Growth Factor Skincare
Searching for the perfect skin routine often involves trying out the latest trends, and one of the more popular skincare crazes right now involves Growth Factor Skincare.
If you know us, you’ll know that we tend to steer clear of trends and base our decisions on solid fact and evidence – we do the hard work so you don’t have to. However, it appears that one current skincare trend has turned our heads!
We have been using the AllSkin Med range for a couple of years now and it is one of the best decisions we made. They utilise growth factors in their skincare that have been studied for decades. We are always striving to find products that will ensure our skin ages well and gives longevity to our many different types of skin cells, improving the efficiency of their functions.
What do growth factors do in our skin?
Growth factors are messenger proteins that instruct our skin cells on what they need to do to keep our tissues healthy. They attach to receptors on our skin cells and trigger a cascade inside the cells, encouraging it to work more efficiently.
If we consider fibroblasts – our collagen producing cells – as an example, growth factors stimulate them to produce more collagen, and so keep our skin firm and smooth.
To summarise the role of growth factors in the skin, they are responsible for:
- Stimulating our collagen and elastin production
- Encouraging our skin cells to repair and multiply
- Increasing skin renewal and turnover
- Improving hydration and moisture retention
Why use growth factors in skincare?
Unfortunately, we produce less growth factors as we age. This leads to a reduction in collagen and elastin production, which reduces the firmness and elasticity of our skin. It also means our skin does not renew as quickly or efficiently and it loses some of its ability to repair itself.
When we came across AllSkin Med, we were blown away by how the science behind their SCA Pro Growth Factor technology stacks up. They created a growth factor complex that has multiple benefits and improves the longevity of our skin cells.
What is SCA Pro Growth Factor Technology?
SCA Pro Growth Factor Complex is extracted from the purified secretion of a particular snail (yes, really!) called Cryptomphalus aspersa. If you are now thinking of Korean skincare brands that include snail mucin in their products, be informed that this is completely different!
This particular snail has evolved over 600 million years, combatting the effects of changing environment, temperatures, radiation and chemicals. It has a remarkable ability to repair itself, and decades ago Dr Rafael Abad Iglesias, a radiation oncologist, studied the effects of the secretion from C. aspersa on radiotherapy wounds and subsequently on patients following the Chernobyl disaster.
In the mid 1990s, Cantabria Labs (the powerhouse, sustainable, expert dermatology company behind AllSkin Med) obtained the patent for SCA Pro – the very best parts extracted from the secretion.
The history and the science is impressive, with nearly 30 scientific and clinical publications on SCA Pro alone. This is why we opted for this exceptional brand.
Why is SCA Pro so beneficial to our skin?
We’ve already mentioned that this ingredient does so much for our skin. We were bowled over by the multiple benefits of these powerful products demonstrated beautifully through clinical studies both in humans and in petri dishes. Let’s take a look at the benefits (the list is unbelievably impressive):
- Our fibroblasts are activated to promote collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid synthesis
- It has antioxidant activity, neutralising free radicals and reducing inflammation in our skin – a major source of premature ageing
- It inhibits the enzyme that breaks down our collagen while encouraging the production of healthy collagen in our skin
- It helps our fibroblasts (collagen producing cells) regenerate and promotes autophagy (cleaning out of old, damaged or abnormal parts of our cells)
- Keeps the skin hydrated and resilient against premature ageing
- Supports the structure of the skin, the barrier function and also the retention of moisture
How does this translate into results for your skin?
In short, great results! But more specifically:
- Reduced lines and wrinkles
- One study showed a 46.5% reduction in wrinkle depth utilising a cutometer to measure
- Improved skin laxity and sagging
- Firmer skin
- Supports thinning and fragile skin
- Improves damaged skin barrier
- Poor barrier function is characterised by dehydration, flaking, redness, rough texture, itching, oiliness, breakouts and dullness
- Reduces inflammation in the skin
- Due to its fantastic antioxidant activity combatting the effects of pollution on the skin
- Accelerates wound healing and improves collagen production after clinic treatments by up to 50%
Which products do we recommend?
Our regular clients have made the AllSkinMed Regenerating Ampoules (see below) our best selling product for the last two years. But you are really spoilt for choice. Let’s look at all the options from this exception range:
Regenerating Ampoules
These exceptional ampoules contain the highest concentration of SCA Pro at a whopping 40%. We recommend using them for a month (longer if you wish) then stepping down to the Firming Serum.
They also contain Vitamin C and E providing further antioxidant action while brightening the skin and additionally, a hydrating complex.
We find it hard to put into words how luxurious this product feels on the skin. We have (in our former lives!) tried the most expensive cosmetic skincare brands and this is up there in terms of how it feels but far exceeds them in terms of efficacy.
Use half and ampoule in the morning and the other half at night. Apply it all over the face and neck including the immediate eye area. If you want to use retinol at night, apply it once the serum has completely absorbed. It is beautiful!
Firming Serum
Containing 15% SCA Pro technology, this smoothing and hydrating serum is a perfect morning go-to. It also contains Niacinamide which strengthens the skin barrier and provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Good concentrations of Vitamin C, E and Superoxide Dismutase make this serum a powerful tool against environmental damage, brightening the skin and protecting our collagen.
It can be used morning and night or just in the morning if using retinol. Again, take this one all around the eye area.
Firming Eye Cream
This lightweight cream-gel brightens and firms the skin around the eyes. It contains 10% SCA Pro technology as well as peptides and tripeptides which decongest, de-puff and firm the skin. Hyaluronic acid and squalene hydrate the skin and maintain moisture while soft focus microspheres create luminosity.
Half a pump covers both eyes perfectly and there are not many eye creams on the market for this price that pack such a punch!
Replenishing Cream
Last but certainly not least, this pot of nourishing cream contains 6% SCA Pro to support the action of your chosen serum. It also contains a hydration complex including humectants, calcium to restructure our skin matrix and Vitamin E to protect against environmental damage.
Collagen Activation Plan
This fantastic pack contains the Regenerating Ampoules and Replenishing Cream together with a superb discount. We can’t order these fast enough to keep our shelves stocked!
This combination will also support and improve the results of your in clinic treatments by 50%. It is also a great place to start on your skincare journey, especially our injectables clients that do not have a clinic-grade skin routine in place!
Moisture Firm Plan
This plan contains full sizes of Firming Serum, Firming Eye Cream and Replenishing Cream again with a discount – your new skin routine in a box! Three beautiful products that work in synergy to give you the healthy skin that we all want.
So there we are, a blog post written not only as a clinic owner and pharmacist, but also written from the heart as these are the products I recommend to my friends and family. They are also the products that you will find on my dressing table. I am a total convert and I haven’t looked back.
As a pharmacist, the reputation, innovation and research and development at Cantabria Labs gives me total reassurance in not only the SCA Pro technology but the whole range from this exceptional family owned, internationally renowned, female CEO, Spanish company.
As a human being, their dedication to sustainability within and outside of their geothermal base makes the decision feel right on my conscience.
For more skin health advice and skincare tips follow us on Instagram. We stock AllSkinMed at the Noaem Skin clinic so you can pick up products at your next appointment or consultation.