How to Train Your Skin to Act Younger: Growth Factors

If you’ve been roaming the Internet, you’ve probably heard the term growth factors pop up before and wondered what all the buzz is about. I’m here to tell you why this ingredient has become one of our top recommendations for glowing, healthy skin (especially after treatments like microneedling, lasers, or peels).

Growth factors are naturally occurring proteins found in your skin that tell your cells to repair and rebuild. I think of them as your skin’s messengers. Growth factors signal your skin to produce more collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid (the key ingredients for firm, smooth, youthful-looking skin).

Think of a growth factor like your Pilates instructor for your skin. Your cells already know what to do. They’ve been tightening, toning, and renewing your skin their whole lives, but over time, they start to get a little sloppy or forget their form. Growth factors come in like that instructor who walks by, gently adjusts your posture, and reminds your muscles how to move correctly. They don’t replace your natural ability, but refine your technique, helping your skin perform better, rebuild collagen, and stay strong and balanced from within.

As we age, those natural signals slow down. That’s why topical growth factors, like those in our Renewal Duo Growth Factor, are so powerful. They give your skin the nudge it needs to start behaving younger again.

What is it made of?

The Dr. Monica Scheel Renewal Duo Growth Factor is a safe, proven alternative to human-derived growth factors, made with peptides and bioactive ingredients that mimic what your skin naturally produces. (Just so we are all on the same page, traditional growth factor products often use human-derived proteins or stem-cell extracts to signal skin renewal.)

Here’s a closer look at what’s inside:

• PGF4 (Peptide Growth Factor 4): A bioengineered peptide that mimics natural growth factors to stimulate collagen and elastin production.
  
• Peptides: Amino acid chains that strengthens skin, reduce fine lines, and encourage new collagen formation.
  
• Phospholipids: Helps deliver active ingredients deeper into the skin and lock in hydration.
  
• Squalane: Lightweight hydration that mimics your skin’s natural oils and enhances elasticity.
  
• Ceramide NG: This is a skin-identical ceramide, so your skin recognizes it and can use it immediately. It helps to restore your skin’s barrier to calm and protect against irritation.

The Renewal Duo comes in two tubes which you have to mix on the back of your hand. This needs to be done because one tube contains the growth factor peptides (PGF4), a.k.a., the “signalers,” and the other tube contains lipids, hydrators, and delivery ingredients, a.k.a., the “carriers.” When you blend them together, it activates the growth factors and helps them absorb deeper into the skin, where they can start signaling repair and collagen production.

With consistent use, you’ll notice your skin becoming firmer and more elastic as collagen production increases. It also helps your skin recover faster after treatments like microneedling or laser, visibly reducing redness and irritation in the process. Over time, your tone and texture improve, and your skin’s natural barrier becomes stronger and more resilient.

Where does it fit in my routine?

When I first started using growth factors, I wasn’t sure where they fit into my lineup—I already had vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, sunscreen, and my retinol nights. Now, I treat it like my bridge product.

After cleansing in the morning, I mix a pea-sized drop from each tube of the Renewal Duo on the back of my hand. It takes about five seconds to blend into a silky serum that soaks right in. Then I layer my vitamin C and SPF.

At night, I use it again after cleansing. Then I do my retinol. 

Growth factors are one of the most effective ways to retrain your skin to act younger. Whether you’re focused on collagen loss, post-procedure healing, or general rejuvenation, this serum is a powerhouse addition to any anti-aging or recovery routine.

Have questions about if this is a good treatment for you? Feel free to email me anytime at mmahoney@drmonicascheel.com or call my direct line at (808) 666-2078. I love talking about skincare, and I’d be happy to help. 

Mahalo for reading, and here’s to healthy, glowing skin!