TNS and Growth Factors: Advanced Science in Skin Care

TNS in Skin Care: Human Fibroblast Culture Medium in SkinMedica Products

What is TNS in Skin Care?

TNS stands for tissue nutrient solution and is the anti-aging ingredient containing growth factors found in SkinMedica products.

On the label of your skin care product, you will find it as a culture medium conditioned with human fibroblasts.

TNS is a proprietary blend of natural growth factors, proteins, and antioxidants found in SkinMedica products. Growth factors are signaling proteins that stimulate healthy cell activity.

As we age, the levels of growth factors in our skin decline. By topically replenishing growth factors in skin care products, TNS helps improve skin function and combat the causes of skin aging.

In this blog post, you will learn what SkinMedica TNS is and how it works.

If you are wondering if TNS is right for your skin, take our Skin Type Quiz.

What is Human Fibroblast Conditioned Medium?

Scientists made an important breakthrough in anti-aging skin care when they began growing fibroblasts in tissue culture.

They discovered that fibroblasts naturally release growth factors into the surrounding culture medium. Tests showed that this conditioned medium contained a high concentration of growth factors.

By growing and maintaining fibroblast cultures, researchers were able to obtain a rich, renewable concentration of growth factors for skin regenerative treatments.

When SkinMedica scientists stumbled upon this research on conditioned fibroblast medium, they realized its enormous potential.

They licensed and developed a special process to extract growth factors from cultured fibroblasts.

The end result is TNS – a unique blend of essential growth factors, proteins and antioxidants for the skin.

Anti-aging products containing TNS are among the best-selling anti-aging skin care products in the world today.

Where did SkinMedica TNS come from?

SkinMedica earned TNS in fascinating ways. The company grows neonatal fibroblasts (connective tissue cells) under precise conditions.

These fibroblasts release bioactive substances into their growth medium, including a variety of growth factors and other beneficial proteins.

SkinMedica harvests this nutrient-rich medium and purifies it to produce TNS. Learn more about SkinMedica and the history of this technology here.

Is TNS tested on animals?

TNS and TNS-MR have not been tested on animals. However, the technology has been tested on humans. 🙂

What is TNS-MR?

There is a new version of TNS called TNS-MR that combines TNS and MRCx technology to create the most advanced growth factor serum on the market.

Dr. Gail Naughton was involved in the development of TNS and TNS-MR technology. Click here to learn more.

How TNS and TNS-MR Work

How do TNS and TNS-MR work?

TNS contains a variety of bioactive compounds that work synergistically to improve skin health. The most important ingredients include:

Growth Factors: TNS contains over 380 different growth factors, including transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and more.

These stimulate cell proliferation and activity, which improves skin structure and function.

Matrix Proteins: Matrix proteins, such as collagen, strengthen the skin’s support structure. TNS provides soluble collagen that is easily absorbed by skin cells.

Antioxidants and Anti-Inflammatories: TNS contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that counteract skin damage caused by UV rays, pollution, and other environmental factors.

The goal of TNS is to restore skin cells to a more youthful state in both function and beauty. Let’s take a look at some of the important research on TNS products.

Skin Care Products with Human Fibroblast Culture Media

SkinMedica is the only brand that contains TNS. However, other brands may contain human fibroblast culture media extract. I am not aware of any other brands on the market at this time.

Only SkinMedica uses TNS and TNS-MR.

Skin Care Products with TNS

This is SkinMedica’s first TNS product, which was launched in 2001.

Since the proteins were removed from the newer product formula, it has a strange smell. It also contains a lot of fragrances that may trigger skin allergies.

It is suitable for dry, oily, and sensitive skin that is not allergic to fragrances.

This rich facial moisturizer contains TNS as well as ceramides, peptides, vitamin C, and squalane. Since it contains retinyl palmitate, it should always be used under sunscreen.

It is not a true moisturizer to repair the skin barrier, but it can be used as an occlusive moisturizer and introduce other serums to the skin. It is suitable for dry skin.

This eye serum with TNS also contains peptides and antioxidants such as vitamin E, vitamin C, and various oils.

This eye serum contains retinyl palmitate, so it should be used at night or with sunscreen.

Skin Care Products with TNS-MR

SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum is SkinMedica’s newest and most advanced anti-aging serum. This is my favorite product in SkinMedica’s anti-wrinkle serums.

In addition to TNS-MR, it also contains several peptides. It also contains lactococcal ferment lysate and saccharide isomers, which can stabilize the skin microbiome.

Studies have shown that this SkinMedica anti-aging serum is beneficial for menopausal skin (21).

Research on TNS in Skin Care

Several studies have shown that products containing TNS can improve the signs of facial aging.

Several studies have clinically investigated the efficacy of topical growth factors in tissue nutrient solution (TNS) for photodamaged skin.

An early open-label study of the TNS Restoration Complex (containing the conditioned medium NouriCel-MD) applied twice daily for 60 days to 14 subjects with facial photodamage showed new collagen formation in the dermis and thickening of the epidermis (1,3).

A larger double-blind randomized study of 60 subjects who used the same TNS serum for six months showed significant improvements in clinical assessments of fine lines and wrinkles after three months.

Optical profilometry showed a reduction in skin surface roughness compared to vehicle (10).

A recent double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigated the effects of a novel growth factor topical serum (A+) that targets multiple biological mechanisms of intrinsic and extrinsic skin aging

Preclinical studies showed that A+ reduced the expression of cellular senescence biomarkers.

Additional genetic analysis in a human skin model revealed effects on signaling pathways associated with stem cell exhaustion and intercellular communication.

The 24-week clinical trial included 68 subjects with moderate to severe photodamage to the face who were randomized to receive A+ or vehicle placebo.

A+ demonstrated significant improvements in coarse and fine lines, general photodamage, skin laxity, more even skin tone, and hyperpigmentation compared to placebo.

During the crossover phase, placebo subjects were switched to A+ subjects with similarly significant results. Test subjects also reported looking six years younger.

Facial biopsies showed reduced H2A.J expression and improvements in dermal extracellular matrix and epidermal barrier components in the A+ group.

Overall, these data provide the first evidence that targeted manipulation of biological mechanisms, including cellular senescence.

Can result in true anti-aging skin care that inhibits the skin aging process and effectively improves various signs of intrinsic and extrinsic skin aging.

Overall, the results suggest that regular use of a topical serum containing TNS can reduce visible signs of photodamage and skin aging.

This may be due to the stimulation of skin regeneration by multiple active biomolecules through multiple mechanisms, including extracellular matrix remodeling, epidermal repair, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Further studies should investigate potential long-term effects and evaluate efficacy in subjects of different ethnicities.

Nonetheless, current evidence supports TNS as an effective treatment option for photodamaged and aged skin.

In 2022, Gold (21) conducted a 12-week open-label study of TNS Advanced+ in 15 postmenopausal women for the treatment of moderate to severe facial photoaging.

After 6 and 12 weeks of twice-daily use of TNS Advanced+, fine and coarse lines, overall photodamage, even skin tone, and visible roughness were significantly improved compared to baseline.

Self-assessments by test subjects consistently showed that TNS Advanced+ improved skin smoothness, softness, radiance, and youthfulness.

The growth factor serum was well tolerated.

Overall, the results suggest that targeted treatment of intrinsic and extrinsic skin aging processes with topical growth factors can effectively improve multiple signs of photoinduced facial damage, even in aging postmenopausal skin.

Is TNS safe for skin care use?

Long-term studies have not demonstrated the safety of human fibroblast culture.

However, it has been used for many years in the injectable fillers Cosmederm and CosmeoPlast without any long-term problems. These fillers have been tested for safety by the FDA.

These fillers are no longer available due to the preference for longer-lasting hyaluronic acid fillers – but no safety issues have been raised to my knowledge.

TNS has been used for over 20 years with no evidence of an increased incidence of skin cancer.

Unless you already have skin cancer or have been overexposed to the sun, TNS should be safe. There are questions about the safety of one of the growth factors in the serum, EGF.

However, SkinMedica products contain many other growth factors besides EGF, and thousands of people have used TNS without (to my knowledge) reporting an increase in skin cancer.

In 2018, a class action lawsuit against SkinMedica for underreporting the risks was dismissed. (18)

So is it safe? Probably. If you notice a mole on your skin that is growing or changing, be sure to tell your dermatologist.

Are you wondering if TNS is right for you? It all depends on your skin type.

Most skin types can tolerate TNS. It should be used in an anti-aging skincare routine. It works best when combined with vitamin C and retinoids.

Do you want to know the difference between TNS, stem cells, and exosomes? Click here.

Take the quiz and learn how to use TNS in your skincare routine.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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