Which Proteins?
June 3rd, 2026 by Dr. Hannah Sivak
Growth factors have shown potential to enhance bone healing and implant stability. These agents promote osteoblast activity, angiogenesis and matrix formation, accelerating peri-implant bone regeneration. One example is rhPDGF-BB, which helps gum and bone cells move to the damaged area. It’s approved in the US, Canada, and Taiwan for regenerating tissue and treating gum recession. The growth factors used in dental care to help rebuild lost tissues from gum disease and to make gum and bone regeneration more predictable in dental treatments include recombinant human (rh) platelet-derived growth factor-BB (rhPDGF-BB) and rh fibroblast growth factor-2 (rhFGF-2). References Chandwani N, Nigotia P, Jain SK, Joshi N, Joshi M, Laddha R. Growth…
May 20th, 2026 by Dr. Hannah Sivak
Nature took its time, like some millions of years, and ended up with a complicated and beautiful system that works well to make proteins. When it doesn’t, the consequences can be devastating, such as when DNA that codes for an important protein mutates because of bad luck or environmental factors. How does the system work? It’s complicated Figure. Protein synthesis, or gene expression, is a two-stage process. In the first (transcription) a mRNA molecule is produced that echoes the DNA sequence of the gene being expressed. In the second stage, translation, a chain of amino acids is formed at the ribosome, following the instructions encoded in the mRNA. The…
May 12th, 2026 by Dr. Hannah Sivak
Rejuvenating growth factor a.k.a. TGF-β1 (Transforming Growth Factor beta 1), GDF-11 INCI Name sh-Polypeptide-22, skin protectant Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF-11) is a protein that regulates stem cell function, promoting cellular repair in the epidermis and dermis, as well as in other organs. GDF-11 induces collagen I, collagen III, and elastin production in skin fibroblasts and appears to reduce skin inflammation. It’s a very promising growth factor, and one that we, at Skin Active Proteins, will soon be able to offer to the skin care industry. GDF-11 was identified during the investigation of how blood donated by a young mouse could help rejuvenate the function of the older mouse.…
February 7th, 2025 by Dr. Hannah Sivak
No, EGF is not an oligopeptide. Why? By definition (this is scientific definition). An oligopeptide has between two and twenty amino acid residues. EGF, with its 53 amino acids, is a protein. But I understand that once the INCI has a name for an ingredient, it’s hard to change it, even if it’s scientifically wrong. Does it matter? Most proteins are more fragile than oligopeptides: more amino acids make for a more complex structure. But it just happens that EGF is a relatively “robust” protein, from the point of view of fragility (lack of) and stability (good). You can be less careful when dealing with EGF (or our sH- superoxide…
January 2nd, 2025 by Dr. Hannah Sivak
What is “stem cell conditioned media (SCCM)”? It’s the liquid that helps maintain and grow stem cells growing on solid support. To keep the cells growing, it has to be discarded (and fresh medium added). Human stem cells may be used for a number of applications, but the old medium has no other use. After all, it now contains stuff the living cells discarded, it has been depleted of chemicals the cells used for sustenance, and its composition is now unknown. The fresh medium is a solution containing all amino acids, sugars, vitamins, etc. that the cells need to live. For convenience, it also includes a pH indicator, to alert…
December 23rd, 2024 by Dr. Hannah Sivak
Here we are, ready for 2025, renewed, nimble, and able to help formulators make the most scientifically advanced cosmetic products ever. Place your order at info at hannahsivak dot com and, in a few days, you will have in your hands bio-identical proteins that accelerate skin renewal, defend against reactive oxygen species, or accelerate healing. Add one or more to your almost-finished lotion, cream, or serum to elevate your craft to the next level. Look at our catalog of proteins here. In 2025, let your imagination create the best products ever! Happy New Year to all of you Hannah and Jonatan These are the Proteins in stock We supply proteins…
December 23rd, 2024 by Dr. Hannah Sivak
Oxidation and aging There is nothing wrong with oxidation per se. We live from mitochondrial respiration, i.e., oxidation optimized to extract usable energy from food. When we respire (oxidize) food, we get energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and reducing power in the form of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), which we use to build almost every molecule we need. Respiration is how we humans maintain life. Disorganized oxidation by ROS* is a whole different thing. ROS steal electrons and break chemical bonds, changing macromolecules so they can’t do their jobs anymore. Oxidative stress, an accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), disrupts cellular homeostasis through chemical modification. It…
November 13th, 2024 by Dr. Hannah Sivak
Some skin problems are “intractable,” that is, they can’t be fixed. Or maybe they can? In human biology, unexpected results often occur for good and for bad. This is because many chemicals have pleiotropic effects. Pleiotropy describes the effect of a single gene on multiple traits. The underlying mechanism is that some genes code for a product that is either used by various cells or has a cascade-like signaling function that affects various targets. Three examples of intractability: acne, melasma and sun spots. There is no need to explain acne (but search my blog for many articles on the subject). Lentigines are those pesky sun spots that will show eventually…
October 23rd, 2024 by Dr. Hannah Sivak
https://covalo.com/ is a company that helps other companies bring goods to the market. They invited me to a podcast that will be edited and published soon on Spotify. In the meantime, I wish to thank Anna Lorentz for her thoughtful questions. Here are my written responses to Anna’s questions, but the responses in the actual podcast will differ. Questions by Covalo to Dr. Hannah Sivak: For our listeners who might not be aware, what exactly are growth factors, and how do they function in the skin? Growth factors are proteins in our body that stimulate cellular division and differentiation. They bind to specific receptors on cell surfaces and are essential…
October 18th, 2024 by Dr. Hannah Sivak
At hannahsivak.com, we supply several active proteins to the cosmetic industry, but the human synthetic epidermal growth factor is especially dear to us. Why? For historical reasons. In 1986, Stanley Cohen received the Nobel Prize for his work elucidating the role of EGF in regulating cell growth and development. This small protein (only 53 amino acids) enhanced epidermal growth and keratinization. Work by Cohen and his collaborators demonstrated that EGF directly stimulated the proliferation of epidermal cells, and this stimulatory action of EGF did not depend on other systemic or hormonal influences. Cells that respond to EGF do so because they have receptors on the cell membrane that recognize the…
October 16th, 2024 by Dr. Hannah Sivak
At HannahSivak.com, we leverage our extensive scientific expertise to develop advanced bio-identical ingredients for personal care. We sell these ingredients and provide consulting advice on creating the world’s most effective skin and hair care products. These ingredients boost the body’s natural defense and repair mechanisms, helping your customers regain and retain the natural beauty of their skin and hair safely and sustainably. Note: We do not use transgenic plants (the European Union and several countries prohibit their cultivation) because we care about the environment. Proteins in stock We supply proteins as a suspension to be stored refrigerated. We provide advice on formulation, including how to preserve the protein’s activity until…
October 16th, 2024 by Dr. Hannah Sivak
After leaving my previous company, I am concentrating on supplying active proteins to the cosmetic industry. I am introducing a new blog category, “Which Protein,” highlighting the different proteins we supply and what they can do for the skin and scalp. Write to me for catalog and pricing information. Hannah info at hannahsivak dot com
September 29th, 2024 by Dr. Hannah Sivak
Please don’t buy the old editions of my books. We will soon have ready a version with simple, updated recipes for you to make at home. This will be the first editorial effort of my post-Skin Actives career, a more mature and realistic view of post-normal skin science! Hannah
September 25th, 2024 by Dr. Hannah Sivak
Please note that I am no longer at Skin Actives. I have no connection to the new owners. Thank you Hannah Sivak
August 19th, 2024 by Dr. Hannah Sivak
We had a good run! We did great work, designed and made great products, and improved many lives (including mine, during and after cancer treatment and several ongoing surgeries). Working at Skin Actives was my longest job ever, even longer than my research work in England and Michigan. Now it’s time to say goodbye, but our proteins are still sold for DIY users via Lotioncrafter.com I will be posting recipes to emulate the products you loved. Starting with anti-aging creams and lotions. Then, I will follow with scalp and eyebrow mixes. Hannah