Among the many active ingredients present in skincare products, many give real and visible benefits. The main ingredients use today, according to experts, we find hyaluronic acid, retinol, ceramides, peptides and fibroblast growth factors…
And we, who love to take care of our skin, are always looking for the active ingredient that will provide the best results, that wonderful ingredient or formula that will improve our skin condition in the absence of negative side effects, such as irritation, redness or itching .
Today we want to talk about the fibroblast growth factor (aFGF)
What are the growth factors?
Growth factors are natural substances produced by cells, which support the repair of damaged skin due to aging or environmental factors. Growth factors are large proteins that float between cells, communicating crucial messages related to the growth, healing and survival of skin tissue cells. They are produced by all types of cells and promote collagen and elastin formation to provide firmness and skin elasticity.
How do growth factors work?
When these “signaling proteins bind to receptors on the cell surface, they can send commands to replicate, repair and rejuvenate,” says New York dermatologist Estee Williams.
Growth factors are able to:
- stimulate biochemical pathways that promote the repair and regeneration of skin tissues;
- promote the formation of collagen and elastic fibers which give the skin softness and elasticity;
- stimulate the repair and regeneration of the skin through the synergistic interaction of multiple growth factors with other proteins in the epidermis and dermis.
Among all growth factors, the fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) constitutes an important mechanism for controlling skin aging.
Over time, due to endogenous and exogenous factors (UV rays, smog, etc.), the levels of collagen and elastin in the skin decrease, causing the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging and imperfections of the skin. When the fibroblast growth factor is applied to the skin at high concentrations, a small fraction penetrates the superficial epidermis and starts a communication chain that stimulates the proliferation of fibroblasts, and the production of young collagen and elastin, giving greater elasticity and compactness to the skin.
What are the benefits of fibroblast growth factors (aFGF) for our skin?
Daily use of skin care products containing fibroblast growth factor (CG-aFGF) is known to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin tone and firmness.
Controlled clinical studies have shown that the application of skin creams containing fibroblast growth factor:
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles following a new collagen synthesis
- Improves the appearance of age spots and evens out pigmentation
- Reduces the roughness of the skin
- Improves the structure and elasticity of the skin through the production of elastin
- It makes the skin softer and more compact.
The use of the fibroblast growth factor as a new therapeutic option to prevent and control the aging process is getting solid in the dermocosmetic market.
But it is only the tip of the iceberg!
The success of the fibroblast growth factor as a mechanism for controlling skin aging has led to a new awareness among researchers: the need to carry out further studies to fully understand the mechanisms of action of this family of substances and their possible benefits.
We think for example about the factor FGF2, able to stimulate the healing of wounds without the formation of scars, but which if blocked can compromise the healing process; or about FGF7 and FGF10 factors that are very important in stimulating the migration and proliferation of keratinocytes.
A better comprehension of how these substances work and of the most proper methods of their application would allow the development of an even more effective and safer aesthetic and medical pharmacological product.
