AQ Skin Solutions offers a unique array of products:
- AQ Skin Solutions Eye Serum ($99.00, FutureDerm.com/Shop)
- AQ Skin Solutions Active Serum ($149.00, FutureDerm.com/Shop)
- AQ Skin Solutions The Lash ($135.00, FutureDerm.com/Shop)
What makes AQ Skin Solutions my favorite products with growth factors is because of the cell sorting (this is also why I asked them to provide products to our Shop!).
What are Growth Factors?
Growth factors are naturally-occurring molecules that boost communication between cells.
Like retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids, and amino acids, topically-applied growth factors have been shown to stimulate the production of collagen within the skin (Journal of Drugs in Dermatology). In turn, growth factors have also been shown in peer-reviewed, independent studies to enhance wound healing following dermatological treatments with lasers or dermatologic surgery, reduce wrinkling, and increase skin smoothness.
In a 2007 study in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, subjects used a human growth factor-containing cream on half of their face for sixty days. After the 60-day period, 83% of the subjects showed an improved average wrinkle score in the eye area, while 50% showed an improved average wrinkle score in the mouth area.
What Makes AQ Skin Solutions Different?
AQ Skin Solutions Eye Serum utilizes a special process to sort growth factors.
The solution in which the skin cells grow contain all of the human growth factors necessary to grow new skin cells. AQ Skin Solutions uses a special “cell sorting technology” to ensure that the formula only includes growth factors that are beneficial to the skin. An AQ Skin Solutions representative I spoke to assured me the cell culture is pure, and no embryos are utilized in the creation of the serum.
So I love this serum because it is highly concentrated with growth factors, contains other beneficial ingredients, and utilizes growth factors from a pure source.
AQ Skin Solutions Eye Serum
AQ Skin Solutions Eye Serum is designed to:
- Effectively diminishes “crow’s feet” wrinkles and fine lines
- Gently lightens dark circles under eyes
- Firms and lifts sagging skin fast
- Moisturizes and conditions to leave delicate eye area skin soft and silky
I’m a huge fan of this eye serum. Within a few days of use, you will notice that your skin feels firmer. I imagine this is from the lactic acid that is in the serum, which is an ingredient that is FDA certified to treat dry skin. It really plumps up the hydration level! After a few weeks, however, I imagine the firmer skin is due at least in part to the growth factors.
AQ Skin Solutions Eye Serum has a very light, thin consistency. A little goes a long way.
I recommend AQ Skin Solutions Eye Serum in the AM and PM either alone or under your favorite eye cream. The eye serum should be suitable for use with most other ingredients, including retinoids.
AQ Skin Solutions Active Serum
AQ Skin Solutions Active Serum is designed to:
- Diminish wrinkles and fine lines
- Give skin a youthful glow and gradually fades sun/age spots
- Restore youthful skin function to repair damage
I recommend AQ Skin Solutions Active Serum most for skin that has lost some of its firmness and elasticity already. It contains vitamins C and E, with vitamin C as tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate and vitamin E as tocopherol.
Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate has been shown in independent studies to increase skin’s hydration levels (Skin Research and Technology, 2008). Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate has been shown to be more efficient in entering skin cells than L-ascorbic acid (Clinics in Dermatology, 2008) and to penetrate the skin more deeply than L-ascorbic acid (Dermatologic Surgery, 2002).
So I love this serum because it is highly concentrated with growth factors, contains other beneficial ingredients, and utilizes growth factors from a pure source.
In the morning, cleanse, tone (optional), then apply AQ Solutions Active Serum, followed by a sunscreen.
In the evening, cleanse, tone (optional), apply a lightweight retinoid or AHA treatment, then AQ Skin Solutions Active Serum, followed by a moisturizer only if your skin is normal/dry or dry. (Current favorites of mine include AminoGenesis and LARA Beauty).
Note that the form of vitamin C in AQ Skin Solutions Active Serum is not acidic, so you can also use it in conjunction with a retinoid.
AQ Skin Solutions The Lash
AQ Skin Solutions The Lash Eyelash and Eyebrow Enhancer ($135.00) uses growth factors to stimulate eyelash length and thickness without the use of the prostaglandins in prescription Latisse.
There are not many studies conducted on growth factors and their effects on eyelash and eyebrow growth. It is known that naturally-produced growth factors, such as epidermal growth factor (EGFR), plays a role in regulating eyelash growth (The Lancet Oncology, 2005).
However, it has been noted that eyelash growth is stimulated following many opthalmic surgeries (Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 2010), indicating that growth factors brought to the area as a part of the healing process may play a role. It is also possible that increased blood flow and pressure to the area are partially responsible for the eyelash growth.
According to the parent company of AQ Skin Solutions The Lash:
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- Formulated with patented AQ Growth Factor technology (U.S. Pat. 8,518,879)
- Does not contain harsh chemicals or preservatives (such as phosphate, lead, etc.), which may cause adverse effects on the eyes or eyelids
- Contains NO prostaglandins (glaucoma drugs)
- Will not change the color of eyes or tint eyelid
- Disposable applicators uniquely designed for AQ Lash
AQ Skin Solutions The Lash contains a concentrated blend (over 40%) of stem cell derived growth factors. This is the highest I ever witnessed for a skin care product, and it certainly gives your eyelashes the best chance of growth with growth factors.
AQ Skin Solutions The Lash actually works. It will produce substantially longer lashes within a month of regular daily use.
Bottom Line
If you are looking to incorporate growth factors into your daily routine, I cannot recommend any line more than AQ Skin Solutions. This amazing line of products utilizes a cell-sorting technology to ensure safe, pure, non-embryonic growth factors. The line also includes other beneficial ingredients, such as vitamins C and E, lactic acid, and palmitoyl oligopeptide to ensure that your skin looks better from the start. I’m a huge fan, and can’t recommend these products enough!