Topical Growth Factors for Skin Rejuvenation

By Dr. Richard Fitzpatrick

Growth factors are natural messenger proteins that allow communication between cells in our body.  They are the control mechanism for all wound healing. One such area in which they work is by repairing skin that is damaged from natural aging. As we age, our bodies produce lower levels of natural growth factors resulting in more breakdown of collagen that is the foundational support to the skin. Over the past decade, research has asked if supplementing skin with topical growth factors may enhance natural repair processes that accelerate the reversal of skin aging.¹ In fact multiple clinical studies show that topical application of growth factors reduce the signs and symptoms of skin aging including fine lines, wrinkles, age spots and increase in the production of collagen.^1-5

There are several topical growth products available on the market today; however choosing the right one is an important decision.  There are two main ways to harvest growth factors: 1) derive the growth factors from natural skin cells, or 2) synthetically create individual growth factors. Research demonstrates that the ideal topical product is a physiologically balanced mixture of skin-cell derived growth factors (active proteins) that work synergistically to promote skin repair.¹ This mixture is superior because it most closely resembles the complexity of the skin’s natural process of combating aging. Such a complex mixture cannot be reproduced by using synthetic substances and is best derived from skin cells. This natural mixture is found in only one such growth factor product, available only through your physician: TNS Recovery Complex (SkinMedica, Inc.). The growth factors in TNS are obtained naturally from active skin fibroblast cells and contain the highest levels of multiple growth factors in a marketed product.^3,6  Multiple controlled clinical studies in hundreds of people have shown use of TNS Recovery Complex reverses the appearance of skin aging including fine-lines, wrinkles, pigmentation and skin texture. These studies further show that TNS is significantly more effective in reducing the signs and symptoms of aging than an effective moisturizer and sunscreen alone.⁵  Another study proves that TNS produces significantly more new collagen than a  placebo cream and even more than that, the benefits continue even after the treatment is discontinued.^1,6 The clinical studies on this product are impressive, however the most tried and true way for consumers to know a product works is to talk to other users. TNS Recovery Complex has been on the market for 10 years and continues to be {one of the best selling products in physicians’ offices and the gold standard in topical growth factors.  

The application of topical growth factors spans beyond a daily skin care regimen and is a valuable addition to in-office procedures like skin resurfacing. Laser resurfacing rejuvenates skin primarily by producing controlled wounds to a localized area. This injury causes inflammation which triggers a healing response, resulting in the stimulation of growth factors to generate more collagen strengthening and rejuvenating the skin.⁷  Additionally, for non-invasive, non-ablative laser resurfacing, the post-treatment application of growth factors in a topical formulation may provide benefit by accelerating the healing process and improving overall skin repair  Laser resurfacing also alters the barrier properties of skin and may allow greater penetration of growth factors immediately after a  procedure. Therefore combining growth factors with laser resurfacing should not only improve post-procedure recovery time but also provide a synergistic effect on skin rejuvenation.

Complementing the skin rejuvenation effects of TNS with a combination of proven-effective antioxidants and peptides, SkinMedica created TNS Essential Serum™. This all-in-one anti-aging product provides a comprehensive product to address the needs of aging skin.⁸ Two clinical studies prove that this potent  combination of ingredients improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, skin tone and texture, and skin elasticity, fights environmental damage, and rapidly smoothes and tightens the skin which provides a more even toned, youthful appearance. TNS Recovery Complex and TNS Essential Serum are “first in class” products that offer state of the art technology to reverse the appearance of skin aging and make your skin look healthy again.

Dr. Richard Fitzpatrick is an innovative leader in Dermatology, recognized around the world for over 30 years for his work with lasers. He was instrumental in the development of several medical lasers and procedures, including laser resurfacing of the skin with the UltraPulse CO laser, and the Fraxel lasers. In March 2005, Allure magazine featured him as a “Physician Who Has Most Influenced Beauty," and was honored by his peers for his accomplishments in dermatology at the 2004 Sturge-Weber Society’s Physician of the Year event.

Dr. Fitzpatrick takes great pleasure in sharing his knowledge with colleagues. He has authored medical textbooks on laser surgery, written numerous scientific articles, and lectures and trains physicians all over the world. In addition to his accomplishments in laser medicine and surgery, he is the founder of a unique line of skin care products to reverse photoaging. He went on to form the company, SkinMedica, a leader in the skin care industry.