Why I Recommend CellDerma GF5 at SKinfluence Peterborough
As a skin practitioner, I’m quite selective about the products I recommend — particularly when they sit at the higher end of the skincare market.
CellDerma GF5 Next Generation® is one I particularly like because it goes beyond simply hydrating or exfoliating the skin. Instead, it has been formulated to support the processes involved in skin repair, regeneration, barrier function and collagen production.
GF5 combines five bio-identical growth factors with Copper Tripeptide-1, additional peptides, ceramides and hydrating ingredients, making it a particularly interesting option for ageing, compromised or treatment-focused skin.
I recommend GF5 both as a standalone regenerative serum and alongside professional skin treatments where improving overall skin quality and supporting recovery is part of the treatment plan.
At SKinfluence Peterborough, this can include treatments such as SkinPen® microneedling, BBL® HEROic and Moxi™ laser, depending on the individual treatment and appropriate aftercare protocol.
What Is CellDerma GF5?
CellDerma GF5 Next Generation® is a bio-regenerative growth factor serum designed to support the skin’s natural repair and renewal processes.
Growth factors are signalling proteins involved in communication between cells. Within the skin, these signals play a role in processes including repair, collagen production and regeneration.
GF5 contains five bio-identical growth factors — EGF, IGF-1, bFGF, VEGF and aFGF — alongside Copper Tripeptide-1 (GHK-Cu), additional peptides and a five-ceramide complex.
Importantly, GF5 is a growth factor serum. It is not an exosome serum or a PDRN product.
What Can CellDerma GF5 Help With?
I would most commonly consider GF5 for skin showing signs of:
Fine lines and wrinkles
Reduced firmness or elasticity
Crepey skin
Uneven or rough texture
Dryness and dehydration
A weakened or compromised skin barrier
Redness or sensitivity
Slower recovery following professional skin treatments
General loss of skin quality associated with ageing
Rather than targeting one isolated concern, I see GF5 primarily as a skin quality and regenerative serum.
Is CellDerma GF5 Worth It?
This is probably one of the most important questions to answer because GF5 is not an inexpensive serum.
For someone simply looking for basic hydration, I wouldn’t suggest spending this much on a skincare product. There are much less expensive products that can hydrate the skin very effectively.
Where I think GF5 becomes particularly interesting is for someone investing in improving their overall skin quality, particularly ageing or compromised skin, or for somebody already investing in professional treatments such as microneedling or laser.
The formula combines five growth factors with peptides, Copper Tripeptide-1 and five ceramides rather than relying on a single hero ingredient.
There is also clinical testing behind the CellDerma Growth Factor Complex. In a four-week study of 12 women aged 43–50, improvements of up to 47% in elasticity and up to 46% in the appearance of under-eye wrinkles were reported.*
For the right patient, therefore, I think GF5 can be a very worthwhile addition to a well-designed skincare and treatment plan.
CellDerma GF5 After Microneedling or Laser
One of the reasons GF5 is particularly popular within aesthetic clinics is its use around professional skin treatments.
CellDerma recommends GF5 as part of practitioner-led pre and post-treatment skincare for procedures including microneedling and laser.
At SKinfluence Peterborough, I may incorporate regenerative skincare such as GF5 into treatment plans involving SkinPen® microneedling, BBL® HEROic or Moxi™, where appropriate.
However, when GF5 should be introduced after treatment depends on the procedure performed, treatment intensity and the individual skin. Always follow the specific aftercare instructions provided by your practitioner rather than automatically applying your normal skincare immediately after a procedure.
Can You Use CellDerma GF5 With Retinol?
GF5 can be incorporated into a wider skincare routine and can sit alongside ingredients targeting other concerns, including retinoids.
I generally prefer GF5 to be applied to clean skin before heavier moisturisers or creams.
If you are using a retinoid, acids or other active skincare, however, how these products are combined should depend on your skin tolerance and overall routine. More actives do not automatically mean better skin.
For clients of SKinfluence, I can advise on where GF5 fits within your existing routine rather than unnecessarily replacing products that are already working well for you.
How Long Does CellDerma GF5 Take to Work?
GF5 should be viewed as a long-term skin quality product rather than something expected to transform the skin overnight.
CellDerma’s Growth Factor Complex was clinically assessed over four weeks, with improvements reported in elasticity, hydration and the appearance of wrinkles.*
Some people may notice changes in hydration and how the skin feels relatively quickly, while improvements in overall skin quality, firmness and texture are better assessed with consistent use over time.
Who Do I Recommend GF5 To?
GF5 is particularly interesting for people who want to focus on:
Skin longevity and overall skin quality
Fine lines and early signs of ageing
Loss of elasticity
Crepey or thinning-looking skin
Barrier support
Recovery around professional skin treatments
Supporting a collagen-stimulating treatment plan
I also particularly like regenerative skincare for people
whose skin does not tolerate constantly increasing the strength of acids and retinoids.
Sometimes improving skin quality isn’t about making a routine more aggressive — it is about supporting the skin to function better.
Who Doesn’t Need CellDerma GF5?
Not everybody needs a £100+ growth factor serum.
If your primary concern is something such as active acne, significant pigmentation or another specific skin condition, there may be other ingredients or treatments I would prioritise before introducing GF5.
Likewise, if your budget only allows for a few good skincare products, I would usually prioritise the fundamentals first: an appropriate cleanser, targeted treatment products where required, moisturiser and daily broad-spectrum SPF.
GF5 is something I consider when there is a genuine reason for adding regenerative support to the routine — not simply because it is an expensive or trending product.
CellDerma GF5 FAQs
Is CellDerma GF5 a growth factor serum?
Yes. GF5 Next Generation® contains five bio-identical growth factors alongside Copper Tripeptide-1, additional peptides, ceramides and other skin-supporting ingredients.
What growth factors are in CellDerma GF5?
GF5 contains EGF, IGF-1, bFGF, VEGF and aFGF. These appear within the ingredient list as recombinant oligopeptides and polypeptides.
Does CellDerma GF5 contain exosomes?
No. GF5 is a growth factor serum and is not an exosome product.
Does CellDerma GF5 contain PDRN?
No. GF5 does not contain PDRN. Its regenerative approach centres around five growth factors alongside peptides, ceramides and other supporting ingredients.
Can CellDerma GF5 be used after microneedling?
GF5 is recommended by CellDerma for practitioner-led use around treatments including microneedling. Exactly when skincare should be restarted following microneedling depends on the treatment performed and the practitioner’s protocol, so always follow your individual aftercare instructions.
Can CellDerma GF5 be used after laser?
GF5 can form part of a practitioner-led pre and post-procedure routine around certain laser treatments. The appropriate timing depends on the laser, treatment intensity and individual skin.
Can I use CellDerma GF5 every day?
Yes. For normal daily use, CellDerma recommends applying 1–2 pumps to clean, dry skin twice daily.
Where can I buy CellDerma GF5 in the UK?
CellDerma GF5 Next Generation® is available to purchase online from SKinfluence Peterborough with UK delivery. If you’re unsure whether GF5 is appropriate for your skin, please contact us before purchasing and we will be happy to advise.
Is CellDerma GF5 suitable for sensitive skin?
GF5 is designed to support the skin barrier rather than exfoliate the skin and is generally well tolerated. However, individual sensitivities and allergies can occur with any skincare product, so suitability should always be considered on an individual basis.
Is GF5 better than a retinol?
They perform different roles, so I wouldn’t consider GF5 a replacement for a retinoid. Retinoids primarily influence cell turnover and a number of pathways involved in skin ageing, whereas GF5 is formulated around regenerative signalling, peptides and barrier support. In some routines, there is a place for both.
*Clinical study carried out on 12 females aged 43–50 over a four-week period using the CellDerma Growth Factor Complex. Individual results may vary.
