Epidermal growth factor

Author: Michael Liu - MD, PhD, conducted research related to skin epidermal growth factor (USA).

Dermatologists in the USA recognized that epidermal growth factor ( EGF) is one of the most important components of the epidermis and called products based on it “one of the most effective for skin care.” What are these remedies and what makes them so effective?

What is EGF

To date, more than a dozen growth factors have been known that have multiple isoforms and interact with various receptors. One of the most studied is epidermal growth factor (EGF), which is a cytokine and is a polypeptide. It consists of 53 amino acids, weighs 6021 Da, and is resistant to acids and high temperatures. Present in the cells of all tissues of the body and regulates their growth.

EGF plays an important role in the regulation of metabolic and recovery processes. By specifically binding to receptors on the surface of cell membranes, it stimulates the taxis of anti-inflammatory cells and the differentiation of regenerating cells, which promotes rapid and high-quality wound healing.

EGF controls the growth of epithelial, endothelial and fibroblast cells, improves tissue proliferation, and regulates chemotaxis (the motor response of cells in response to any chemical stimulus). Under normal conditions, the content of growth factors in the human body is relatively small and stable. But in case of any damage, for example, wounds, the number of receptors sensitive to epidermal growth factor in the wound cavity increases, due to which its concentration increases. This causes cells to move from healthy, undamaged tissue to the affected areas. Thus, the damaged surface is quickly lined with cells, which promotes healing of the skin and mucous membranes without scar formation, prevents the development of wound infections and significantly reduces healing time. But in conditions of deteriorating ecology, malnutrition, anemia, infection and dysfunction of various organs, regulatory processes are disrupted, a sufficient amount of EGF is not produced, so healing of damage takes much longer and is much less effective.

Mechanism of action

As you know, aging is a process of breakdown of connective and elastic tissues of the skin, during which atrophy of subcutaneous fat also occurs. As the number of growth factors and their receptors decreases, communication between the different layers of the skin begins to deteriorate. As a result, it becomes flabby and wrinkles form. Application of a preparation based on the action of EGF to the skin compensates for its deficiency, and an immediate noticeable improvement in its condition is achieved.

The main role in the physiological effect of such drugs is played by the cell: through communication with EGF-R (EGF receptors), it triggers a complex system of chemical reactions, enhances the growth and differentiation of epidermal cells and other tissues. How does this happen?

Every minute, about 20 million cells are formed in the body. To do this, they need a huge amount of oxygen and nutrients. There are hundreds of different types of cells capable of producing 50,000 different proteins that control their functions: collagen to build skin, insulin to control energy use, hemoglobin to supply oxygen. Old, damaged cells are destroyed by releasing a powerful enzyme that absorbs them from the inside. Normally, human cells divide up to 50 times before they die. The skin consists of a large concentration of cells that actively divide throughout a person's life. Their total number remains unchanged due to the constant replacement of dead cells. Although the speed of their growth is determined genetically, the action of external factors such as climate, sunlight, poor nutrition, smoking, and alcohol abuse weakens our body’s natural control over this process.

For normal cell maturation, it must contain certain amino acid compounds, as well as calcium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, iodine, vitamins A, B, C, D, supplied to it by protein. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins that promote the flow and retention of fluid in the skin and prevent its evaporation. The main component of protein contains about 20 different amino acids formed by compounds of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur. The activity of amino acids, in turn, is controlled by enzymes (enzymes), which speed up biochemical reactions.

The enzymatic system is also involved in the mechanism of connection of EGF with receptors and penetration of this complex into the cell. Enzymes in EGF-based cosmetics catalyze the biochemical processes of keratin breakdown and accelerate the natural release of this protein. Thus, the product “speaks the same language” with skin protein, which is a polymer. Signals are transmitted from cell to cell, allowing them to work as a single coherent mechanism.

Local application

The most effective use of drugs based on epidermal growth factor is after cosmetic facial cleansing or exfoliation. These treatments help the skin produce its own epidermal growth factors through controlled damage to the stratum corneum, which causes new cells to form faster than under normal conditions. Without the use of an EGF-based product, healing occurs with the help of the immune system, which tends to reject structures after exfoliation, resulting in severe skin stress. Topical application of this product promotes healing by reducing this stress. Thus, EGF plays the role of a regulatory or neutral agent that prevents various side effects.

Thanks to these properties, it can significantly reduce the risk of post-peeling complications. Also, EGF-based preparations accelerate the healing of burns and ulcers, including chronic and other skin lesions.

Regular topical use of EGF in women is especially effective, since the synthesis of epidermal growth factor in the skin depends on the level of androgen, a male hormone, which is produced in significantly smaller quantities in the female body. Therefore, the signs of skin aging are more noticeable in them than in men.

Due to the natural presence of EGF in the dermis and epidermis, products based on it can be regularly used in combination with other skin care products without causing irritation. The best results are achieved when applying the products to cleansed skin or after using a toner. When used in conjunction with other creams or lotions, this product should be applied first to facilitate penetration into the skin.

In addition, epidermal growth factor is a new type of drug that is successfully used in medical practice for post-operative healing, reducing scarring and keloid formations.

Thus, EGF-based products can be widely used in complex rehabilitation procedures after various cosmetic interventions. However, the risk of allergic reactions and other complications should not be overlooked. This aspect of the action of drugs has not been fully studied.

Acting at the cellular level, EGF-based products stimulate tissue regeneration processes, immune processes, and the synthesis of collagen and elastin in the dermis. To work with such complex preparations, a cosmetologist needs knowledge in the field of cosmetic chemistry, as well as a clear understanding of what exactly is being used and why.

Source: KOSMETIK international journal, No. 2(32), 2008, pp. 72-74