I was thrilled when SkinMedica gave me the opportunity to try and feature Tissue Nutrient Solution (TNS) Recovery Complex.  SkinMedica is rooted in research and
pioneered the concept and technology of growth factors in skin care. TNS itself is a physiologically balanced, stabilized mix of growth factors, cytokines, and matrix proteins obtained from human
fibroblasts.

At 93.6% human fibroblast conditioned media,  SkinMedica states that TNS Recovery Complex has the highest percentage of growth factors of any product on the market. Despite all the buzz around new stem cell skin care lines, TNS Recovery Complex continues to stand out, both for its high percentage of conditioned medium and also for its long track record of success and safety.

Why apply growth factors topically? Dr. Rahul Mehta, Vice President of SkinMedica R&D, has described growth factors as natural substances produced by our cells that help maintain healthy skin in a variety of ways: supporting damage repair, producing collagen and elastin, and helping to maintain skin’s proper protective and hydrating
functions. As we age, our skin makes less growth factors than when were younger. Given all the processes that growth factors can boost, it is no wonder that we apply them topically. Using skin care with stable growth factors—such as those in TNS Recovery Complex– has the potential to revitalize aging skin, provide faster recovery after procedures or injury, and improve the health and functionality of skin.

Growth factors can be derived from a variety of different cell types (fibroblasts,  adipose stem cells, or bone marrow stem cells), but according to SkinMedica, fat stem cells are likely to produce growth factors that support fat cell functioning and bone marrow stem cells are likely to produce growth factors that support bone marrow functioning.  SkinMedica states that, following
this logic, fibroblasts, which are skin cells and the source for TNS, will produce the most optimal growth factors for skin functioning. In the case of TNS Recovery Complex, clinical studies of TNS Recovery Complex have shown a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles as well improved skin texture and tone, with optimal results after 90 days.

Having tried a number of products with growth factors, I would call TNS one of the best for slow but steady results. This is not a product for instant gratification, and I found myself wishing for a more dramatic (and rapid) transformation, but I did see improvements.  If you are willing to be patient, this is a solid anti-ager.

Venturing into the world of stem cell skin care lines, I soon realized that it can be difficult as a consumer to know what you are purchasing—because of the complexity of the science as well as less-than-transparent advertising.  Many companies are not open about where their stem cells originate or make false marketing claims (e.g., that plant stem cells will act on human stem cells).   In this land of smoke and mirrors, Lifeline Skin Care stood out to me for its apparent scientific legitimacy.

First, Lifeline Skin Care is the only line that obtains its stem cells from International Stem Cell Corporation (ISCO), a well-respected medical company in the world of regenerative medicine working on life-saving treatments and cures, and the sole producer of non-embryonic stem cells.  More potent than adult stem cells, embryonic stem cells hold greater regenerative potential but are highly controversial (because when scientists extract stem cells from embryos, the embryos themselves are destroyed).  Lifeline Skin Care’s parent company ISCO is the sole company able to produce this same class of stem cells present in early life while maintaining a pro-life commitment. They accomplish this through a patented parthenogenesis process in which unfertilized eggs are stimulated–without ever being fertilized or creating an embryo–so that they will produce stem cells just as potent as those produced by embryos.  All Lifeline Skin Care stem cell products make use of these potent parthenogenic stem cells.

Second, Lifeline Skin Care products use advanced absorption technology.  The delivery mechanism is crucial for any stem cell skin care line because proteins and growth factors degrade quickly unless they are stabilized. Lifeline Skin Care ensures that key actives maintain their potency by encapsulating them in nanospheres.  Countless skin care products fail to deliver results, simply because their molecules are too large for skin to absorb.  For instance, with typical application, only a fraction of 1% of topically applied growth factors will penetrate deeply enough to have anti-aging effects. For most cosmeceuticals-grade skin care lines, this translates to a lot of money wasted on expensive active ingredients. However, Lifeline Skin Care overcomes this problem with small molecule technology that ensures that active ingredients will achieve delivery deep within the skin. Rather than sitting on the top layer, Lifeline Skin Care is designed to penetrate deeply where skin cells are made and where active ingredients can help stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.  Countless skin care products fail to deliver their promised results, simply because their molecules are too large for skin to absorb, but with Lifeline Skin Care’s delivery technology the active ingredients can go to work on skin.  Lifeline Skin Care products are designed for utmost effectiveness.

I had the exciting opportunity to try Lifeline Skin Care Recovery Night Moisture Serum. In addition to containing potent peptides from ISCO’s non-embryonic stem cells that stimulate collagen and elastin production, Recovery Night Moisture Serum contains a host of other skin-beneficial ingredients: vitamin B complex for a healthy glow; green tea extract to minimize free radical damage and protect skin from sun damage; hyaluronic acid as a super moisturizer that holds components of the skin together; amino acids to support production of hyaluronic acid, collagen, and elastin; safflower oil to optimize skin’s moisture barrier; tremella mushroom extract, which is a powerful antioxidant and can hold 5 times more moisture than even hyaluronic acid; plus ubiquinone, phospholipids, and blueberry extract.

 

Skin repairs itself at night, and Recovery Night Moisture Serum is specially designed to maximize this recovery process.  As you might imagine, this powerhouse formulation, coupled with Lifeline Skin Care’s innovative ingredient delivery, can do wonders, particularly when it comes to hydration.

If you ever wanted a good reason to treat yourself, Lifeline Skin Care’s game-changing products are said to help fund ISCO’s medical research to find cures and better treatments for serious conditions.