What Are Growth Factors in Skincare — And Do They Actually Work?

When clients ask me what single ingredient has made the biggest difference in my own skin over the last few years, I always give the same answer: growth factors.

It's not the most glamorous answer. Retinol gets the press. Vitamin C gets the Instagram posts. But growth factors? They're quietly doing some of the most impressive work in anti-aging skincare — and they're central to the Glow with Kate Beauty philosophy.

So What Actually Are Growth Factors?

Growth factors are naturally occurring proteins in your skin that act as chemical messengers. Their job is to signal skin cells to repair, regenerate, and produce structural proteins like collagen and elastin.

When you're young, your skin makes plenty of these proteins on its own. As you age — particularly after 35 — production slows. Fine lines, loss of firmness, slower healing: a lot of what we call "aging" is actually declining growth factor activity.

In skincare, growth factors are used topically to supplement what your skin is no longer producing efficiently on its own. Think of them as reinforcements.

What Does the Research Say?

Unlike many trendy skincare ingredients, growth factors have a legitimate clinical history — they've been used in wound healing and surgical recovery for decades. In topical skincare, multiple studies have shown improvements in collagen density, skin texture, and the depth of fine lines with consistent use.

They're not magic. No skincare ingredient is. But among anti-aging actives, growth factors have some of the most credible evidence behind them.

Growth Factors vs. Retinol — Are They Better?

This is one of the most common questions I get, and the answer is: they work differently, and for many women, they work best together.

• Retinol accelerates cell turnover and boosts collagen production — but it can cause irritation, especially in sensitive or mature skin.
• Growth factors signal repair and regeneration at the cellular level without the irritation. They're especially well-suited for women over 40 or anyone with sensitive skin who can't tolerate retinol well.

If you can tolerate both, alternating them — retinol a few nights a week, growth factors on other nights — gives you the benefits of both approaches.

Who Should Use Growth Factors?

Growth factors are especially beneficial if you are:

• In your late 30s, 40s, or 50s and noticing loss of firmness or density
• Sensitive to retinol and looking for an alternative
• Dealing with dullness, uneven texture, or slow skin recovery
• Focused on long-term skin health and prevention, not just surface correction

They're also excellent for skin that's been through stress — sun damage, harsh treatments, or hormonal changes during perimenopause.

How to Use Growth Factors in Your Routine

Growth factor serums should be applied to clean skin before your moisturizer, when absorption is highest. Press gently into skin rather than rubbing — they're delicate proteins and vigorous application can reduce efficacy.

Use morning and/or evening. Unlike some actives, growth factors don't make skin sun-sensitive, so they're safe for AM use.

What to Expect — And How Long It Takes

Growth factors require patience. Unlike a peel or exfoliant that delivers fast surface results, growth factors work at a deeper level. Most clients notice a change in skin texture and radiance within 4–6 weeks, and more meaningful firmness improvements after 2–3 months of consistent use.

This is not a quick fix. It's a long-term investment — the kind that makes a real difference over time.

Questions about whether growth factors are right for your skin? Contact Kate directly or visit us at Glow Beauty Bar for a personalized consultation.