From the age of 20, similar to other proteins (Elastin, Collagen, etc.), the number of Growth Factors in the skin gradually decreases, slowing down cell division, halting cellular activity, and forming wrinkles or fine lines. Specifically, 4 weeks is the average time for a skin cell regeneration cycle at the age of 20. However, as we get older, this process slows down: after the age of 30, this process will take longer, about 6 weeks/cycle.

Therefore, to improve aging skin and maintain a youthful appearance, what you need to do is to maintain the number of Growth Factors in the skin as at the age of 20. This will help promote normal cell division, regenerate the skin; improve elasticity and prevent hyperpigmentation; prevent transepidermal water loss caused by UV rays and prevent skin aging.

So, what exactly are Growth Factors? What is EGF? What are the benefits of EGF for the skin? What are the outstanding EGF-containing products on the market today? Let oh!oh! answer these detailed questions about Growth Factors - EGF in the article below!

1. Overview of Growth Factors

Growth Factors are natural proteins in the body that can bind to receptors on the cell surface, activating regeneration and promoting metabolism. Specifically, Growth Factors penetrate the skin and work to:

There are various types of Growth Factors that have been researched and proven to be effective, including:

2. What is EGF?

EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) is one of the important growth factor proteins in the body, responsible for maintaining and protecting the epidermis. Through the mechanism of promoting DNA synthesis and stimulating cell proliferation, EGF's main function is to restore and regenerate skin structure, thereby reducing the appearance of wrinkles/fine lines, as well as improving skin moisture and preventing hyperpigmentation.

The discovery of EGF and NGF by two scientists, Stanley Cohen and Rita Levi-Montalcini, earned them the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1986. These discoveries are considered important contributions to cell growth, with applications in the field of aesthetic science.

Amino acid sequence of EGF.

Mechanism of action: EGF stimulates growth at the cellular level - acting as a repair agent, restoring damaged skin. EGF plays a role in communicating with cells by binding to receptors on the cell surface and "signaling" them to act like young, healthy cells, thereby promoting cell growth, repair, and regeneration.

The intracellular fate of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) after its activation

3. Benefits of EGF

Through research, scientists have discovered that EGF can stimulate the transport of Glucose and Amino Acids, activate Protein synthesis, and promote DNA synthesis to regenerate cells and accelerate the proliferation of new cells. It also stimulates the proliferation of various cell types such as fibroblasts, liver cells, vascular cells, as well as endocrine cells of the thyroid, pituitary, and ovaries.

If you notice signs of skin aging, lack of moisture, or dull skin tone (whether due to sun damage or post-acne hyperpigmentation), EGF will be a valuable choice that plays an important role in the production of Collagen and Elastin, thereby improving skin texture - smoothing the surface, enhancing elasticity and firmness. By promoting epidermal growth, EGF helps strengthen the skin barrier, maintaining effective hydration and moisturization. In addition, EGF also helps inhibit melanin production during wound healing, thereby preventing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

4. When should you use EGF Growth Factor?

Our bodies naturally produce EGF. However, the amount of EGF gradually decreases over time. This slows down the rate of cell division. If you notice early signs of aging or experience post-acne hyperpigmentation or scars, this is the right time to start incorporating EGF into your daily skincare routine.

The best time of day to use EGF is in the evening - the time when the keratinization process (turnover) occurs, and the skin optimizes its ability to recover. After cleansing, apply the EGF-containing product, then follow with moisturizer.

5. oh!oh! product recommendations with EGF

The Korean brand oh!oh! currently offers two products containing the epidermal growth factor (EGF) at a concentration of 9.9ppm, combined with other advanced active ingredients to optimize efficacy for the skin:

oh!oh! Oatmere Serum

Stem Cell and Skin Regeneration Serum

This is a stem cell and skin regeneration serum with a formula containing 4.5% Oat Extract to soothe, anti-inflammatory, and heal skin damage, while supplementing 9.9 ppm EGF (growth factor) to improve existing wrinkles and reduce the appearance of new ones, stimulate epidermal cell division, and promote increased Elastin production, restructuring the skin. The serum is suitable for pre-aging skin, sensitive skin, and skin after treatment or cosmetic procedures.

NOTABLE INGREDIENTS:

- 9.9 ppm EGF (sh-Oligopeptide-1): Improves and inhibits the formation of wrinkles/fine lines through the growth of new epidermal cells, while healing wounds and repairing damaged skin cells.

- Oat Extract (Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract): Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, soothes skin, and enhances hydration and moisturization.

- Centelloside (asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic and madecassic acid) - Bioactive compounds from Gotu Kola: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory in wound healing, stimulates the skin to produce GAGs (natural moisturizing factors) and Collagen for the skin to maintain a hydrated state.

- Pro Anti-Irritant Complex (Allantoin, German Chamomile extract, Dipotassium glycyrrhizinate): Anti-inflammatory, reduces irritation/redness of the skin, antioxidant, and supports skin hydration.

SEE DETAILED PRODUCT INFORMATION HERE.

oh!oh! Flawless Abyss Serum

Pitted Scar Reduction Serum

This is an anti-aging serum that maintains a youthful appearance for a long time with a formula containing a valuable duo of active ingredients: Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu) and EGF (growth factor). High-tech peptides are included in the ingredient list at a concentration of 1.2% to "neutralize" free radicals, repair damaged cells, and stimulate the production of important components in the skin such as Collagen, Elastin, and Glycosaminoglycans, thereby improving elasticity, firmness, and reducing wrinkles on the skin. 9.9 ppm EGF helps improve existing wrinkles and reduce the appearance of new ones, while stimulating the skin to accelerate cell regeneration, restructure the skin, thereby nourishing healthy skin.

NOTABLE INGREDIENTS:

- 9.9 ppm EGF (sh-Oligopeptide-1): Improves and inhibits the formation of wrinkles/fine lines through the growth of new epidermal cells, while healing wounds and repairing damaged skin cells.

- GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1): Repairs, heals wounds, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and stimulates the production of important components in the skin such as Collagen, Elastin, and Glycosaminoglycans, thereby improving elasticity, firmness, and reducing wrinkles/fine lines on the skin.

- Centella Asiatica Extract: Antibacterial - anti-inflammatory, inhibits acne-causing bacteria P.acnes, stimulates the production of GAGs (natural moisturizing factors in the skin) and Collagen, improves the natural protective barrier of the skin, and overcomes transepidermal water loss.

- Fucus Vesiculosus Algae Extract: Antioxidant, protects the skin from harmful environmental factors and prevents early signs of aging.

- Pro Anti-Irritant Complex (Allantoin, German Chamomile extract, Dipotassium glycyrrhizinate): Anti-inflammatory, reduces irritation/redness of the skin, antioxidant, and supports skin hydration.

SEE DETAILED PRODUCT INFORMATION HERE.