GROWTH FACTORS IN SKINCARE

Anti-aging products are the most sought-after solutions in skincare, according to 2019 Kline Market research. Breakthrough ingredients, delivery systems and new in-office treatments are often in the spotlight due to the demand by patients for effective anti-aging benefits. Patients are familiar with ingredients such as retinol for addressing the signs of aging, but there are less well-known solutions that have been gaining momentum in recent years that are worthy of discussion when it comes to addressing skin aging.

 

The ingredient that has many skincare enthusiasts abuzz are growth factors. What exactly are growth factors and why are they important in skincare? With more and more dialogues about this specific ingredient popping up and more products utilizing them to target skin health restoration, it is the perfect opportunity to learn more about growth factors and to equip yourself with the knowledge to make the most advantageous decisions in your own skincare regimen.

 

WHAT ARE GROWTH FACTORS?

To many patients, growth factors are a relatively new concept in skincare. The term is thrown around often by brands + in skincare dialogues, yet it is rarely explained in detail. Simply speaking, growth factors are signaling proteins that tell cells what to do. Often, growth factors signal the rejuvenation and repair of damaged cells. This can manifest as increasing cellular division, and kickstarting the production of collagen and elastin, which contribute to keeping skin appearing healthy and youthful.

 

WHY ARE GROWTH FACTORS IMPORTANT?

As we age, collagen-rich structures in the dermis start to break down, leading to lines + wrinkles and skin weakening. Growth factors that work in the dermis can encourage the skin to repair itself by producing more collagen + elastin, and by ramping up cellular processes that have slowed down over time.

 

With new research and clinical studies in the works, there is still much to learn about exactly how growth factors work and benefit skin health products + procedures. However, despite being newer to skin health solutions, there is evidence that topical application of growth factors, such as in skincare products, can contribute to overall skin health restoration1.

 

GROWTH FACTOR PRODUCTS

ZO® Skin Health now offers two products with our exclusive, clinically proven technology: our bestselling Growth Factor Serum and our NEW Growth Factor Eye Serum, which has been adapted for the sensitive skin around the eyes. Both contain enzymatically + plant derived growth factor technology and can be paired together for optimal results in skin health restoration.

 

All skin types can use Growth Factor Eye Serum because of its mild + hydrating formulation, allowing most patients to experience this new eye solution without the use of retinol.

 

To learn more about growth factors and the new Growth Factor Eye Serum, talk to your ZO® authorized physician or find one near you by visiting https://zocaribbean.com/zo-skin-clinic

 

1Aldag C, Nogueira Teixeira D, Leventhal PS. Skin rejuvenation using cosmetic products containing growth factors, cytokines, and matrikines: a review of the literature. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2016;9:411-419. Published 2016 Nov 9. doi:10.2147/CCID.S116158

WHY EYE CARE IS A SKINCARE ESSENTIAL

Do I really need an eye cream? It’s a question even I’ve asked myself as I rotate through my daily skincare protocol, day or night. Granted, there are many skincare products and technology that are not considered a daily necessity by many skincare users—like jade rolling, LED light therapy or pricey department store skincare with fancy ingredients. You may be surprised to learn that eye cream is not one of those exceptions.

 

So, what makes the skin around the eyes so different than the rest of the face that it needs its own skincare product?

 

The skin around the eye area is thinner and more sensitive than the rest of the face, making it particularly susceptible to the aging effects of various intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Some of these factors include blinking, which humans do an average of 28,000 times a day, plus the various facial expression we cycle through daily and even the amount of times we rub our dry or tired eyes after squinting at bright screens for hours. These are things we don’t really think about, or try to control, and as we age, they can contribute to the appearance of wrinkles, creasing and sagging.

 

Now, most of us would simply extend our daily skincare topicals to the under-eye area and hope we get the same results as the rest of our skin, but remember, the skin of the under-eye area is different from the rest of the face. Certain ingredients that do well for the face, can be too aggressive for the sensitive skin around the eyes. Consequently, various eye products usually contain lower doses of ingredients such as retinol, which in high doses can cause irritation to sensitive skin. Eye products are usually formulated to contain specific ingredients that are more beneficial to the under-eye, like non-retinol skin brighteners, or peptides to visibly improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

 

This month, ZO® Skin Health introduces its newest addition to the ZO® Eye range: Growth Factor Eye Serum. This product leverages technology from Growth Factor Serum, one of ZO’s best-selling facial products, but has been formulated specifically to treat the restore eye skin health. Growth Factor Eye Serum supports the fragile skin of the under-eye area with fast-acting features and ingredients, clinically proven ZO® technology and the addition of a supporting blend of peptides that revive and renew the under-eye. Find a ZO® physician near you to learn more about this product.

 

Ultimately, eye cream is essential if your goal is to address the skin around the eye area. From improving dryness and puffiness, to the appearance of creasing, eye products have been specifically formulated and modified to gently, and effectively treat a variety of issues that normal facial products are not suited for. If you’re ready to improve the appearance of the fragile skin around your eyes, visit our Regimen Finder to find the right eye product for you!

ZO® SKIN HEALTH, LEADING PHYSICIAN-DISPENSED SKINCARE BRAND, BOLSTERS GROWTH WITH MAJORITY INVESTMENT BY BLACKSTONE

Irvine, CA, October 5th, 2020 – ZO® Skin Health, a premium California-based skincare brand sold globally through physicians and skincare professionals, announced today that funds managed by Blackstone Tactical Opportunities acquired a majority stake in the business. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

 

Founded in 2007 by Dr. Zein Obagi, the company has strengthened Dr. Obagi’s mission to create healthy skin for all and developed a line of high-quality skincare products. “The Blackstone team supports both my vision of delivering healthy skin to all people and the business potential of the company. Together, we are committed to grow our brand globally and are excited for the next stage of growth for ZO,” said Dr. Zein Obagi.

 

“On behalf of ZO’s management team, we are thrilled to work with Dr. Zein Obagi and our new partner in Blackstone. We will now have greater resources and tools to help us on our path in becoming the leading global physician-dispensed brand,” said President and CEO Mark Williams.

 

Todd Hirsch, a Senior Managing Director at Blackstone, said: “ZO® Skin Health is one of the fastest-growing brands in the rapidly expanding professional skincare market. We are thrilled to partner with ZO, Dr. Zein Obagi and the management team to continue to serve patients.”

 

Ram Jagannath, Global Head of Healthcare for Blackstone Growth and Tactical Opportunities, said: “ZO® Skin Health’s results-driven products are best-in-class in the physician market, and their position as a trusted skincare brand has made them a market leader and partner to medical professionals. We look forward to investing further in the business to drive growth and believe ZO is well positioned to continue delivering premier solutions to physicians and patients.”

 

About Blackstone
Blackstone is one of the world’s leading investment firms. We seek to create positive economic impact and long-term value for our investors, the companies we invest in, and the communities in which we work. We do this by using extraordinary people and flexible capital to help companies solve problems. Our $564 billion in assets under management include investment vehicles focused on private equity, real estate, public debt and equity, life sciences, growth equity, opportunistic, non-investment grade credit, real assets and secondary funds, all on a global basis. Further information is available at www.blackstone.com. Follow Blackstone on Twitter @Blackstone.

 

About Tactical Opportunities
Tactical Opportunities (Tac Opps) is Blackstone’s opportunistic investment platform. The Tac Opps team invests globally across asset classes, industries and geographies, seeking to identify and execute on attractive, differentiated investment opportunities. As part of the strategy, the team leverages the intellectual capital across Blackstone’s various businesses while continuously optimizing its approach in the face of ever-changing market conditions.

 

About ZO® Skin Health
ZO® Skin Health develops and delivers innovative skincare solutions that optimize skin health based on the latest advances in skin therapy technologies, unique delivery systems, bioengineered complexes and exclusive formulations. By providing comprehensive skincare programs for physicians and their patients, ZO® bridges the gap between therapeutic treatments and daily care, allowing patients to experience continuously healthy skin regardless of their age, ethnicity or unique skin condition. For more information, please visit www.zoskinhealth.com.

 

PRESS CONTACT:
Blackstone
Matt Anderson
+1-212-390-2472
matthew.anderson@blackstone.com

 

ZO® Skin Health
zoskinhealth@thisismission.com