# Growth *factors.*

> Growth factors explained: what PDGF, VEGF, EGF and TGF-β do in skin and hair follicles, how PRP concentrates them

- Source: https://www.vivaderm.de/lexicon-wachstumsfaktoren-en.html
- Language: en
- Publisher: VIVA DERM, Privatpraxis für ästhetische Medizin, Rosastraße 6a, 45130 Essen, Germany, +49 1520 8367711
- Responsible physician: Katayoun Mostaghimi (Fachärztin für Allgemeinmedizin)
- Updated: 2026-10-05

The body's own signalling proteins that control cell division, vessel formation and tissue repair. They are the mechanism of PRP and the reason microneedling stimulates the skin.

## A closer look.

Growth factors are messengers that prompt cells to divide, migrate or produce certain substances. Important ones: PDGF (tissue repair), VEGF (new blood vessels), EGF (renewal of the epidermis), TGF-β (collagen formation) and IGF-1 (hair growth). They are released mainly by platelets when tissue is injured.

PRP uses exactly that: centrifugation concentrates the platelets many-fold and they are introduced where repair is wanted – in the scalp to prolong the growth phase of hair, in facial skin for collagen formation. Microneedling triggers the same cascade through controlled micro-injuries.

Growth factors in creams are mostly recombinant; their molecules are large and penetrate only to a limited extent, so their effect is less well proven. As a rule, growth factors promote cell growth, which is why they are not used in active tumour disease.

This lexicon entry is general information and does not replace the medical consultation required under German law (§ 630e BGB).

## At a glance.

- **Source:** platelets
- **Examples:** PDGF, VEGF, EGF, TGF-β
- **Used in:** PRP, microneedling
- **Excluded:** active tumour disease

## Frequently asked questions.

**Are they hormones?**

No. Growth factors act locally in tissue, not via the bloodstream like hormones.

**How long do they act after PRP?**

Release takes days; the regeneration triggered develops over weeks.

## Related pages.

- [PRP](https://www.vivaderm.de/lexicon-prp-en.html) – Lexicon
- [PRP for hair loss](https://www.vivaderm.de/prp-hair-en.html) – Treatment
- [Collagen](https://www.vivaderm.de/lexicon-kollagen-en.html) – Lexicon

## Sources

- [§ 630e BGB – duty to inform before treatment (German Civil Code)](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb/__630e.html)
- [DGBT – German Society for Aesthetic Botulinum Toxin Therapy](https://www.dgbt.de/)
- [AWMF – German clinical practice guidelines](https://www.awmf.org/)

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This page is general information and does not replace medical consultation and informed consent (§ 630e BGB). No guarantee of results. Prices are guide prices per GOÄ. Quoting with attribution (VIVA DERM, Essen) is expressly permitted.