Growth factors, a naturally occurring group of proteins, are a powerhouse skincare ingredient you've likely never heard of. Like retinol, they play a big role in skin-cell renewal and collagen production, but they haven't received nearly as much attention—yet. Recent research has been unfolding their impressive benefits for skin health and appearance.
One skincare brand currently innovating in the growth factor space is PCA SKIN, a company known for its science-backed professional treatments and daily products. Its newest launch, PCA SKIN Pro-Max Age Renewal, features patent-pending Micro Growth Factor (MGF) technology, which shrinks growth factors down to a size small enough to penetrate deep into the skin on the cellular level, where they can work their magic on collagen and elastin (read on for the details). According to the brand, the formula has been clinically proven to help visibly lift and firm sagging skin by 60 percent.
To learn more, we asked aesthetician and PCA SKIN provider Ashley Powers to break down the science behind Pro-Max Age Renewal.
What Is MGF?
According to Powers, growth factors act as tiny messengers that tell skin cells what to do—in this case, act and look more youthful. The MGF technology in PCA SKIN Pro-Max Age Renewal includes a mix of four signaling tripeptides, fragments of EGF (epidermal growth factors) and FGF (fibroblast growth factors) that allow for deeper penetration. "Instead of sitting on the surface of the skin, Pro-Max gets into the extracellular matrix to help smooth the appearance of fine lines, coarse wrinkles, and loose or sagging skin, while also lightly exfoliating," she explains.
What Are the Benefits of Pro-Max Age Renewal?
When it's used morning and night, you can expect healthier-looking skin overall, starting in just one week, according to the brand's clinical tests. "You'll notice fewer visible lines and wrinkles, a smoother and brighter complexion, and a restoration in facial volume and fullness, as well as a calming effect on the appearance of redness and blotchiness," says Powers, adding that the organic kangaroo paw flower extract in the formula also offers immediate tightening and firming results.
How Do I Use Pro-Max Age Renewal?
Apply it on freshly cleansed skin before applying moisturizer (and sunscreen, like PCA SKIN Sheer Tint SPF 45, in the morning). Powers recommends it for the face, neck, and décolleté, plus as a spot treatment on specific areas of concern. "I like to focus the product around the eye area to help plump my crow's-feet, as well as the lines between my brows," she says. You can even slather some on the backs of your hands and the back of the neck to repair collagen loss there, she adds.
