Published Date: Jun 01 2023
Many of us may have encountered this situation where doctors recommend using epidermal growth factor spray during the restoration period after laser therapy. But what is it exactly, and what are its effects on post-treatment restoration?
What is epidermal growth factor?
Epidermal growth factor (EGF), also known as recombinant human epidermal growth factor, is a small peptide consisting of 53 amino acid residues. It is a member of the large family of epidermal cell growth factors (EGF-like growth factor) that function as multi-functional growth factors by strongly promoting mitosis in a variety of tissue cells both in vitro and in vivo. Numerous experimental studies have demonstrated that EGF can stimulate the proliferation of a variety of cells, mainly epidermal and endothelial cells. It has been proven to be effective in the repair and healing of corneal injuries, burns, wounds caused by surgery, etc. In 1986, Montalcini and Cohen were awarded Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discovering EGF and analyzing its structure and mechanism of action.
Human epidermal growth factor (hEGF) has a wide range of biological effects and is used in medicine to treat burns, ulcers, various injuries, and corneal damage. EGF can also promote the metabolism of normal epidermal cells and can be added to beauty and skincare products to achieve the effects of whitening, anti-wrinkle, and delaying aging.
The role of epidermal growth factor in medical aesthetics
Skin rejuvenation effect
EGF can stimulate the proliferation and migration of various cells originating from the ectoderm and endoderm, such as corneal epithelial and endothelial cells, epidermal and dermal cells (such as fibroblasts), and breast acini and stromal cells, etc., accelerating the metabolism and achieving the effect of skin rejuvenation.
Wound repair
Through binding with EGF receptors and stimulating epidermal cells (including epithelial cells from various tissue sources and various stromal cells) to enter the cell division cycle, important functional genes are activated, and biologically active proteins are secreted. This results in the arrangement of collagen fibers in a linear pattern and the fast and regular growth of epidermal cells to timely cover the wound. It obviously accelerates the healing of wounds caused by cosmetic and plastic surgery and other skin injuries and keeps the wound smooth, reducing or eliminating scars and reducing pigmentation.
Why use epidermal growth factor after laser treatment?
Recombinant human epidermal growth factor has a similar structure and purity to natural epidermal growth factors and has been mainly used in clinical practice in recent years to promote the repair of various wound surfaces and control scar formation. After lattice laser treatment, the use of recombinant human epidermal growth factor can promote the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and hydroxyproline during the tissue repair process of the skin wound, induce the mature epidermal cells to dedifferentiate into epidermal stem cells, accelerate the generation of granulation tissue and the proliferation of epithelial cells in the wound, effectively promote the absorption of inflammation in the wound, speed up the growth and development of cells, and thus shorten the healing time of the wound and improve the quality of the wound repair.
Combining recombinant human epidermal growth factor and lattice laser treatment for acne scar treatment has the advantages of fast onset and quick recovery and can further improve the clinical efficacy.
Although recombinant human epidermal growth factor is safe and effective, it is not suitable for all skin conditions. Before use, it is essential to consult a physician in detail and not blindly follow the trend or use drugs without professional recommendations, as it could have unforeseen consequences.
