SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum: A Dermatologist's Guide to Anti-Aging Skincare

SkinMedica TNS Advanced + Serum : Dermatologist Review & How To Use

As a dermatologist, I am always on the lookout for innovative ingredients that can truly improve improve photoaging, wrinkles and skin texture. A new antiaging skincare product that caught my attention recently is SkinMedica’s TNS Advanced + Serum. In this blog post, I’ll explain what TNS is, how it works, and why it represents an exciting development in anti-aging skincare. I will also review how this is different from other TNS containing products.

Wondering if this antiaging serum is the best for your Baumann Skin Type? Take the skin type quiz to find out!

What is SkinMedica TNS Advanced + Serum?

This new generation serum by SkinMedica includes 450 total growth factors – more than any previous TNS formulation. The additional stem cell-derived growth factors in TNS Advanced+ boost collagen production and cellular activity even beyond original TNS.

In my experience, the lightweight, non-comedogenic TNS Advanced+ Serum performs extremely well for improving wrinkles, skin tone, and texture across all wrinkle-prone skin types. I advise my patients to layer it under retinol in their nighttime skincare routine for optimal anti-aging effects. Those with substantial photodamage on the neck, chest, and hands also see noticeable rejuvenation from consistent use. Overall, TNS Advanced+ represents the most comprehensive topical growth factor serum available to target aging concerns.

SkinMedica TNS Advanced + Serum Dermatologist Review

In my dermatology practice in Miami Florida, I use this serum to treat my patients often. I use it to treat wrinkle-prone skin types that have sensitive skin and cannot tolerate retinoids and Vitamin C. I skin cycle it in antiaging skin care routines to alternate with with other antiaging serums. Most of the patients I prescribe this to are 40+ years of age.

There are two main peptides in this serum:

Dimer Tripeptide -43 which is claimed to reduce skin sensitivity

Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2- which is claimed to improve sagging skin

To learn more about these peptides, look up the peptide name on this peptide in skincare list.

How To Use

One of the nice things about this antiaging growth factor serum is it does not irritate the skin so it can be used 2-3 times a day without any problems. It should be used at least 3 times a week to get results. Alternate it with retinoids and ascorbic acid in your antiaging skincare routine.

Skincare Routine

You want to make sure that you always layer skin care ingredients properly and use them in the correct step order of your routine. This will help the growth factors and other ingredients in this serum penetrate intact into the skin and have better results.

Morning or Night?

It does not matter which time of day you use SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum. In general, you want to use protective serums in the day and repair serums at night. As this is a repair serum, you can use it at n ight and use an antioxidant serum in the daytime. However, this has antioxidants in it so it can be used either time of day or both morning and night.

Before or After Moisturizer

Always use any antiaging serums before using a moisturizer. SkinMedica TNS Advanced + Serum should be used first with a face cream applied afterwards to help slug it into your skin.

Before or After Retinol

Retinol gets into the skin easily while growth factors often have trouble absorbing due to their large size. For this reason, at night you should apply SkinMedicaTNS Advanced + Serum before applying a retinol.

Before or After SkinMedica C + E Complex

It is not a good idea to use SkinMedica C + E Complex and SkinMedica TNS Advanced + Serum together because they both have trouble penetrating into the skin. It is a better idea to skin cycle these or use one in the am and another in the pm. If you choose to do the later, use the C + E in the morning and the TNS A+ at night.

Skin Benefits

TNS Advanced + does many good things for your skin.

Here is a list of the skin benefits of SkinMedica TNS Advanced + Serum:

Boosts collagen

Hydrates skin

Increases radiance

Prevents sagging

Smooths skin

Stabilizes the microbiome

Targets wrinkles

Ingredients in SkinMedica TNS Advanced + Serum

Water/Aqua/Eau

Pentylene Glycol

Human Fibroblast Conditioned Media

Glycereth-7 Triacetate

Shea Butter Ethyl Esters

Glycerin

Ethoxydiglycol

Lactococcus Ferment Lysate

Whey Protein

Chlorella Vulgaris Extract

Saccharide Isomerate

Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2

Dimer Tripeptide-43 – supports healthy immune system regulation to reduce skin sensitivity and reactivity

Hydrolyzed Linseed Extract

Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Flower Cell Extract

Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract

Hydroxyacetophenone

Tocopheryl Acetate

Propanediol

Xanthan Gum

Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6

Polyacrylate-13

Polyisobutene

Sclerotium Gum

PEG-12 Dimethicone

Lecithin

Pullulan

Butylene Glycol

Sodium Citrate

Polysorbate 20

Aminomethyl Propanol

Dextran

Disodium EDTA

Phenoxyethanol- preservative

Ethylhexylglycerin- preservative

Clinical Research Studies

Preclinical studies on the TNS-MR technology used in SkinMedica TNS Advanced + Serum showed A+ can reduce a biomarker of skin cell senescence, increase expression of genes involved in skin renewal processes like proteostasis, stem cell function, and cell communication, and upregulate genes for extracellular matrix proteins and epidermal barrier components.(6)

Targeting cellular senescence is the latest in skincare technology to make skin look and act younger.

This video explains what cellular senescence is. SkinMedica TNS Advanced + Serum seems to decrease the number of senescent cells, as evidenced by a decrease in senescent cell biomarkers. (6)

In 2023, a 24-week clinical trial tested SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum ( A+) on humans with aging skin. (6) The A+ antiaging serum containing human fibroblast conditioned media, peptides, botanicals, and marine extracts was compared to vehicle placebo. This double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolled 68 men and women aged 37-70 with moderate to severe facial photodamage. Subjects applied A+ serum to one side of the face and a placebo serum to the other side twice daily for 6 months. Starting at 2 weeks, A+ provided significant improvements in wrinkling, skin texture changes, sagging, tone, and photodamage versus baseline. It also showed significantly greater improvements than placebo in wrinkles at 4, 8, and 12 weeks; in photodamage, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, sagging and tone evenness at 8 and 12 weeks.

After switching from placebo to A+ at 12 weeks, subjects showed continued significant improvements in wrinkles, photodamage and sagging at 18 and 24 weeks. Patient-reported outcomes revealed subjects felt up to 6 years younger after using A+ for only 12 weeks. Skin biopsies detected molecular changes confirming reduced cell senescence, increased collagen, elastin and other extracellular matrix components, and improved epidermal barrier function.

This rigorous clinical trial provided evidence-based data that SkinMedica TNS Advanced + Serum significantly improves multiple facial skin aging parameters by targeting fundamental mechanisms of intrinsic and extrinsic skin aging.

What is the Difference in TNS Advanced + Serum and the original SkinMedica TNS Products?

The A+ Serum has more antiaging ingredients than the original TNS products.

In chamber one, both products contain the patented TNS growth factors that SkinMedica is known for. TNS Recovery Complex in the Essential Serum contains TNS while the TNS Advanced+ Serum has TNS-MR.

The TNS-MR contains 450 growth factors, compared to the 380 that the TNS Essential Serum contains. This level-up translates into even faster results. While users of the essentials serum saw results in as little as 4 weeks users of TNS Advanced+ Serum reported visible results in just half that time!

Fans of the essential serum know that it has a a district bad smell and reddish hue from the proteins used in the formula. I have to say that the ‘new & improved’ formula is much better because it is colorless and odorless. Rather than simply covering up the protein odor with a fragrance, SkinMedica eliminated the scent altogether by reformulating the proteins directly, making it suitable for even the most sensitive noses!

Another improvement in the TNS formula is the increased use of peptides. Where the TNS Essential Serum includes just one tripeptide complex, the new TNS Advanced+ uses two. This gives the TNS Advanced+ Serum an even better ability to nourish skin and fade fine lines.

Chamber two of the TNS Advanced+ Serum contains a brand-new product, the Renessensce (RSC) Advanced. RSC addresses all key aging skin concerns and has been specifically formulated to support the results of the growth factor blend. RSC is a highly active blend that contains botanicals, marine extracts, and peptides.

Overall- SkinMedica TNS Advanced + is a better anti-wrinkle serum than it’s predecessors.

TNS Advanced + vs TNS Recovery Complex?

Let’s start with the difference between the original SkinMedica TNS Recovery Complex and the new Advanced + Serum (also called A+). Of course, this comes down to the ingredients and the purposes they serve. The bottles and their signature dual-chambers may look similar, however the TNS Advanced+ Serum is truly a next generation product because it contains TNS-MR which has more types of growth factors.

There are ingredients found in the Advanced+ Serum that are not in TNS Recovery Complex:

TNS-MR-Includes human fibroblast conditioned media (growth factors) and peptides (Progeline and Prolixir S20) for skin repair and aging prevention.

Progeline (Trifluoroacetyl Tripeptide-2): A peptide for skin repair.

Prolixir S20 (Dimer Tripeptide-43): A peptide for aging prevention.

Chlorella: A green microalgae for collagen synthesis.

Saccharide Isomerate: A plant-derived carbohydrate complex for hydration.

Hydrolyzed Linseed Extract: For rejuvenation and hydration

Irritating and allergenic ingredients found in TNS Recovery Complex like phenoxyethanol, Hydroxycitronellal, and linalool have been removed. The new A+ serum does not have the same bad smell of the original TNS because the smelly proteins have been removed, obviating the need to additional fragrances. SkinMedica TNS Advanced + Serum is fragrance free and better for sensitive allergic skin types.

Help Me Choose the Best Antiaging Serum

Need help choosing a serum and wondering if SkinMedica TNS Advanced + Serum is the best choice for your skin type? Take our skincare routine quiz and we will tell you which products are best for you. Here we compare SkinMedica A+ Serum to other top-selling antiaging serums.

SkinMedica TNS Advance + Serum vs Skinceuticals C E Ferulic

Both of these are top selling antiaging serums. Which one is best to use in your antiaging skincare routine?

Skinceuticals C E Ferulic is one of the best Vitamin C Serums. It has ascorbic acid in the correct form and low pH which allows it to penetrate into skin. However, this low pH can cause skin stinging in sensitive skin types such as rosacea-prone skin . It does not have any growth factors or peptides in it. The ascorbic acid can help prevent skin pigmentation.

The SkinMedica TNS Advanced + Serum has the benefit of increasing skin collagen without irritating the skin. However, it does not have the ascorbic acid in it that your skin requires to make collagen, so I recommend cycling in a Vitamin C serum in your routine at least 3 times a week.

The Skinceuticals CE Ferulic is best for Baumann Skin Types that are Resistant and hyperpigmented. The SkinMedica TNS Advanced + Serum is better for sensitive skin types that do not have skin pigmentation issues.

Take the skincare quiz to see which is best for you.

Worth the Money?

Is SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum worth the price? It depends on your age, your skin’s needs, and underlying barriers to skin health.

This expensive serum can be fabulous if it is right for your Baumann Skin Type.

This serum is best for antiaging skincare routines in your 50s and older. When you are 50+ you make fewer growth factors and have more senescent cells. You can combine this with SkinMedica Retinol and SkinMedica Sunscreen for maximal results.

To find out if this antiaging serum is right for you, take the skin type quiz and find out:

Which Baumann Skin Type you are

What skincare routine steps are best for you

If SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ is a good antiaging serum for you

What other products to use together

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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