Growth factors are one of the hottest ingredients in skin care right now, and for good reason. These little molecules are naturally occurring proteins in our bodies that help stimulate cellular renewal. They act as signaling molecules to keep cells healthy, as well as repair damaged cells. But like other proteins, as we get older, our body’s natural supply of growth factors diminishes. That’s why serums infused with growth factors can be a very helpful aid as we age. I was recently introduced to Le Mieux’s TGF-B Booster, a potent growth factor serum, and I loved it. Here’s what makes it so good.
The Benefits
If you aren’t familiar with Le Mieux—it means “the best” in French—the brand was founded in 2004 by Janel Luu and a team of scientists, physicians and chemists. (Luu is also a researcher and product formulator.) One of the brand’s claims to fame is that it was the first skin-care company to use hyaluronic acid as a base instead of water in its formulas. That’s the case with this product, the TGF-B Booster, a best-selling growth factor serum.
Understanding how growth factors work can be tricky, but the brand says to think of them like this: “In aging skin, cell renewal is slowing down, like a battery that’s dying and needs to be charged up again. Growth factors are ways to recharge the skin. Growth factors send signals to build collagen and to prevent skin from loosening, sagging and wrinkling.” Le Mieux considers growth factors a must for people over age 30 whose skin is starting to show signs of aging and environmental damage.
This milky serum is supercharged with palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-5 and palmitoyl tripeptide-1. Palmitoyl tripeptide-5 is known as transforming growth factor (TGF) and is considered a “collagen protector.” It not only helps prevent collagen breakdown, but also protects existing collagen. This leads to smoother skin with less-visible fine lines and wrinkles, and a bouncier look and feel. As a booster, this serum also helps boost the efficacy of any products you apply on top of it. It’s also recommended for all skin types, including sensitive. Note: The serum does contain fragrance, but the brand says it’s a “proprietary natural oil blend” and not synthetic fragrance.
Key Ingredients
Hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl tripeptide-5, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, and niacinamide
How to Use It
After washing your face, apply three to five drops of serum on your face and neck. I love the silky, milky texture that absorbs quickly and isn’t greasy. You can use it twice a day, morning and night. I also like to layer this serum with the brand’s Hyaluronic Booster, which employs multiple weights of hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump skin. Together, I get a dewy—never greasy–finish and my skin stays hydrated all day. It’s the ultimate combination of ingredients for my mid-30s skin.