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 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.

Related Articles

Ad Blocker Detected