GROWTH FACTORS FOR SKIN REJUVENATION

The skin is the largest organ in human body and responsible of our external looks. It is formed by cells, fibres and extra cellular matrix. Biologically we can say that years come with a decrease of cell number, collagen and elastic fibres amounts and matrix deterioration. This is why skin looses its elasticity and capacity to regenerate and recover; all caused by an accumulation of  free radicals and a smaller production of growth factors. Also, bad blood flow brings less nutritional support and fewer glands secretations. This are the reasons why skin dehydrates, freckles, becomes more flaccid and looses its smoothness, wrinkles start to appear and tissues to atrophy (especially subcutaneous fatty tissue and superficial muscle) this is why and when skin alterations start to show, such as brown spots, senile keratosis, seborreic warts , nevus, et. All together these alterations cause a tireing and senile image that makes the patient lose his or her self esteem and reject their image.

Two different factors are implicated in skin deterioration: genetical and external. The genetical factor causes flaccidity: physical skin characteristics are inherited. The sun is the most important external factor: chronic and actinic damage is the cause of photo aging (elastosis). This alteration is caused by the accumulation of damage actinic fibres produced by genetically alterated fibroblasts by UV radiation. Tobacco is another reason for skin aging, since it produces free radicals and reduces antirust defences causing histological alterations similar to elastosis.

Growing Factors:

Growing factors are small fragments of highly active proteins in cell´s membrane. Even though GF are produced by all body cells, they are highly concentrated in plakets and macrofagus.

Until present, scientists are aware of the existence of different GF, some of them regulate skin remodelling, and therefore they have a very important role in its image. GF production decreases alot with age and its activity in cells falls.

The first GF discovered was the Epidermal Growth Factor, that stimulates cellular production in skin.

The Epidermal Growth Factor, that had been being obtained by Genetic Engineering and used in burn cicatrisation, post peel applications and incorporated to cosmetic products. Later since GF started been used in dentistry and implant surgery, a new production method was implemented using the patient’s blood. A blood sample is obtained and cenrifugated, later the highly plakets concentrated plasma fraction is separated and activated with calcic cloruro that causes fibrinogen transformation in fibrin and the formulation of a white coagulus. A few hours later plakets degranulate causing the acceleration of fiber tissues production improving cicatrisation. In aesthetics, GF are used to stimulate epitelizacion and to improve skin quality after peel treatment.