Meet the rising star of skin-transforming skincare: growth factors.

More and more skincare companies are spotlighting hyaluronic acid as the hydration hero in skincare products. But have you also introduced your skin to the powers of growth factors? These active ingredients are the latest technological advances in skincare. Growth factors have been shown to dramatically slow signs of aging and encourage the regeneration of skin cells for more youthful-looking skin.

In short: growth factors in skincare are a MUST for people over 30 whose skin is starting to show signs of aging and environmental damage.


GROWTH FACTORS 101
The good news:
Growth factors are naturally occurring proteins that stimulate cellular renewal in the body. Our cells naturally secrete growth factors as signaling molecules that keep other cells healthy and stimulate them to divide. When there is damage, cells produce growth factors that communicate to surrounding cells that repair is needed.

The bad news:
Over time, the aging process leads to a decrease in the body's natural supply of growth factors.

But there's hope!

When growth factors are applied topically, the stratum corneum activates a repair message that goes into the dermis via a signaling cascade, stimulating fibroblasts to produce collagen and revitalize damaged or aging skin. In fact, growth factors were first used for treating patients in burn centers to help speed healing.

Think of it like this: In aging skin, cell renewal is slowing down, like a battery that's dying and needs to be charged up again — and growth factors are ways to RE-CHARGE skin. Growth factors send signals to build collagen and to prevent skin from loosening, sagging, and wrinkling. And that's why growth factors are so important for treating aging skin. And we're all aging in some way, right?


CONSIDER THE SOURCE
In the not-too-distant past, growth factors were the most bio-active when derived from human sources (for example, adipose tissue, amniotic membrane, baby foreskin) since they work with growth factors normally present in human skin. However, new technology has allowed for the synthesis of peptides that have an identical chemical structure to that of growth factors. Although these lab-synthesized peptides don't have human or animal sources, they have been shown to accelerate skin renewal, reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, improve skin texture, and reverse signs of environmental damage.

How do they do that?

Growth factors encourage cell proliferation, which means an increase in cell growth and cell division. They also discourage cell apoptosis, which means cellular death.


GROWTH FACTORS IN LE MIEUX SERUMS
Le Mieux pioneered the use of growth factors in skincare. Le Mieux serums incorporate lab-synthesized peptide forms of protein growth factor that are not human-derived or animal-derived. The function of these growth factors is to send signals to surrounding cells to stimulate cellular renewal.

For example, Le Mieux serum formulations include sh-oligopeptide-1, known as epidermal growth factor (EGF) and palmitoyl tripeptide-5, known as transforming growth factor (TGF).

Used in Le Mieux formulas, TGF is considered "preventative", as this "Collagen Protector" helps prevent collagen breakdown and protect existing collagen. TGF is best in formulations to help prevent or treat early signs of aging, such as fine lines.

EGF is considered "reparative" or "regenerative", as this "Youth Molecule" helps reverse existing skin damage by encouraging collagen production and accelerating skin renewal. EGF is best in formulations for damaged, irritated, sensitive skin, and also for deep wrinkles and advanced signs of aging.

In anti-aging formulations, growth factors work well with other ingredients and are often cocktailed with peptides, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, and stem cells.


FAST FACTS ABOUT GROWTH FACTORS

1. WHAT ARE THEY:
   Naturally occurring proteins encourage skin renewal
2. WHAT DO THEY DO:
   Communicate to skin cells that repair is needed
3. HOW DO THEY WORK:
   Send signals to stimulate collagen & revitalize skin
4. WHO NEEDS THEM:
   People over 30 with signs of prematurely aging skin
5. BFF INGREDIENTS:
   Peptides, stem cells, antioxidants & hyaluronic acid

GOT GROWTH FACTOR?
Cell-energizing growth factors are naturally found in skin to help encourage skin renewal. So, where can you find them in your skincare? Take a look at the list below and add one of these Le Mieux serums to level up your skincare routine.

	TGF-β BOOSTER Seeing fine lines? Transforming growth factor beta is a "Collagen Kickstart" that plumps away lines and doubles as a booster to supercharge your skincare regimen. SHOP COLLAGEN KICKSTART
	EGF-DNA Struggling with damaged, prematurely aging skin? Powerful epidermal growth factor is a "Youth Molecule" in this must-have serum for anyone over 30. SHOP YOUTH MOLECULE
	STEMCELL EGF Deep wrinkles? Meet the Wrinkle Warrior, brimming with transforming growth factor, epidermal growth factor, PLUS plant-derived stem cells to reactivate and reset youthful-looking skin. SHOP WRINKLE WARRIOR