Many of the skincare products that are developed by dermatologists are fairly easy to spot because they have the doctor’s name within the product name. But, that isn’t always the case. At times, a product line will be developed by a dermatologist, yet not have their name on the label making it far less obvious.
For example, in 1999, SkinMedica was co-founded by Dr. Richard Fitzpatrick, a dermatologist. Not only was SkinMedica developed with a dermatologist, but it is also the pioneer in creating the first topical product containing growth factors. That in itself is quite impressive.
So, we are taking a closer look at SkinMedica.
What Are Some of the Best SkinMedica Products?
SkinMedica offers a full product line including cleansers, serums, moisturizers, specialty treatments, and sunscreen. So, you could easily complete your entire skincare routine within this line. Below are a few to consider...
CLEANSING
SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
While there are no actual AHA’s infused into the cleanser, it does contain natural sources of AHA’s from lemon, apple, orange, and sugar cane extracts. So, it might not be as concentrated as it is when using glycolic acid, but there is an element of AHA in the product.
This product also contains pure salicylic acid, which is great to use on oily skin, and skin that is prone to acne. It helps to exfoliate, which in turn gets rid of dirt and excessive oil clogging the pores. It will also help dissolve the keratin that is most likely working to hold on to dead skin cells. Getting rid of those cells will refresh dull skin as well.
Customer Reviews: 6 reviews, 5 stars
Favorable: “I love the Product, best exfoliating Cleanser I ever used.”
Negative: None
SERUMS
SkinMedica Retinol Complex 0.5
This is a 0.5 retinol-based product, and it also comes in 2 other strengths. Retinol works to enhance the skin’s tone and texture, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. What makes this product even more beneficial is the addition of niacinamide, vitamin E, ceramides, as well as collagen-stimulating peptides.
A product with a very nice formulation, combining antioxidants, peptides, ceramides, and 0.5% retinol, is always worth a try.
Customer Reviews: 7 reviews, 4.5 stars
Favorable: “It's great, been using it a couple years and my skin super good. it's no better product that I seen”
Negative: “Wish it did more”
SkinMedica TNS Advanced Serum
This serum is created with a dual chamber system, to dispense two products to use as they blend when dispersing. One chamber contains TNS-MR, which is a growth factor blend with human fibroblast-conditioned media. The purpose of this chamber is to improve the existence of fine lines, wrinkles, texture, and even skin tone.
The other chamber contains RSC (Renessence Advanced), which consists of a botanical blend, peptides (including French flax seed and green microalgae), and marine extracts. These ingredients help to support the renewal and repair of the skin and also work with the first chamber to support the growth factors and increase levels of elastin and collagen.
Customer Reviews: 51 reviews, 4.5 stars
Favorable: “I have been using this product for years. I tried taking it out of my skin care regiment and quickly put it back in. I won't be without it again.”
Negative: “I think I see softening of mouth lines; however, the lines are still very deep and I have been using the product for over 3 months. I would say it does not act as fast for me as described.”
SkinMedica Lytera 2.0 Pigment Correcting Serum
This serum is designed to help skin discoloration, even some of the most stubborn conditions. It does not contain retinol or hydroquinone like most other products of similar purpose. It does have ingredients to hinder tyrosinase, which is the main enzyme involved with melanin synthesis that leads to hyperpigmentation. Another ingredient is tranexamic acid, which is thought to help break down the skin proteins that cause melanin production.
In addition, it contains niacinamide, which has been known to repair the skin’s barrier to assist in improving and maintaining moisture while decreasing inflammation, hyperpigmentation, blotchiness, wrinkles, and acne.
Customer Reviews: 16 reviews, 4.5 stars
Favorable: “Great product. I have been using for 2 weeks now and am seeing a slow but steady improvement.”
Negative: “Started using it on May 5, 2021. Today is May 27, 2021 and I do see a slight fading of my melasma. Hoping it continues to fade. I will post before and after pictures at 60 days.
On most days I use it in the morning and at night a very few days I have only used it at night. I always use sunblock in the morning and throughout the day.”
SkinMedica Vitamin C + E Complex Age Defense
This is an antioxidant serum with a cyclopentasiloxane base, a lightweight silicone that provides an easy-to-spread silky texture.
It also contains 2 forms of both vitamins C and E. One form of vitamin C is pure ascorbic acid, and the other is tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate. Both forms work to protect the skin from free radical damage but also helps to diminish discoloration and stimulate the production of collagen.
Both forms of vitamin E (tocopherol and tocopheryl acetate) can inhibit reactions from free radicals. They also work to strengthen the skin’s barrier and help retain moisture.
It’s important to note that combining vitamins C and E makes them more powerful.
Customer Reviews: 17 reviews, 4.5 stars
Favorable: “SkinMedica C+E is the only C+E product that I’ve used that doesn’t have an “off” smell. This is very smooth on application. It has brightened my skin, giving it a smooth, even look.”
Negative: “The only con I could say is it does burn slightly after I’ve applied”
MOISTURIZERS
SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator
It might be surprising to hear that all skin types will benefit from a hyaluronic acid serum, even oily and acne-prone skin. The reason is that it draws in significant moisture…up to 1000 times its weight in water. It gives the skin a boost in moisture, without the weight or greasy feeling that some products can leave.
SkinMedica HA5 caught its name because it has a blend of 5 various molecular weights of hyaluronic acid. This blend helps to provide hydration to multiple layers of the skin, resulting in smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles.
It’s a well-formulated moisturizer, but a bit costly compared to other similar products.
Customer Reviews: 21 reviews, 5 star
Favorable: “I have received so many compliments on my skin after using SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator. This is one product that I can't live without!”
Negative: “I like this and feel it helps to moisturize my skin. Wish it was not so expensive.”
SkinMedica TNS Ceramide Treatment Cream
This moisturizer was designed for mature or dry skin, combining human fibroblast-conditioned media with peptides and ceramides, resulting in a moisturizer to restore the skin’s barrier, as well as function and balance.
It works at reducing fine lines and wrinkles while improving the texture.
Customer Reviews: 9 reviews, 5 star
Favorable: “Thick but not heavy, moisturizing but not greasy. Changes the texture of your skin. My fiance tried it one night (his skin gets irritated from shaving) and loved it! And now he uses it as a night cream/moisturizer, as do I.”
Negative: None
SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
SkinMedica TNS Eye Repair
This eye cream is filled with vitamins C and E, peptides, growth factors, and soothing botanicals. The hydrating and emollient ingredients also contain boron nitride, which is a mineral added to create optical diffusion and lessen the appearance of dark circles and other discolorations.
However, the product is contained in a glass jar which could cause the botanicals to break down quicker than other packaging. If used on a regular basis though, it shouldn’t be a problem. Just don’t let it sit on the shelf without using it and expect it to be as potent.
Customer Reviews: 13 reviews, 4.5
Favorable: “Recently had upper and lower blephoroplasty..My ocular surgeon recommended this product. I find this cream to go on effortlessly, not greasy, absorbs nicely into the skin around my eye area. I use this twice a day morning and night along with HA serum, Vit C and a moisturizer. My skin has never looked better. Fine lines are diminished and my skin Read more about review stating Love this productjust looks healthier and we'll hydrated. I love this product.”
Negative: “This eye cream is not working.”
SkinMedica Total Defense and Repair SPF 34 Tinted
This is a combined product to help defend and repair skin, with both mineral (physical) and chemical sunscreen elements, providing a broad spectrum SPF 34.
The formulation is impressive as it ncludes:
- Antioxidants - ubiquinone, niacinamide, and vitamin E
- Hydrators - snow mushroom extract, glycerine, and betaine
- Emollients - squalane and capric triglyceride
It also contains a sunscreen with a subtle tint to help counter white cast that often comes with a mineral based sunscreen.
Customer Reviews: 3 reviews, 5 star
Favorable: “This product is a daily staple. Goes on smooth, so it is easy to apply, and works well throughout the day. Wearing this feels good!”
Negative: None
Key Ingredients Used in SkinMedica Products
SkinMedica has a few key ingredients that they use throughout their line. These ingredients include the following:
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Niacinamide
- Retinol
- Peptides
- Salicylic Acid
- Vitamins C & E
And, the above list of ingredients have been well-researched, and determined to support the benefits claimed from the company.
Where Can You Buy SkinMedica Products?
You can view and purchase SkinMedica products online at sites dedicated to sknicare, such as DermAvenue.com, or SkinMedica’s own site.
SkinMedica Return Policy
Taken right from their website, the SkinMedica return policy is, “We are committed to offering high-quality, scientifically proven products and want to ensure you are completely satisfied with your order. If you are not satisfied for any reason, we will accept returns within 30 days of your original purchase date.”
Is SkinMedica a Cruelty-Free Product Line?
Based on their website, SkinMedica does not conduct any testing of their products on animals.
SkinMedica Reviews
SkinMedica’s website does not provide an opportunity for customers to leave reviews on their products. So, the reviews provided within this review are compiled from DermAvenue and are summarized under each product listed above.
The Bottom Line
SkinMedica is a product line that is co-founder by a licensed dermatologist. It is well received by customers and has a decent list of products to choose from when considering a skincare routine.
Please contact Dermavenue at 800.805.3752 or chat live! We have agents available 9-5pm Pacific Time to answer any questions.
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