New in My Practice: Cosmeceuticals

A Novel Topical Growth Factor- Based Serum for Skin Repair

What is ReGenica Facial Rejuvenation Complex?

In each edition, Modern Aesthetics asks top aesthetic physicians what cosmeceuticals are popular in their practices now. This month, dermatologist Rebecca Fitzgerald, MD talks about her experience with ReGenica's Facial Rejuvenation Complex.

Developed to support a more rapid improvement in the appearance of skin post-laser therapy, ReGenica Facial Rejuvenation Complex has been shown to accelerate the return of healthy appearing skin after combination ablative/ nonablative laser treatments compared to a vehicle control in two separate published studies.^1,2 Formulated with CCM—a proprietary, bovine serum-free composition of active growth factors and proteins—the new product is also suitable for use on skin that demonstrates signs of aging but has not been compromised by procedures.

Dr. Fitzgerald recommends the product both as a postprocedure and as a rejuvenation formulation in her practice. “This has become my go-to product for rejuvenation for patients who can't use retinoids because they can't go out in the sun,” she says, noting that her Los Angeles-based clientele faces sun exposure virtually every day.

According to Dr. Fitzgerald, an ideal approach to topical photoaging is three-pronged: Reduce exposure with UV avoidance and sunscreens, Reduce damage with topical and oral antioxidants, and Repair damage that already exists with topical retinoids or growth factors, as found in Facial Rejuvenation Complex.

What is unique about this formulation?

Facial Rejuvenation Complex stimulates fibroblasts and creates new collagen, Dr. Fitzgerald says. This is similar to the activity that physicians have come to expect from growth factor-based formulations, Dr. Fitzgerald says, but this newer formulation may have a more targeted, enhanced effect on fibroblasts due to the fibroblast culture media in which the growth factor is cultivated.

Additionally, the formulation is shown to have humectant effects and to reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL), “so skin looks and feel healthy; it feels dewy and glows more,” she observes.

How do patients respond to the formulation?

“People love it. It's been very well received,” Dr. Fitzgerald says. “They do heal faster when they use the formulation after a procedure…As a clinician, I can offer them ‘Less downtime/More facetime.'”

Dr. Fitzgerald reiterates that, “It's nice to have an alternative to retinoids, that is less irritating and does not require patients to stay out of the sun.”

More information: ReGenica Facial Rejuvenation Complex is co-marketed by Suneva Medical and Obagi Medical Products. For more information: Regenica.com/facial.htm

1. Kellar RS, Hubka M, Rheins LA, Fisher G, Naughton GK. Hypoxic conditioned culture medium from fibroblasts grown under embryonic-like conditions supports healing following post-laser resurfacing. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2009;8(3):190-196.
2. Zimber MP, Mansbridge JN, Taylor M, et al. Human cell-conditioned media produced under embryonic-like conditions result in improved healing time after laser resurfacing. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2012;36(2):431-437.