While anti-aging skincare is known for pushing the narrative of looking younger without producing results, SkinMedica is one of a few brands that Cassandra describes as effective.
SkinMedica was co-founded by dermatologist Dr. Richard Fitzpatrick, and the line is known for its innovative approach to anti-aging skincare. SkinMedica hones in on the body’s ability to rejuvenate from within.
SkinMedica approach “relies on research and bridging the gap between biological processes, revolutionary formulations, and clinical results. They have an “in-house laboratory, which makes working directly with clinical researchers possible throughout every step of product creation.”
For instance, one of SkinMedica’s most innovative products is called theSkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum.
SkinMedica TNS Advanced + Serum
The SkinMedica TNS Advanced + Serum has two different chambers. The first chamber contains the “The Next Generation Skin” rejuvenating formula. As a result of “growth factors,” This formula’s purpose is to regenerate skin cells and boost collagen as well as elastin production.
What are growth factors?
Growth factors are proteins that move between cells and prompt the body to create more skin cells or to “rebuild” the skin. Growth factors come from the cells of fibroblasts. “A fibroblast is a type of cell that contributes to the formation of connective tissue, a fibrous cellular material that supports and connects other tissues or organs in the body. Fibroblasts secrete collagen proteins that help maintain the structural framework of tissues, (National Human Genome Research Institute, 2024).”
The serum’s growth factors are provided by an ingredient called, “human fibroblast conditioned media.” These growth factors are often made by putting fibroblast cells into something called a media. Media are organic solvents or water, and scientists can actually put fibroblast cells in a media to grow more of them in a dish! When you extract the media, it’s supposed to be enriched with these growth factors.
How do growth factors work?
As we age, fibroblasts in the upper dermis become less responsive. UV radiation and lifestyle changes also accelerate this process. Fibroblasts live in the dermis, a deeper level of the skin that has two layers. Fibroblasts exist in both layers, but growth factors primarily stimulate the fibroblasts in the upper layer.
Photocred: Shutterstock - Epidermolysis Bullosa News
When you apply skincare with growth factors, they’re supposed to help stimulate the fibroblasts that have become less responsive with age. Thus, creating more collagen and elastin. An increased production of collagen and elastin can help with bounciness, fine line reduction, suppleness, and brightness. More simply, although they cannot reverse aging, they can help to restore the skin and lead to graceful aging.
The other chamber (chamber 2) primarily includes French flax seed, marine extract, peptides, and green microalgae. Chamber 2 is “specifically designed to support the results of the TNS growth factor blend.”
Overall, many people have described how this formula promotes skin cell regeneration while boosting collagen and elastin production. They’ve also reported seeing smoother, more luminous, and bouncy skin.
SkinMedica also has a variety of products for a full routine. The exfoliating cleanser is another formula that also works wonderfully.
SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
Using AHAs and BHAs, this formula gently exfoliates and creates a blank canvas for the TNS Advanced + Serum to sink into. This cleanser includes moisturizing jojoba spheres, lactic acid (AHA), glycolic acid (AHA), citric acid (AHA), and malic acid (AHA). The AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) deeply exfoliate and are naturally derived from bilberry extract, sugar maple, sugar cane, and citrus. Plus, the salicylic acid (BHA) also refreshes and softens the skin.
The jojoba spheres are soft as well, and they do not scratch or irritate the skin.
SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator
This moisturizer combines five different hydrating ingredients to quickly replenish your skin's hyaluronic acid levels. Suitable for all skin types, this serum softens dry patches, fine lines, and wrinkles. It is fragrance-free and includes powerful humectants that pull moisture deeply into the skin. This is wonderful because keeping the skin hydrated is one of the most valuable keys to graceful aging and reducing the appearance of lines.
SkinMedica Even and Correct Advanced Brightening Treatment
The primary ingredients in this brightening formula are tranexamic acid, niacinamide, and concentrated lotus seed extract. There’s also the antioxidant-rich Vitis (grapevine) Flower Stem Cell Extract which improves hyperpigmentation, discoloration, and dark spots.
As for the tranexamic acid, it also helps with dark spots because it is a tyrosinase inhibitor. Tyrosinase inhibitors prevent pigment by inhibiting the process of melanin production.
Combined, all of these ingredients help to maintain a glowing and even complexion. When used in a routine along with SkinMedica’s other products, this product can also contribute to graceful aging.
SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield Broad-Spectrum SPF 35
Sunscreens are one of the most consequential features of anti-aging skincare. And because this is a mineral sunscreen, it protects against both fine line-causing UVA and dehydrating UVB rays. This mineral sunscreen is extremely gentle. So much so that it was actually designed for sensitive and post-procedure skin. Likewise, it’s very lightweight and sheer. Additionally, the green tea and caffeine within this formula soothe the skin, help with redness, and calm puffiness.
Is anti-aging skincare a “must?”
We have absolutely no obligation to look younger than our years, and aging is inherently a gift. Life is about experiencing beauty and learning with longevity. At the same time, if someone would like their skin to do so gracefully, many options such as SkinMedica are available to offer support.
While yes, SkinMedica is a high-end brand, SkinMedica can be found on other store websites such as DermStoreat discounted rates. Dermstore actually had an anniversary sale where you could get 25% off SkinMedica products, plus an extra 20% off if you sign up for auto-replenishment. You can even get reward points! Dermastore offers a variety of dermatologist-approved skincare at good value.
And currently, they have a promotion where you’ll receive 20% off your first app order. There’s also free US shipping on orders over $50. Cassandra loves that there are promos like this that make top-notch skincare more accessible.
These are the 5 top products that Cassandra recommends from SkinMedica, and we hope we’ve offered some foundational knowledge about graceful aging skincare!