Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as a fountain of youth, but technological advances in skin care treatments are slowly but surely bringing us closer to it. The latest advance in this direction might be skin creams containing human growth factors such as SkinMedica’s TNS Recovery Complex.
What Are Human Growth Factors?
Akin to the active ingredient in stem cells, growth factors are a naturally occurring substance capable of stimulating cellular growth – from proliferation to differentiation and healing. Most relevant to the skin, human growth factors can trigger collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging.
We’re born with growth factors in our skin but as we age the supply diminishes over time. However, when human growth factors are included in serums, lotions and other topical skin products, they can trigger the skin’s natural healing process. Applying growth factor to damaged skin can revitalize the tissue in that area and result in younger-looking skin. As Dr. Ronald Moy, former president of the American Academy of Dermatology, explained to Yahoo Beauty:
When delivered to an area of the nerves, skin, tissue or cartilage, they read the signals of neighboring cells, then morph into whatever healthy cell types that surround that area, therefore repairing nerve, skin, tissue and cartilage damage. And in the beauty space, that means a new way to regenerate all kinds of skin deterioration — including aging, sun damage and more. By replacing growth factors in our dermis and epidermis, we lessen the symptoms of aging, like thinning skin or sagging under the eye.
Where It Comes From
The compound with the significant rejuvenating effect upon our skin is the variety that is extracted from human stem cells, such as umbilical cords, discarded foreskin, or fat tissue. That’s why products containing growth factors can cost more than similar serums and creams without this ingredient.
That type of extraction for use in topical applications has been pioneered by Allergan subsidiary SkinMedica, which was first to come out with a human growth factor-based skincare product, TNS Recovery Complex.
Here’s how it’s described by Rahul C. Mehta, vice president of research and development at SkinMedica:
Several clinical studies, over the past 15 years, have highlighted the benefits of topically applied growth factors products showing improvements in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, texture, and discoloration. The studies show that, depending on the quality of skin, good results take 6-12 weeks of twice a day use. The diligence is definitely worth it as the improvement in skin appearance is very impressive! Most studies show visible reduction in crow’s feet lines, under-eye skin texture, and overall radiance. Combinations of growth factors with strong antioxidants tend to show results sooner, typically within 4-8 weeks.
TNS Essential Serum provides a combination of stable growth factors with strong antioxidants designed to provide this rapid effect. Over 11 clinical studies have been conducted looking at cosmetic efficacy of TNS Essential Serum with results showcasing its ability to improve the overall appearance of skin. More studies have been done on the product than any other topical cosmetic growth factors product on the market today.
TNS Recovery Complex is the first topical cosmetic made almost entirely of stabilized human growth factor (93.6%). The growth factors are harvested using a patented process that ensures their stability and activity. Furthermore, TNS Recovery Complex® formulation and manufacturing process maintains the stability of active growth factors. Multiple published studies in scientific journals and conferences have verified the presence of active growth factors in TNS Recovery Complex®. Carefully selected antioxidants and peptides present in TNS Essential Serum® complement the benefits of growth factors.
Clinical results show that growth factor products benefit anyone with visible signs of facial aging. While women with early indications of aging may benefit by using growth factors, the most significant visible improvements in skin are seen in women with greater photodamage and more aged skin. Twice a day use with diligence is the key to maximizing benefits from growth factors products. Your skin care professional can advise whether or not products containing growth factors are right for you.
If you are interested in trying SkinMedica products with human growth factor, please visit Hayes Valley Medical Esthetics in San Francisco or Larkspur and ask for a sample.
