My 53-Year-Old Mom Can't Stop Messaging Me About This Firming Serum: "My Skin Looks Great Without Makeup Now."

      They say mothers have the best instincts. So when my mom, 53, sends me a text about a beauty product she loves (which is unusual), I know I should pay attention. She has always preferred skincare over makeup (which is the opposite of me)—her drawers are meticulously filled with various jars of moisturizers, eye creams, and face masks. Yet, amidst her extensive collection, the brand you'll find most frequently is Drmtlgy: a skincare line developed by dermatologists that provides clinic-level results for a fraction of the price. She's introduced this brand to all our family members, having genuinely fallen for it. But her latest favorite? The new Needle-less Growth Factor Serum, which she claims has made a significant difference for her mature skin. One enthusiastic text in a string of messages reads, “My skin looks good now without makeup.”

      It's a common practice for me to bring a bunch of new skincare products to my mother when I visit home, especially those targeting anti-aging (I'm 25 and not quite ready for those yet). However, it's rare for her to send a text saying, “I'm actually going to order more of that one,” especially since she's usually accustomed to receiving freebies. Curious to test this miracle serum on my own skin (which was conveniently dealing with an eczema and perioral dermatitis flare-up at the time), I decided to see if the results lived up to my mom’s enthusiastic recommendations.

      To understand Drmtlgy's new serum, we must first explore what growth factor serums are. According to board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon Nathan Newman, MD, growth factor serums replicate the proteins naturally produced by the human body, fostering cell regeneration and repair. While the most effective growth factors are often delivered through injectables, peptides are skincare ingredients that penetrate deeper into the skin, providing a non-invasive way to enjoy the benefits. This new formula combines five bio-engineered growth factor peptides with additional ceramide-enhancing ingredients to support smoother, firmer, and more hydrated skin. Dr. Nicole Lee, a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic and laser surgeon, explains, “Peptides act as signaling molecules at the cellular level, encouraging collagen production, improving elasticity, reducing inflammation, and aiding in wound healing—all aimed at optimizing skin health and reducing the appearance of wrinkles.” The brand claims that, after months of clinical research, they have demonstrated 90% effectiveness, outperforming higher-priced competitors like SkinMedica's TNS Advanced+ Serum, which costs $295 compared to Drmtlgy's $69.

      However, this new serum should not be confused with Drmtlgy's top-selling Needle-less Serum, which is an anti-aging formula with a similar ingredient list but without the added strength of growth factors. This original serum is a lightweight, watery solution infused with ingredients like niacinamide and panthenol (provitamin B5) designed to reduce wrinkles and minimize pores, making it a less powerful version of the Growth Factor Serum.

      I provided my mom with a bottle of the not-yet-released Needle-less Growth Factor Serum about a month before it launched online, and she quickly added it to her daily routine. Combining it with the Drmtlgy Peptide Night Cream Face Moisturizer, she marveled at how her skin changed in just a week—becoming smoother, more hydrated, and visibly firmer, all without any extra spa treatments or injections. She texted me, “That [Drmtlgy] serum you gave me is amazing. I'm actually going to order more. It definitely makes a difference.” After a month, her skin felt as firm as it did when she regularly received Botox treatments—a process she had given up years ago in favor of a more natural aging approach. Her hydration levels also significantly improved when paired with the night cream.

      I admit I was a bit behind the curve, not applying the serum until after my mom informed me of her successful results. Even though I hadn’t used it for a month, I observed brighter, healthier skin within just a week. However, what surprised me most was the dramatic boost in hydration after just one day, despite my skin’s dryness due to eczema. I even forgot to apply moisturizer before my makeup the following morning because my skin felt so hydrated from the night before.

      While my mom and I each experienced different benefits from the serum, we both reached the same conclusion: it truly works. My mom, at 53, saw a visible decrease in fine lines and wrinkles after just one month, with her skin appearing firmer and more radiant from the serum’s deep hydration. I, at 25, did not observe significant firmness changes (likely due to my age), but the substantial hydration effectively addressed my dry, patchy skin during an eczema flare-up, making it a noteworthy option for sensitive skin aiming to treat mature skin or as a preventive measure.

      You may wonder if the Needle-less serum can replace injections. Dr. Lee clarifies,