We all want healthy, glowing skin. But over time our body’s natural regenerative capabilities start to decline, and we need to turn to external solutions. Growth factors are proteins in the body that stimulate tissue formation and repair. As we age, the production of growth factors in the skin decreases, which can lead to a range of skin concerns, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and a loss of firmness and elasticity. In addition to natural, internal aging processes, and internal factors such as diet and inflammation, external aggressors such as UV radiation and pollutants also cause our skin to age. Using skincare products that contain growth factors can help to stimulate the production of new skin cells, increase collagen synthesis, and improve the overall health and appearance of the skin.
ALLSKIN | MED’s SCA PRO is provides potent growth factor activity, designed to prevent, protect and repair skin damage, while providing the skin with powerful regenerating, antioxidant and firming action. SCA PRO promotes skin rejuvenation by directly targeting fibroblasts to stimulate the production of new collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. As a result, SCA PRO is proven to reduce the number and depth of wrinkles, return firmness and smoothness to the skin and provide extra luminosity.1,2,3,4 It is a powerful tool for both regular skincare routines, and for boosting the effects and speeding recovery following skin clinic procedures.
Let’s dig into what growth factors are, why they are important to skin health, and the benefits of SCA PRO.
Why growth factors are important for skin health
The changes we associate most with ageing skin – wrinkles, loss of elasticity and firmness, dark spots – occur in the dermis (the top layer of the skin), caused mainly by a decrease in collagen and fibroblasts. Fibroblasts are the main cells in connective tissue.
Your skin’s health and appearance is affected by both internal and external aggressors. Solar radiation, pollution, heat/cold, inflammation, diet – these can all cause damage to the skin. One element of this damage is the decrease in the number of fibroblasts present in the skin, as well as the function of the ones that remain.
It is the job of growth factors (among other things) to stimulate the regeneration of fibroblasts. As regulatory proteins, growth factors bind to cell surface receptors and serve as chemical messengers, signalling pathways that control cell growth, proliferation and differentiation. In the skin, fibroblast growth factors are essential for stimulating the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts and guaranteeing the continuous production of collagen and elastin. The skin’s stem cells also provide a fresh supply of fibroblasts and keratinocytes through cell differentiation and migration.
However, extrinsic ageing or photoaging is damage caused by exposure to environmental factors, notably solar radiation, tobacco and pollution. It overlaps with the intrinsic ageing process, so it presents characteristic changes, and specific alterations induced by these factors. These are mainly characterised by the appearance of deep wrinkles, pigmentary changes and loss of firmness.
What do growth factors have to do with our skincare routine?
The answer is SCA.
SCA PRO is a patented technology from the purified secretion of the snail Cryptomphalus aspersa.
Having evolved over 600 million years, C aspersa adapted its metabolic processes to suit ever-changing environmental conditions. It developed a natural defence mechanism to protect itself against external aggressors, including extreme temperatures, dryness, radiation and chemicals.
Scientists discovered that C aspersa secreted a protective fluid (which we call SCA) that helped it to heal itself quickly. Dr Rafael Abad Iglesias studied SCA closely, to find out if it could help human tissue to protect and repair.
SCA technology was first used on patients diagnosed with acute radiodermatitis (radiation burn) caused by oncological treatments, and then on patients suffering from radiodermatitis following the Chernobyl disaster.
After further investigations, production was patented in the mid-1990s and clinical development was awarded to Cantabria Labs. The result is SCA PRO, now available in a unique line of products from ALLSKIN | MED.
SCA PRO mimics growth factors
SCA PRO offers a range of benefits for the skin, thanks to its unique blend of growth factors and other skin-nourishing ingredients.
Key benefits of using SCA PRO:
- Boosting collagen synthesis: Collagen is an essential protein that gives skin its firmness and elasticity. The growth factors in SCA PRO help to boost collagen synthesis, resulting in firmer, more youthful-looking skin.
- Strengthening the skin structure: SCA PRO is proven to help increase the syntheses of fibronectin, a crucial element of the ECM (extracellular matrix) which help to maintain skin elasticity and plumpness.
- Protecting against environmental stressors: The antioxidants in SCA PRO help to protect the skin from free radical damage and other environmental stressors, such as pollution and UV radiation.
- Minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles: By promoting collagen synthesis, SCA PRO can help to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, resulting in a more youthful-looking complexion.
Studies have shown SCA PRO’s ability to regenerate and restore biochemical, structural and functional processes altered by the skin’s exposure to external aggression. Now it is also used for treatment of irritation caused by dermatological treatments (peels, laser therapy) and to counteract photoaging generally.
Let’s hear more about those studies.
Clinical studies show exciting results: one revealed that wrinkle depth decreased by up to 30%, reduced the number of wrinkles by 16%, and the total surface area of the wrinkles by 29%.4 Another study showed that SCA PRO increased skin elasticity and hydration levels.5
Who is SCA PRO for?
ALLSKIN | MED products containing SCA PRO can be used by anyone. However, its rejuvenating capabilities make it particularly beneficial for those with aging or damaged skin, and especially for people who have regular clinical treatments, like peels or microneedling. Using SCA PRO post-treatment can decrease recovery time and enhance your results.6,7
With ALLSKIN MED, it’s easy to work growth factors into your routine. SCA PRO is a key ingredient in multiple ALLSKIN MED products, including serums, gels, and eye cream.
Start using SCA PRO in your routine with ALLSKIN MED – speak to your nearest ALLSKIN | MED clinic today.
References
1 Castro B, de Paz N, Gonzalez S, Rodriguez-Luna A (2022) ‘SCA Slows the Decline of functional Parameters Associated with Senescence in Skin Cells’, Int J Mol Sci, 10;23(12):6538
2 Rinaldi F, Trink A, (2014), Double-blind pilot study on efficacy and tolerability of a topical formulation containing SCA in the treatment of photoaging, hi_tech dermo.
3 Iglesias-de la Cruz MC, Sanz-Rodriguez F, Zamarron A, Reyes E, Carrasco E, Gonzalez S (2012)Secretion of the mollusc Cryptomphalus aspersa promotes proliferation, migration and survival of keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts in vitro. Int J Cosmet Sci. Apr;34(2):183-9.
4 Tribo-Boixareu MJ, Parrado-Romero C, Rais B, Reyes E, Vitale-Villarejo MA, Gonzalez S (2009) Clinical and histological efficacy of a secretion of the mollusk Cryptomphalus aspersa in the treatment of cutaneous photoaging. Cosmetic Dermatol.
5 M, Vitale & Pérez-Davó, Azahara & C, Zhihao & Nobile, Vincenzo & MT, Truchuelo. (2018).
Evaluation of the Efficacy of a New Intensive Antiaging Treatment Based on the Combination of the Secretion of Cryptomphalus aspersa, Vitamin C and Proteoglycans. Journal of Clinical and Cosmetic Dermatology. 2. 10.16966/2576-2826.123
6 Truchuelo MT, et al. A cosmetic treatment based on the secretion of Cryptomphalus aspersa 40% improves the clinical results after the use of nonablative fractional laser in skin aging. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020;19(3):622-8.
7 Fernandez-Gonzalez P, Vitale M, Truchuelo MT. Early and maintained application of the secretion of Cryptomphalus aspersa (SCA) 40% improves cutaneous healing after ablative fractional laser in skin aging. J. Cosmet. Dermatol. 2020;00:1–6.
