What is EGF, and how does it affect skin?
EGF is one of the most important growth factor proteins in our skin and plays a vital role in the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid to maintain skin’s healthy, dense, and youthful appearance.
If we imagine a baby’s skin, it is thick and plump, because it is full of EGF. When we are born – and our skin is soft, smooth, plump, and healthy – we have copious amounts of EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) proteins that signal cells in relation to repair and rejuvenation. They are vital for maintaining healthy, youthful skin functions like the production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid that help keep skin thick, dense, smooth, and firm. Once we reach maturity, by the time we are in our 20's, the natural production of EGF is already starting to decrease. This decrease results in slower cell turnover and repair, eventually affecting our skin's youthful appearance – skin starts to sag, and fine lines and wrinkles appear.