dermatologist Dr.
What are the benefits of epidermal growth factor? ›EGF otherwise known as Epidermal Growth Factor was developed to speed wound recovery, EGF stimulates skin growth at the cellular level. It also increases collagen production and is best known for healing and tissue regeneration.
Is EGF toxic? ›Importance Up to 90% of patients treated with an epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor (EGFRi) experience cutaneous toxic effects that are negatively associated with quality of life and lead to treatment interruptions.
Is EGF harmful? ›Although egf is generally considered to be safe, there is some concern that it may cause skin irritation or other side effects. It is important to read the label of any skincare product that you are considering using, and to talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
What cancers are caused by EGFR? ›EGFR-positive lung cancer represents about 10-15% of lung cancer in the United States and generally appears in adenocarcinoma subtype of non-small cell lung cancer. Patients with lung cancers with EGFR mutations tend to have minimal to no smoking history.
Is EGF good for hair? ›Elevated growth factors as EGF not always a good sign for hair growth and functioning promotor inducing hair recovery, but it may be linked to the pathogenesis of hair disorders as AA. EGF may be used as a marker of severity, prognosis, and recurrence.
When should I use EGF Serum? ›The best time to use EGF is in the evening when cell turnover means skin is at its healing peak. Apply it after cleansing and before moisturising.
What does EGF trigger? ›
We now know that the EGF can stimulate cell proliferation, cell differentiation, cell growth, migration, and inhibit apoptosis. It has been shown that the addition of EGF to HeLa cells activates the EGFR to cause the global phosphorylation of 2244 proteins at 6600 sites [90].
Does EGF cause purging? ›Epidermal growth factors work by promoting faster cell turnover, which is what creates the pesky side effect of purging. This means that all of your little pimples and blackheads that would usually take weeks to come to the surface, will show up fast...and all at once!
Is EGF a hormone? ›Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a protein that stimulates cell growth and differentiation by binding to its receptor, EGFR.
Do you use growth factor serum before or after moisturizer? ›So how to use ZO growth factor serum? As a general rule of thumb, you should layer it on after any product with a thinner consistency and before thicker products like moisturizer and SPF.
What are the best EGF serums? ›- Best Anti-Aging:Majestic Pure EGF Scar Serum. ...
- Best Quick Absorbing Formula:Secret Beauty Club EGF Serum. ...
- Best Lightweight:Easydew DW-EGF Double Synergy Moist Ampoule. ...
- Best Hydrating:Le Mieux EGF-DNA Serum. ...
- Best For Puffiness:JJ Labs Skin Solutions EGF Anti-Aging Serum.
Epidermal Growth Factor: The Epidermal growth factor is the most popular growth factor that stimulates your cells using osteogenic proliferation.
What goes first vitamin C or growth factor? ›If it is a thinner product apply first! If you are using ZO %10 Vitamin C Serum you would apply last. ZO Growth Factor serum is also applied last. Always make sure you are gently massaging this product in an upward motion and to apply on all areas of face!
Should I use growth factor before or after retinol? ›"Growth factors stimulate collagen with external application. So they can also stimulate cell turnover, to help your skin look more refreshed," explains Dr. Sulewski. "I would recommend using growth factors after you've already established a daily routine of cleanser, sunscreen, retinols and antioxidants."
What skincare should you not mix with vitamin C? ›AHAs and BHAs, such as glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids should never be used with Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an acid, too, and is unstable, so the pH balance will be thrown off by layering these ingredients together and might as well be useless.
Is EGF a tumor suppressor? ›TSHZ2 is an EGF-regulated tumor suppressor that binds to the cytokinesis regulator PRC1 and inhibits metastasis. Sci Signal.
Is EGF safe for sensitive skin? ›
They are good for every skin type
Because they're produced naturally in the body, EGFs are an especially gentle skincare ingredient. Most people experience little or no adverse reaction to epidermal growth factors. Even those with very sensitive or post-cosmetic procedure skin can use products with growth factors.
Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a single polypeptide of 53 amino acid residues which is involved in the regulation of cell proliferation. Egf exerts its effects in the target cells by binding to the plasma membrane located EGF receptor. The EGF receptor is a transmembrane protein tyrosine kinase.
Do growth factors cause inflammation? ›Abstract. Mononuclear cells generate a variety of hormone-like proteins termed growth factors that are instrumental in the evolution and resolution of inflammatory reactions.
Are growth factors worth it? ›In terms of skin, the research suggests that growth factors are an effective anti aging therapy that help repair and rejuvenate the skin. They improve proliferation and differentation in the epidermis and may even act on dermal fibroblasts for more collagen deposition.
Can growth factor penetrate skin? ›“Growth factor molecules from any source are too large to penetrate intact skin, and there is no convincingly proven technology that can increase the penetration,” says Mehta.
How often should I use EGF Serum? ›For best results, apply 2-4 drops of EGF Serum to the face, neck, and décolleté twice per day. Apply in the morning and wait 3-5 minutes before applying a moisturizer, sunscreen, or makeup. Apply in the evening to clean skin for advanced skin repair while you sleep.
What serums should you not use with retinol? ›To be specific, you cannot mix retinol with AHAs (Glycolic Acid Toner, Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid Treatment, Apple Cider Vinegar Acid Peel), BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acid Serum, C-50 Blemish Night Treatment), PHA Toner.
What products should you not mix with retinol? ›Don't Mix: Retinol with vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, and AHA/BHA acids. AHA and BHA acids are exfoliating, which can dry out the skin and cause further irritation if your skincare routine already includes retinol.
What are the common side effects of EGFR? ›Adverse skin reactions occur in more than 50% of patients given egfr inhibitors; they are the most common treatment-related adverse events. Skin reactions associated with egfr inhibitors include xerosis (dry skin), pruritus, hair changes and alopecia, nail alterations, and hand and foot reactions 10,26,27.
What are the skin side effects of EGFR? ›The most common dermatologic adverse events caused by EGFR inhibitors include characteristic papulopustular eruptions, dry and itchy skin, hair changes, mucositis, nail changes, and photosensitivity [11].
What are the skin side effects of EGFR inhibitors? ›
Use of this class of drugs has been associated frequently with dermatological side effects termed as PRIDE complex–Papulopustules and/or paronychia, Regulatory abnormalities of hair growth, Itching, Dryness due to EGFR inhibitors.
What are the side effects of EGF serum? ›Potential side effects associated with using an EGF serum may include redness, irritation, dryness, and sensitivity. In some cases, EGF serums can also cause minor breakouts or blemishes due to the active ingredients stimulating regeneration of skin cells.
What cancers is EGFR associated with? ›The EGFR was found to act as a strong prognostic indicator in head and neck, ovarian, cervical, bladder and oesophageal cancers. In these cancers, increased EGFR expression was associated with reduced recurrence-free or overall survival rates in 70% (52/74) of studies.
Can EGFR be cured? ›Early-stage EGFR-mutant NSCLC can potentially be cured with surgery or radiation therapy, either with or without chemotherapy.
What is EGFR rash? ›Acneiform rash is the most common side effect of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors (EGFRis), and it occurs in 50-100% of patients. This condition can affect the quality of life of these patients and can sometimes lead to a discontinuation of the antineoplastic therapy.
How long do EGFR inhibitors work? ›EGFR inhibitors can often shrink tumors for several months or more.
How do you treat GFR rash? ›Treatment Recommendations
Prevention of acneiform rash caused by EGFR inhibitors includes topical corticosteroids (hydrocortisone 2.5%, alclometasone) and oral antibiotics (minocycline, doxycycline, or antibiotics covering skin flora) twice daily for at least the first 6 weeks.
EGFs can be more gentle on the skin than retinols, according to Liakas. "If your skin is too sensitive to tolerate retinoids, then growth factors can be a substitute to stimulate collagen, even tone, and decrease roughness with much less irritation," dermatologist Dr. Hadley King told Coveteur.