Epidermal Growth Factor…What’s That?
The scientific community is constantly making discoveries and the cosmetic industry is constantly finding new and wonderful applications for those discoveries. Sometimes, it takes a little longer for the cosmetic industry to catch on to one of those discoveries, as with Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), which won a Nobel Prize in 1986 for its discoverers, Stanley Cohen and Rita Levi-Motalcini. Their work advanced our understanding of how cells communicate with each other during cellular growth. Now, the cosmetic industry has found it to be an anti-aging wonder for the skin. But what is it anyway?
EGF is a naturally occurring substance in the body that stimulates cellular growth, proliferation and differentiation. Basically, this means it is a natural age-prevention protein found in the fibroblast cells of the dermal layer of the skin and it supports cell renewal and wound repair. It’s potent regenerating properties work to stimulate cells to produce collagen, which results in age prevention & reverses the signs of aging. You can read a lot of really confusing scientific research about it – some of which is fascinating, if you can understand the jargon – but for those of us without a degree in biology, simple works best.
For years, the research on EGF has centered on its ability to speed the healing of wounds (which, by the way, makes products with EGF ideal for use after peels, laser treatments, and aggressive skin care treatments). But new applications abound, including anti-aging. Because it is a natural substance, your body recognizes it and readily utilizes topical applications. In addition to anti-aging, EGF is also a powerful antioxidant and highly effective at neutralizing inflammation and irritation from such things as environmental stress, both in correcting existing damage as well as preventing it in the future.
We have recently released a new product in the Pure Skin by Maggie Organics / Naturals line of skin care – EGF Capsules. It is very simple to use; just open a capsule, massage the EGF onto a clean face, then follow with your usual serum or moisturizer. This product is ideal for those with sensitive and aging skin, to heal the irritations and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
All these advances in science…makes us happy to be alive now and able to enjoy the benefits!
