Part II – All About Growth Factors
As you know, at Mblue Labs, we focus on using Methylene Blue (MB), our patented super-antioxidant, to preserve and restore our customers' skin health and longevity. We recently found two cutting-edge ingredients that synergistically function with our anti-aging superstar. This latest research led us to create the powerhouse combination of Methylene Blue with Peptides and Growth Factors for our Face & Neck Remodel Mask, which was just launched!
In our last blog, we told you all about peptides in skincare. Here is more about the science behind the second cutting edge ingredient – Growth Factors.
What are Growth Factors?
Growth factors are bioactive proteins or hormones produced by the body, responsible for regulating cellular growth, proliferation, differentiation, and healing. They interact with cells through specific receptors on the cell surface, triggering a cascade of events within the cell that ultimately lead to changes in gene expression and protein synthesis. As natural components of the body's healing and repair mechanism, growth factors are essential for maintaining healthy skin by stimulating collagen production, promoting cellular turnover, and supporting the skin's immune function.
There are different growth factors, including Epidermal Growth Factors (EGF), which play a pivotal role in cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation. Fibroblast Growth Factors (FGF) which stimulate fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen and the extracellular matrix. And Transforming Growth Factors (TGF), which are key regulators of cell growth, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis.
The Growth Factors in the Face & Neck Remodel Mask addresses the FGF-β or FGF-2 Fibroblast Growth Factor, which has a very broad set of actions on the skin. Besides its central role in healing processes, FGF-2 stimulates cell multiplication as well as collagen synthesis.
Why is Methylene Blue a Break-through for Skincare?
Methylene Blue (MB) is a potent anti-oxidant that combats free radicals in our skin. Environmental factors, especially UV radiation, cause the accumulation of Reactive Oxygen Species (free radicals), which leads to DNA damage, impaired electron transport, decreased collagen synthesis, and increased collagen breakdown. MB increases the lifespan of our cells and stimulates cell proliferation while reducing aging markers. In a recent study when MB was compared with common antioxidants used in skincare, including vitamin C and retinol (vitamin A), MB-treated skin cells outperformed both of them significantly in terms of promoting cell proliferation and reducing age-related markers.
In addition to its potent antioxidant function, MB treatment on skin fibroblast cells stimulates the expression of ECM proteins, including up-regulation of elastin and collagen 2A1, the two vital proteins for healthy, youthful skin. Another study showed that MB provides broad-spectrum absorption of UV rays and mitigates DNA double-strand breaks caused by UVB radiation, which means that MB in daily skincare effectively delays photoaging.
MB also facilitates wound healing and increase the lipid (fat) layer of the skin. As we age, collagen and elastin are degraded and the repair capabilities of the skin decline. MB treatment promotes the wound healing process and facilitates healing by reducing the antimicrobial burden, thus creating happy, healthy and radiant skin! Shop our revolutionary methylene blue skincare products today!
