c Review

Did you know SkinMedica is the brand that created the first topical growth factors solution back in 2001? Known as the “TNS Recovery Complex”, the launch of this blend of growth factors pioneered the creation of the entire category. Then, in 2008, the brand launched their TNS Essential Serum, which remained their most advanced product — until TNS Advanced Serum was released. 

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	Rank	Brand					Link
	1	Carrot & Stick					Review
	2	Formulyst					Review
	3	Skinceuticals					Review
	-	SkinMedica TNS Advanced Serum

While these serums have similar names, TNS Advanced Serum is actually a completely different serum compared with TNS Essential Serum. In fact, the only similarity is that they both contain the patented growth factors. 

Before splurging on this pricey serum (did we mention it’s $295 for just one ounce?), keep scrolling to read our SkinMedica TNS Advanced Serum review. In our opinion, SkinMedia Skincare products aren’t worth the money, simply because there are other skincare brands that offer similar products that are less expensive One brand is Carrot & Stick, a clean skincare brand that perfectly balances the gentle nurturing of plants with the powerful results of innovative science.

We’ll give you all the details on the key ingredients in this formula, as well as the research that supports (or doesn’t support) their use in skin care.

We’ll also share some SkinMedica TNS Advanced Serum reviews so that you can get an idea of what customers really think of this product.

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Is SkinMedica TNS Advanced Serum Right For You?

Before we get into the details, here’s the TL;DR if you just want to know whether or not  SkinMedica TNS Advanced Serum is right for you.

• Key ingredients? Growth Factors, Peptides, Botanical and Marine Extracts
• Skin type? All skin types; ideal for mature skin
• Texture? Lightweight serum
• Fragrance? No
• Cruelty free? Unknown
• Cost? $295 USD for 1 fl oz.

What Are The Key Ingredients in SkinMedica TNS Advanced Serum?

SkinMedica TNS Advanced Serum is said to improve the appearance of coarse wrinkles, fine lines, skin tone, and texture while also addressing sagging skin. According to the brand, you can see visible results in just 2 weeks and results continue to improve through 24 weeks of use.

The serum actually consists of two formulations that are dispensed via a dual chamber system; chamber 1 includes TNS-MR and chamber 2 consists of Renessensce (RSC) Advanced. Read on to learn exactly what’s in each of these formulations and how the ingredients will affect your skin. 

TNS-MR

TNS-MR includes human fibroblast conditioned media, the blend of patented growth factors that gave SkinMedica its reputation.

Growth factors are messenger proteins that are inherent in our bodies and are capable of stimulating cellular growth, proliferation, healing, and cellular differentiation. Growth factors play an important role in maintaining healthy skin, and topical application may help improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, skin tone and texture.

Furthermore, TNS-MR contains two peptides: Progeline (Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2) and Prolixir S20 (Dimer Tripeptide-43).

Progeline works by helping your skin to repair itself and therefore prevent signs of aging. You see, damaged skin cells need to constantly repair themselves in order for your skin to appear smooth and supple. Research has shown that a protein called progerin interrupts important tissue repair processes, which can lead to visible signs of skin aging. That’s why progerin is called the “skin-aging protein”.

The proprietary ingredient Progeline has been developed to inhibit the synthesis of progerin by up to 22 percent. 

Prolixir S20 is a patent-pending dimer tripeptide specifically designed to target the Ubiquitin-Proteasome (Ub-P) System and to help achieve successful aging through a sustained proteasome efficacy and less protein damage.

Peptides are designed to support amino acids, which are the building blocks for collagen production. We recommend taking a look at the Carrot & Stick The Repair Serum. It contains 7 peptides for smoother, firmer looking skin.

Renessensce (RSC) Advanced 

The second chamber of SkinMedica TNS Advanced Serum contains Renessensce (RSC) Advanced, which is designed to support the results of the growth factor blend. 

Chlorella is a green microalgae that stimulates collagen synthesis and also has an anti-collagenase and an anti-elastase effect. Collagenase and elastase are enzymes that break down collagen and elastin, respectively.

Since collagen and elastin are responsible for the strength and elasticity of skin, preventing the degradation of these proteins is important for maintaining a youthful complexion.

Saccharide Isomerate is a 100% plant-derived carbohydrate complex that functions as a water-binding agent, thereby improving hydration while also soothing skin. 

Hydrolyzed linseed extract rejuvenates the skin by stimulating epidermal cell differentiation, increasing epidermis thickness, and increasing levels of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) that are naturally found in the connective tissue. Ultimately, hydrolyzed linseed extract helps to improve the skin’s hydration and firmness, resulting in a more youthful complexion.

How to Use SkinMedica TNS Advanced Serum?

Dispense SkinMedica TNS Advanced Serum on the back of your hand and blend together before applying to clean skin.

Where to Buy SkinMedica TNS Advanced Serum?

SkinMedica TNS Advanced Serum and other SkinMedica skin care products are sold on the brand’s website (skinmedica.com), as well as through third-party online retailers such as Dermstore.com, Skinstore.com, LovelySkin.com, and others. 

How Much is SkinMedica TNS Advanced Serum?

SkinMedica TNS Advanced Serum costs $295 USD for just 1 fl oz.

What is The  SkinMedica Return Policy?

The SkinMedica return policy states, “We are committed to offering high-quality, scientifically proven products and want to ensure you are completely satisfied with your order. If you are not satisfied for any reason, we will accept returns within 30 days of your original purchase date.”

Is SkinMedica Cruelty-Free?

It is unknown if SkinMedica is cruelty-free as there isn’t any information available on the company website, Cruelty Free Kitty, PETA or Leaping Bunny.

SkinMedica TNS Advanced Serum Reviews

Unfortunately, this brand does not display SkinMedica reviews on their website, so we went over to LovelySkin.com to get an idea of what customers think of SkinMedica TNS Advanced Serum.

After more than 700 customer reviews, SkinMedica TNS Advanced Serum has earned an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. 

On The Derm Review, there was one negative review: “

I never really had a chance to try the products to see any results. I’ve purchased this product twice and both times the pump was non functional after 2 or 3 uses. I have read other sites complaining about the non-functioning pump. So quite frankly this product is useless. I am very angry that I wasted my money!

Our Verdict

Overall, we think that SkinMedica TNS Advanced Serum is formulated well, although we believe the serum is overpriced for what you get. 

Pros

• Formula contains a good blend of innovative ingredients with tried-and-true ingredients like peptides, antioxidants, and botanicals
• Many positive SkinMedica TNS Advanced Serum reviews
• Fragrance-free

Cons

• High cost ($295 USD for just 1 fl oz)
• Unknown if SkinMedica is cruelty-free

What Are Some Alternatives to  SkinMedica TNS Advanced Serum?

If you’re looking for skincare products to address the signs of aging, we recommend Carrot & Stick. Carrot & Stick maximizes the use of powerful ingredients and minimizes the use of superficial ones, resulting in advanced skincare solutions that help promote healthy, more youthful-looking skin. We recommend The Repair Serum, followed by The Moisturizer.

References:
Aging (Albany NY) 2014 Dec;6(12):1049-63.