September 1, 2020
Epidermal Growth Factors (EGF)
Quick answer: Epidermal Growth Factors (EGF) signal your skin cells to reproduce and behave like younger, healthier cells — combating the natural slowdown in cell turnover that happens with age. Starting EGFs as early as your twenties may help preserve skin quality over time, and they can be especially effective when paired with a microneedling session, where micro-injuries allow these growth factors to penetrate more deeply.
Want to slow down the clock on your skin’s aging? Even better, do you want to prevent aging from leaving it’s ugly marks? Epidermal Growth Factors is where it’s at! EGFs can be started in your early twenties to preserve that beautiful face of yours!
How It Works
EGFs tell your skin cells to reproduce and act like young, healthy, and youthful cells. As we age, like everything else in our bodies, our skin cells get sluggish and don’t “turnover” as quickly as they did in our youth. The best way to see this is by looking at a babies skin, it’s plump, tight, no pores, flawless, and heals very quickly! Those are cells that haven’t aged yet or been exposed to the sun or made poor health choices. Although I can’t promise you’ll keep baby soft skin all through your life, I can tell you that adding an EGF to your routine is going to help tremendously! In fact, it’s one of my favorite ingredients to use during a Microneedling session!
In an article on the TheKlog.co they explain how we start to loose EGF as we age. “Typically, you can find traces of EGF in body fluids such as breast milk, saliva, and tears. Because they help with wound healing, epidermal cells also naturally release EGF when there is a wound. But the level of EGF in your body experiences a sharp decrease when you hit around 29. Studies have showed that when you’re in your thirties, the level of EGF in your urine is less than 10% of the amount from when you were a child. This decrease slows down the speed at which your skin can repair itself, which in turn contributes to aging.”
PCA SKIN has two amazing EGFs for all ages and skin conditions. Total Strength Serum and Rejuvenating Serum.
The content on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual results vary. All procedures and treatments at Allure Infinite Beauty are performed by or under the supervision of licensed medical professionals. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any aesthetic or wellness treatment to determine whether it is appropriate for your individual needs and health history.
Your Questions About Epidermal Growth Factor Skincare, Answered
What are epidermal growth factors and how do they work in skincare?
Epidermal growth factors, or EGFs, are naturally occurring proteins that signal skin cells to repair and regenerate. In topical skincare and professional treatments, lab-synthesized or plant-derived EGF proteins are applied to the skin where they may stimulate fibroblasts — the cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin — to become more active. The theory is that boosting this cellular communication can help skin respond more like younger tissue, recovering faster and maintaining structural proteins longer.
What skin concerns are EGF treatments typically aimed at?
EGF-based treatments are most often used for signs of aging, including fine lines, loss of firmness, uneven tone, and dull texture. They’re also popular in post-procedure care because they may support faster healing and tissue repair after more intensive treatments like laser resurfacing or microneedling. Some formulations are designed to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation over time. Results vary by individual, and consistent use is generally necessary to see meaningful change. A consultation can help clarify realistic expectations for your skin type.
Are EGF products safe to use?
Topical EGF products are generally considered safe for most skin types when used as directed. Concerns that have circulated about growth factors and cancer risk relate to systemic exposure, not topical application — the proteins in skincare don’t penetrate the skin at levels that would raise those concerns. That said, if you have a personal history of skin cancer or are undergoing active treatment, it’s always wise to consult your physician before adding EGF products to your routine. Our licensed providers can also advise during a skin consultation.
How do EGFs differ from retinoids or peptides?
Retinoids directly influence gene expression in skin cells, accelerating cell turnover and stimulating collagen in well-documented ways. Peptides are short chains of amino acids that signal cells to perform specific functions. EGFs work through a different mechanism — they bind to growth factor receptors on the cell surface and trigger a cascade of regenerative activity. Many advanced anti-aging protocols combine all three categories because each operates through a distinct pathway, and layering them can create complementary effects rather than redundancy.
Can EGF treatments be paired with other professional services at Allure?
Yes, and pairing them is often where clients see the best outcomes. EGF serums or growth factor infusions are frequently combined with microneedling, laser treatments, or HydraFacial protocols because these procedures create controlled micro-injuries or channels in the skin that may enhance absorption of active ingredients. Our providers evaluate your skin and treatment goals before recommending any combination approach. Explore our skin care services to see how EGF fits into a broader treatment plan.
How long does it take to see results from EGF treatments?
Most clients begin noticing improvements in texture, radiance, and hydration within four to eight weeks of consistent use or professional treatment. More significant changes to firmness and line depth typically take longer — often three to six months of dedicated routine maintenance. Professional treatments that deliver EGF in combination with other modalities may produce more noticeable changes in a shorter window. Like most active skincare, patience and consistency are the primary drivers of lasting results.
Where does EGF fit in a morning or evening skincare routine?
EGF serums are typically applied after cleansing and any toner or essence step, before heavier moisturizers. In the evening, they can be layered under a retinoid or a rich repair cream. In the morning, always follow with SPF — growth factors support cell regeneration, and unprotected sun exposure can undo that work quickly. If you’re unsure how to layer your current products around an EGF serum, our skincare team is happy to review your routine during a consultation at our Mesa location.
Are there any clients who should avoid EGF treatments?
Clients who are pregnant or nursing are generally advised to consult their physician before adding growth factor products to their routine, as this area has limited safety data in that population. Anyone with a known allergy to the specific ingredients in a particular EGF formulation should obviously avoid it. For clients with active skin infections or open wounds, EGF treatment is typically deferred until the skin has healed. Our providers at Allure review your health history before recommending any professional treatment and will flag anything that warrants caution or a physician consult first.
Interested in incorporating growth factor treatments into your skin health plan? Book an appointment at Allure Infinite Beauty and let our licensed providers build a personalized protocol for your goals.
Keep Reading
- Why Your Beauty Journey Deserves More Than Just One Destination
- Why Retinoids Work: The Biology Behind Anti-Aging’s Key Ingredient
Frequently Asked Questions About Growth Factors in Skincare
What are epidermal growth factors and how do they work in skincare?
Epidermal growth factors (EGFs) are naturally occurring proteins that regulate cellular processes including cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation in skin tissue. In topical skincare, EGFs and related growth factor proteins (TGF-beta, KGF, IGF) signal to fibroblasts and keratinocytes to accelerate skin repair, collagen production, and cellular renewal. Applied topically, they can improve skin texture, firmness, and the appearance of fine lines over time, particularly for skin that has experienced UV damage, aging, or post-procedure healing. They are particularly effective when combined with professional treatments like microneedling that create temporary channels for deeper penetration.
Are growth factors in skincare products effective when applied topically?
Clinical evidence for topical growth factors in skincare is growing. Studies on products containing EGF and related proteins show measurable improvements in skin texture, collagen density, and wrinkle depth with consistent use over twelve weeks or longer. The challenge is molecular size — growth factor molecules are large and do not penetrate intact skin easily at the barrier level. This is why growth factor serums show their most pronounced results when applied immediately after professional treatments (microneedling, laser, chemical peels) that temporarily increase skin permeability. During these windows, growth factors reach the dermal targets where they exert their repair-stimulating effects most effectively.
What skin concerns benefit most from growth factor skincare?
Growth factor skincare products are most beneficial for: accelerating healing and improving outcomes after professional treatments like microneedling, laser resurfacing, and chemical peels; addressing photoaged skin with reduced collagen density and elasticity; managing fine lines and early-stage skin laxity; and supporting skin quality recovery in clients with compromised barriers or those undergoing treatment for significant skin damage. They are particularly valuable for mature skin that has diminished natural growth factor activity compared to younger skin, where the stimulus for cellular renewal and repair has slowed.
How do growth factor products differ from retinoids?
Retinoids and growth factors both stimulate collagen production, but through different mechanisms. Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) bind to nuclear retinoid receptors and regulate gene expression, driving cellular turnover and collagen transcription — they work from inside the cell. Growth factors signal through surface receptors on fibroblasts and keratinocytes, triggering cell-to-cell communication pathways that promote repair and regeneration. Retinoids have a longer clinical evidence history and more robust data for wrinkle reduction and anti-aging. Growth factors are gentler, do not cause the purging or irritation associated with retinoid introduction, and are better suited for compromised or post-procedure skin. Many advanced anti-aging routines combine both.
What should I look for in a growth factor skincare product?
When evaluating growth factor products, look for: listed growth factor proteins in the ingredient list (EGF, sh-Oligopeptide-1, TGF-beta, KGF, IGF-1); concentration sufficient for efficacy (higher-ranked ingredients indicate higher concentrations); appropriate packaging that protects protein stability (airless pump or refrigerated formula); clinical study data supporting the specific product rather than generalized growth factor claims; and professional-grade formulations from brands with established quality control. Growth factor products are relatively expensive to formulate correctly; very low-priced options often contain insufficient concentrations or degraded proteins. Your Allure Infinite Beauty esthetician can recommend growth factor products with demonstrated quality and appropriate use protocols.
More Questions About Advanced Skincare Ingredients
How do peptides differ from growth factors in skincare?
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that serve as signaling molecules in skin tissue. They work similarly to growth factors in that they communicate with skin cells to modulate collagen synthesis, muscle contraction (signal peptides like Argireline), and barrier repair — but they are smaller molecules that can penetrate intact skin more reliably than large growth factor proteins. Peptides are also more stable in formulation, less expensive to manufacture, and more accessible in over-the-counter and professional skincare products. Growth factors are more potent signaling molecules with broader cellular effects; peptides are more targeted. Both have roles in a comprehensive anti-aging regimen.
When should I add growth factors or peptides to my skincare routine?
Growth factors and peptides are appropriate additions to a skincare routine once the foundation is in place: gentle cleanser, daily SPF, and one primary active (retinoid or AHA/BHA). They are generally well-tolerated and can be introduced alongside other actives without significant interaction risk. Growth factor serums are particularly valuable to have on hand for use immediately after professional treatments, when the skin’s permeability to larger molecules is temporarily increased. If you are considering adding growth factor or peptide serums to your routine, a consultation with our estheticians at Allure Infinite Beauty will help identify which products and protocols are appropriate for your specific skin goals.