When you hear “anti-aging” there are often two words that come to mind: growth factors and antioxidants. Both are important to have in skincare routines, but what is the difference between them?

GROWTH FACTORS

WHAT ARE THEY?
Growth factors are proteins naturally found in the body that promote collagen and elastin growth at the cellular level, but also provides skin with the building blocks needed for total skin rejuvenation.

WHAT DO THEY DO?
Growth Factors manage essential tasks like replicating cells and reducing inflammation to aid in the healing and repairing of skin. This makes growth factors a great addition for post-procedure skin.

WHERE DO THEY COME FROM?
Growth factors can be derived from human, animal and plant sources and vary depending on the product. 

HOW DO THEY FIT IN A SKINCARE ROUTINE?
Growth factor skincare can pair well with the products already use. When applying, growth factors will be the first product applied after cleansing and any toners used.  Grow factors can be used with any other skincare products such as antioxidants and retinols.

ANTIOXIDANTS

WHAT ARE THEY?
Antioxidants are naturally occurring vitamins and minerals that are produced by the body, ingested or applied topically.

WHAT DO THEY DO?
Antioxidants can prevent or delay some types of cell damage by counteracting free radicals and oxidative stress. Free radicals and oxidative stressors include smog, dust, pollution, tobacco, alcohol, household cleaners and pesticides.

Antioxidants can improve skin by:

• reducing DNA damage from UV light

• improve hydration

• stimulate the production of collagen and elastin

• reduce the appearance of wrinkles and pigmentation

• support the healing process

• reduce inflammation

WHERE DO THEY COME FROM?
There are multiple sources of antioxidants and can be ingested or applied topically.

Examples of antioxidants:

• Vitamin A

• Vitamin E

• Vitamin C

• Selenium

• Zinc

• Copper

• Polyphenols, plant compounds, such as:

  • Resveratrol - present in grape seeds

  • Curcumin - a compound in turmeric

  • Genistein - present in soybeans

  • Silymarin - present in milk thistle

  • Epicatechin - present in green tea

HOW DO THEY FIT IN A SKINCARE ROUTINE?
Depending on the type of skincare product would determine how and when the product is applied.  For example, a vitamin C serum would be applied last before sunscreen and makeup whereas a sunscreen with antioxidants would be applied last and before makeup.

Should you use growth factors or antioxidants?
Both! Not sure which growth factor or antioxidant skincare products you should add into your skincare routine? We offer complimentary skincare consultations with our aestheticians who can assess your current regimen or help to create a new one. Book a consultation today!