About the Technology

The aging of skin is a known cellular process resulting from genetics and environmental factors (i.e. sun damage, air pollutants, etc.). The dermal layer of skin contains the structural elements and proteins necessary for maintaining skin thickness, elasticity, and vitality. With age, the rate of production of these proteins decreases, and results in wrinkling, laxity, dryness, and general thinning of the skin. Prominent wrinkling is caused by the loss of dermal collagen content, and a decreased rate of collagen production.¹ With age, skin loses around 1% of its fibroblast population and thickness per year.¹ The rate of decline in fibroblast cell number and function is increased by sun exposure, and recent studies have also shown that sun damaged skin has 35% fewer capillaries than normal skin.³

Cellular cytokines and growth factors are known to be involved in a number of critical cellular processes including cell proliferation, adhesion, morphologic appearance, differentiation, migration, inflammatory responses, angiogenesis, and cell death.^1,2,3 Studies have demonstrated that hypoxic stress and injury to skin cells induce responses including increased levels of mRNA, proteins, and corresponding growth factors such as PDGF, VEGF, FGF, and IGF.³ TGF-B expression is also induced during wound healing and has been shown to increase the expression of extracellular matrix proteins including collagen and fibronectin, and to accelerate the healing of wounds. PDGF is known to be a potent mitogen for MSCs, and increases the rate of cellularity and granulation in tissue formation through increased fibroblast function. Both PDGF and TGF-B have been shown to increase collagen formation, DNA content, and protein levels in animal studies.³ In general, it is thought desirable in the treatment of wounds and aging skin to enhance the supply of growth factors by direct addition of these factors. Thus through the application of ReLuma anti-aging skin serum, we seek to re-establish the natural environment of nascent skin by delivering critical structural proteins and relevant human growth factors directly to the skin.

The growth factors, cytokines, and corresponding functions delivered by ReLuma are listed in the chart below. Briefly, the TGF-b family (b1,b2,b3) is considered to be the most important growth factor in skin because the majority of skin cells recognize their signals.² TGF-b is a potent stimulator of collagen production, promotes the synthesis of extracellular matrix proteins, and inhibits matrix degradation.^1,2,3 Other essential skin cytokines include PDGF, GM-CSF, and Interleukins (3,6-8) which can also stimulate extracellular matrix production, reduce inflammation, and promote the formation of new blood vessels.^1,3

Although each growth factor has different signaling functions, the combined action of multiple growth factors is required for optimal growth, stimulation, and synergy of skin cell behavior. For example, in order for TGF-b to stimulate fibroblast cell growth, the presence of PDGF is required.³ Thus the application of ReLuma, which contains 9 different human cytokines versus other skin care products containing only a single growth factor, results in a more effective system for stimulating skin rejuvenation and regeneration.

ReLuma’s combined delivery of multiple, natural human growth factors has the ability to stimulate fibroblast production of collagen, stimulate keratinocyte and fibroblast proliferation, enhance blood vessel formation, and work as a potent anti-inflammatory agent in skin. These processes may then function to increase skin firmness and elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, increase skin moisturization and vibrancy, develop a smoother, silkier texture, even out skin colors and tones, and may result in thicker, younger looking skin.

1. Molecular Aspects of Dermatology. GC Priestley, ed. John Wiley & Sons, NY 1993.
2. Arch Dermatology 138(11): 1462-70. 2002
3. Growth Factors and Wound Healing. Ziegler, Pierce, Herndon, ed. Springer-Verlag, NY 1997.