Have you heard about the fountain of youth called Epidermal Growth Factor or EGF?
EGF is a growth factor naturally produced in humans that plays an important role in the regulation of cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation. First marketed in the early 1990s, growth factor formulas like EGF are added to a range of skin care products to help support cell renewal and wound repair. Proponents claim that it has potent regenerating properties, making it valuable for age prevention and age reversal of the skin
There is research to support the use of EGF in wound and burn healing. However, research reveals that this effect is no better than placebo and it may not be effective at all. EGF does calm inflammation when applied to skin but there is little research to support many of the skin care claims attributed to this ingredient. Since EGF causes skin cells to overproduce, its repeated use is not necessarily good for skin. Psoriasis, for instance, can result from skin cell overproduction.
Although we aren’t discussing the use of growth factors taken internally in this post, the consequences can be frightening. Certain cancer treatments such as interferon and interleukin are growth factors and do have the ability to cause cells to overproliferate. Keep in mind that cancer is a disease caused by an overabundance of cells.
But what about the safety and efficacy of external application? EGF is a large molecule so it cannot penetrate skin. And, there are issues around the length that it can remain stable in a formulation. Clinical studies and research are lacking, which means that if you opt for using a product that contains EGF that whether or not you will reap any benefit is questionable.
Great Article. I heard about EGF but I understand better how it works.