SkinMedica is probably my favorite physician-dispensed product line. It was founded by a well known and well respected dermatologist who brings science to his brand. I love recommending SkinMedica not only because the products are outstanding, but because they’re backed by substantial clinical studies demonstrating their efficacy. And the line is very complete, spanning everything from growth factors and antioxidants to peptides, retinol and sunscreen. They also offer a simple acne line as well as a new redness cream with niacinamide.
SkinMedica offers an excellent vitamin C +E serum, retinol creams, eye creams and sunscreens—but the TNS Essential Serum is probably their most exciting product (TNS stands for Tissue Nutrient Solution). The TNS products contain a physiologically balanced mixture of growth factors not found in other product lines. It aids in boosting collagen production and fighting the signs and symptoms of aging skin.
Dermal Repair Cream – Wow. This is such a luxurious cream and it’s a dream to put on. In addition to being luxurious, it offers an intelligent blend of ingredients, backed by good scientific research. This rich emollient cream is a great anti-aging product which contains retinyl palmitate, which encourages cell renewal and stimulates collagen production, plus vitamin E and a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, important for combating free radical damage and skin repair. This is one of my mom’s favorite products. It is more expensive, but if you want to treat yourself, give it a try. It would make a great gift too, in part because of its superb packaging. I would recommend using this cream at night after cleansing. You could use it alone, or layer it over your favorite nighttime repair or serum product. For example, it can be used over the TNS Essential Serum.
TNS Essential Serum – One of my favorites. I always come back to this in my rotation of skin care products. It is more expensive, but worth it. TNS Essential Serum is one of the most complete skin rejuvenation products on the market and contains an important component not found in other products: growth factors. In addition to growth factors, it contains peptides, antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, CoQ10 and green tea extracts, skin brightening agents, and collagen and elastin stimulating agents. Because there is no retinol agent in this product , you can apply a thin layer of a retinol-containing product after TNS Essential Serum. If you don’t have a prescriptions strength retinoid, Skin Medica makes a good one. Then, moisturize and apply a sunscreen.
TNS Recovery Complex – An excellent product that dermatologists became familiar with after its use as a post-procedure (laser, chemical peels) product produced great results. A growth factor containing product, it improves the healing process post-procedure, and also functions as an outstanding anti-aging product. Actually, TNS Recovery Complex is one component of the TNS Essential Serum—so if you were going to purchase one for daily use, I would choose the Essential Serum, which will provide you with a more complete product.
Brand Pick: TNS Essential Serum
