EDITED 03/23/09: Check out my
AminoGenesis Really, Really Clean facial cleanser review
HERE
We've always had our own version of how to achieve long-lasting, even eternal youth. Because of this, each one of us has created our own beauty regimen that we believe can delay the adverse effects of aging. Skin care and cosmetic companies milk this innate desire of every woman to be perpetually young to the fullest extent, touting "miracle anti-aging" products here and there. For me as a consumer, however, I am more concerned about what goes into the product, the entire process of concocting their own version of the fountain of youth. I want precise, succinct, and scientific explanation of how and why this product can be good for my skin.
This scientific approach is attempted by
Aminogenesis, a company specializing in amino acid skin care products. It painstakingly
explains on the site how the ingredients in their products can optimize skin elasticity and firmness, and retain moisture instead of letting it sit on the surface of the skin:
Amino acids are the basis for all living tissue on Earth. The skin is a living, breathing organ and needs an abundant supply of amino acids to function properly. These “natural miracles” are the very building blocks needed for the creation of important skin proteins like collagen and elastin. Without amino acids the skin simply cannot function properly.
The 17 selected amino acids in AminoGenesis are essential to healthy skin. These are exactly the same amino acids found in collagen and elastin. Each amino acid in AminoGenesis is made from plant sources and is painstakingly purified. These amino acids are then carefully blended to match the optimum amino acid composition in collagen. By utilizing the unique delivery system in AminoGenesis, the skin now has available the amino acids necessary to beautify and repair itself on a daily basis.
Amino acids are the main moisture retention factors in human skin. Topical application of amino acids has shown to dramatically increase moisture content while decreasing visible lines. In addition, amino acids help in the production of collagen and elastin, regulate sebaceous gland activity and decrease discoloration.
There are lots of skin care products in the world. One could argue, pro or con, on the merits of different ingredients. However, no one can doubt the importance of amino acids to the health and beauty of your skin. Period. With that in mind...
Why wouldn't you have amino acids in your skin care products?
As a backgrounder, AminoGenesis Skin Care was founded in 2000 after creator Ron Cummings, a longtime sufferer of dermatitis, was recommended a cream for his skin condition. Once he learned everything he could about that cream he used, Ron decided to make the life-changing decision to end his existing career and enter the unfamiliar business of skincare. He learned that the cream was actually a potent mixture of amino acids, essentially the building blocks of all life. All living things, plant or animal, that grows on this planet share exactly the same amino acids – it is the arrangement of amino acids that makes everything and everyone unique. They are the building blocks of every structure in human skin; vital skin proteins like collagen, elastin, lipids and all cellular tissues are made from amino acids. The basis of the AminoGenesis philosophy is that skin functions fantastically when it is properly nourished and it is with amino acids that skin becomes properly nourished. Several years ago the team of world class doctors, chemists and researchers that Ron enlisted set out to harness the power of amino acids. After about a decade of research and testing, the original AminoGenesis formula was born and the results astounded even those who created it.
I've had some of their products for a while now but I took my time in making a review because I wanted to give the product a chance to work. I am already down to my last seven capsules of Tripeptinon, so I guess I can now give my informed opinion about the product and its effect on my skin. First of all, what is
Tripeptinon? It is a night skin treatment that are like vitamin E capsules that you break and apply on your skin and neck. It is claimed to lift, firm and strengthen facial connective tissues giving the skin the most youthful appearance possible. It combines
Ceramide 2, Ubiquinone (claimed as one of the most powerful anti-oxidants in the world), and
Amino-acid Ogliopetides, together with their base 17 amino-acids to create the concoction in the capsule.
My take on Tripeptinon:
I was a bit iffy because it looked like vitamin E or fish oil in a capsule. You need to twist the little head or snip it with a pair of scissors to release the potion. The amount in each capsule is more than enough for my face and neck, thus I feel that I am wasting precious serum because I don't get to use everything in each capsule. However, the results were mostly pleasant for me.
Upside: It made my skin very supple, hydrated and basically softer and smoother when I wake up in the morning. I couldn't believe it too, but I am wearing better-looking, smoother skin now than let's say three months ago. I also loved the fact that this didn't break me out, not once, which is remarkable because I have acneic skin, and would especially break out if I am trying new products that my skin is not used to. I can't really pinpoint the exact way my skin is better, but it looks healthier and more hydrated, without being greasy enough to create a zit farm on my chin like it did a couple of months ago. The feeling is a little greasy when you apply it, but the icky feeling dissipates a minute or two later as the substance is absorbed by the skin. Ever since I started using this, I've never had any problems with scaly skin, which was a perennial problem for me since I deal with flakies caused by my retinoid regimen. It's just basically amazing in a quiet, unassuming way. It holds my pimples at bay yet makes my skin hydrated, supple and overall skintone even and smooth.
Downside: While I may see remarkable improvement on my skin, I don't see any "face lift" as touted by the company. I do see better skin, but not an earth-shattering change like let's say abnormal tightening or something along those lines. I want to stress, however, that my skin is better now that it was before I used Tripeptinon, so I do believe that it contributed to my smoother, silkier skin now. Improvement is better than none at all, so I still give props to
Tripeptinon. I also don't like the packaging because it wastes a lot of product especially when the amount in the capsule is more than enough for one application. The concoction also spurts out in blobs if one is not absolutely careful, so that is a let-down as well. I would prefer this product in a pump bottle for easy, sanitary and economical application. The pump gives the consumer more control in using the product. The price is a hindrance as well. $79 for a 40-day use is not really that economical, especially when most skin care moisturizers guarantee at least a full 60-day consumption.
All in all, I feel that
Tripeptinon is a worthy product to try, and would give results like it did on my skin. I just hope that this would eventually come in a pump bottle instead of messy capsules so that consumers can really use the product more effectively without wasting it.
