Dermatologist Review of SkinMedica

SkinMedica was founded in the mid 1990s by Richard Fitzpatrick, MD, a dermatologist practicing in San Diego County, California. Dr. Fitzpatrick is well known in dermatology circles for his expertise in laser procedures and cosmetic treatments. He has published many scientific books and articles on surgical and cosmetic aspects of dermatology. Today, Dr. Fitzpatrick serves as Chairman of SkinMedica’s Scientific Advisory Board. SkinMedica has grown substantially over the past five years and offers both prescription and non-prescription aesthetic skin care products. SkinMedica’s product offering reflects the benefits that derive from a research-based approach to dermatologic innovation. SkinMedica has a wide product offering that is the result of several years of fully funded research and development efforts guided by a results-oriented dermatologist with a well-honed scientific approach to skin and aesthetics.

SkinMedica remains in the forefront of the advanced skin care industry with continual research and product development. The researchers at SkinMedica conduct ongoing research in an effort to constantly improve, refine and reinvent their formulas. As a result, the line remains on the cutting edge of skin care research.

The company offers high-quality skin care products intended to treat several skin conditions, including hyperpigmentation, discoloration, acne and lines and wrinkles. Most of these products are available without prescription, but some, such as the facial hair growth inhibiting cream Vaniqa and the patented technology prescription strength bleaching cream Epiquin Micro, require a written prescription.

From the release of its very first pharmaceutical product until today, the company has remained on the front lines of medical grade skin care. The first prescription product released was EpiQuin Micro, a bleaching cream that treats melasma. Melasma, also known as chloasma or the mask of pregnancy, is a skin disorder characterized by darkening of pigment on sun-exposed surfaces of facial skin. Melasma can be very difficult to treat and is a common side effect of pregnancy. SkinMedica found a way to synergistically combine melasma treatment compounds in a time-release vehicle for maximum patient benefit. SkinMedica remains committed to treating melasma and other skin conditions with its wide range of medical quality products and formulas.

SkinMedica’s TNS Recovery Complex System is an innovative treatment formulated to reduce the appearance of fine lines and blemishes. TNS was discovered in conjunction with biotechnology laboratories in San Diego County in the '90s. Dr. Fitzpatrick found that the culture media used to grow human cell lines for bio-medical research contained many stimulatory compounds that created benefits when applied to the skin. TNS was formulated to incorporate these extracts in topical formulations for skin application. TNS skin care products contain a variety of beneficial ingredients such as matrix proteins, antioxidants, collagens and Nouricel MD. The complex supports the skin’s natural healing process, resulting in healthy, radiant skin.

Nouricel MD is unique to SkinMedica products. The company holds a patent on this blend of natural proteins, antioxidants and amino acids. Nouricel MD is a solution of human growth factors that the body naturally uses to help repair itself from sun damage to the skin. The repairing properties of Nouricel MD are believed to help reverse some of the damage done by exposure to the sun and the natural aging process. Regular use of TNS products is reported to help make the skin maintain a youthful, healthy appearance. The properties of Nouricel MD have been studied by SkinMedica in a double-blinded placebo-controlled study. Their results are reported to show a relative improvement in skin roughness and blotchiness among study subjects receiving TNS versus those receiving a placebo treatment without Nouricel MD.

TNS Recovery Complex containing Nouricel MD is gaining recognition and popularity as a potential alternative to clinical anti-aging procedures. TNS is the current darling of the lay press. Allure magazine has given TNS Recovery Complex its Editor’s Choice Award. It has also been recommended on “Oprah” as an alternative to medical anti wrinkle procedures.

TNS Lip Plump System also received press accolades in the April 2007 issue of Cosmopolitan. TNS Lip Plump is a two-step system designed to plump the lips while reducing peri-oral lines. This formula contains Nouricel MD and other healing ingredients to leave the lips plump, soft and smooth. The first step is Lip Renewal, which is designed to moisturize and repair the lips. The second step is the Lip Plumper, which is formulated to increase circulation and increase the fullness of the lips. Lip color can be applied after the second step.

SkinMedica’s product offering contains several other lines beyond TNS. SkinMedica offers a complete line of moisturizers, cleansers, sunscreens, acne care products, ‘conventional’ anti-aging products and peels. The products are designed to work especially well when formulated into inclusive regimens.

SkinMedica’s moisturizer offering includes Ceratopic Ceramide Replenishing Treatment, which is designed to repair and enhance the skin’s own natural barrier system. An intact skin barrier helps to protect the skin from dryness, cracking and subsequent irritation and rash. The formula contains ceramide, soybean, fruit oils, olive oils and oats.

The remainder of SkinMedica’s product offering is quite sound. The selection of cleansers and sunscreens are sophisticated and designed to provide real benefit. Daily Sun Protection for Faces SPF 20, for example, is an oil-free formula that contains antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E in full-spectrum UVA/UVB product.

SkinMedica products are masterfully packaged. The dominant color of the packages is silver/grey and the various product lines have color-coded accents. The packaging is futuristic in look and function and the overall branding and packaging is entirely consistent. The packaging has been fashioned with attention to fine details for each product and clear but subtle color-coded delineation between product lines. The quality and intelligence demonstrated by SkinMedica’s packaging and branding sends the right message regarding the quality of these products.

SkinMedica is a remarkable company that has brought great innovation to skin care over the past ten years. Their product offering has grown rapidly and encompasses both prescription and doctor-dispensed treatments. SkinMedica products have clinically demonstrated efficacy. They also serve as great adjuvants to clinical procedures and may help augment their effectiveness.

DermStore is proud to feature all SkinMedica products at our retail store and in our clinics. We welcome our clients to refill their non-prescription SkinMedica products online and offer detail-oriented consultative telephone support for them at 1-800-213-DERM (international 530-245-4300).