A hydrogel that helps damaged skin by creating an environment that supports the healing process. TR Pro+® hydrates skin internally whilst providing a barrier to reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL). TR Pro+® is able to cool and soothe skin and is effective in reducing the irritation and redness that often follows aesthetic and other minor surgical procedures.

Key Ingredients

Beta-glucan (Glucoprime®) – a naturally derived sugar that is purified from the cell wall of baker’s yeast which has immunomodulatory properties that support skin regeneration

Triethanolamine – balances the pH of the gel to avoid irritation to your skin

Carbomer – allows the gel to retain water to provide you with a soothing texture and leave your skin looking bright

Neutral pH, no parabens or fragrances means TR Pro+® is suitable for most skin types

What is Glucoprime®

The active ingredient of TR Pro+® is Glucoprime® which is a beta-glucan purified from the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ie: baker’s yeast) which is used to bake bread and brew beer. Beta-glucans are commonly found in fungi, plants and bacteria where they are a key component of the cell wall. Beta-glucans are almost totally made of sugar, with glucose being the sugar most commonly used.

There is enormous diversity in the way the millions of glucose units are linked together and their spatial location relative to adjacent molecules (Vetvicka et al. 2019). Up until recently, the extraction of beta-glucan has been difficult and expensive due to the challenges associated with retaining the complex branched structure of the molecule.

Preserving the native structure of the beta-glucan is essential because it determines its ability to interact with host cells, and studies have confirmed that beta-glucans which have maintained the natural branched structure are more effective in assisting damaged skin to heal (Kim et al. 2018). Historically however, this has been difficult to achieve with most beta-glucans breaking down during the purification process and therefore having less impact on skin repair. Tissue Repair has successfully developed a proprietary process that leaves the native structure more intact, thereby allowing Glucoprime® to exert a positive healing influence on damaged skin.

Glucoprime® supports skin regeneration

When TR Pro+® is applied topically, the Glucoprime® moves between the cells of the epidermis to the dermis where it comes into contact with macrophages. These macrophages are the ‘guard cells’ and are on alert for foreign pathogens like bacteria and yeast. The macrophages have specific receptors on their surface which recognise the yeast-derived Glucoprime® and these engage with the Glucoprime® in the same way as a lock and key fit together. As a key is able to open the lock, the Glucoprime® is able to activate the macrophages by engaging with the receptors.

Once activated, the macrophages begin to influence the tissue environment, initially by attracting more macrophages and neutrophils to the area. They also facilitate the production of cytokines and growth factors that create an inflammatory environment which is the first step in the healing process. While inflammation is necessary for healing, it must not be too severe nor progress for too long as the quality of the new skin will be compromised. Beta-glucans like Glucoprime® have been referred to as immunomodulators in the scientific literature because of their ability to manage the healing process, and in particular, ensure that the inflammatory phase is appropriate for optimal skin healing.

Not all beta-glucans benefit skin repair to the same extent

Research has shown that large beta-glucans like Glucoprime® in TR Pro+® are able to attach to macrophage receptors and activate those cells to upregulate cytokines, growth factors and collagen production. Over many years Tissue Repair has developed a proprietary process to purify Glucoprime® from baker’s yeast without significantly compromising the size. Although smaller beta-glucans can also engage with the receptors, they do not activate macrophages and therefore cannot produce the same regenerative benefits (Goodridge et al. 2011).

If topical products that contain beta-glucans are being used for skin repair, users should be informed about the origin of the beta-glucan and the size so they can be confident about the products effectiveness.

TR Pro+® stimulates macrophages to manage the healing process

Healing is a complex process that involves many different cellular components being switched on and off at the appropriate time and in the correct concentrations. Macrophages are the cells that coordinate the healing process which occurs in four phases – haemostasis, inflammation, proliferation and remodelling.

In simple terms we can consider macrophages to be one of two types – M1 or M2. M1 macrophages are the first responders and create an inflammatory tissue environment which is designed to eliminate any pathogens, breakdown and remove any damaged tissue, and prepare the site for repair. They do this by producing cytokines that increase free radicals, proteases, and phagocytosis. The inflammatory phase is typically associated with skin redness and heat and may last from 2 to 6 days.

As the healing process moves from inflammation to proliferation, the macrophages transition from the M1 to the M2 type and adjust the environment to one which supports skin regeneration. M2 macrophages produce a different array of cytokines and growth factors which enables the production of collagen, the restoration of the barrier function and the generation of new capilliaries. This proliferative phase may last for 4-24 days.

M2 macrophages are essential to build new tissue through the generation of types I and III collagen. The tissue regeneration bought about by TR Pro+® is effective for medical procedures (eg: excision, biopsy, skin cancer removal) as well as aesthetic procedures (eg: laser, all types of skin needling and chemical peels).

TR Pro+® has been shown in laboratory studies to increase the number of M2 macrophages and in this way accelerate healing and improve skin quality (Mills et al. 2024).

TR Pro+® may assist scar formation

While there have not been any clinical studies directly addressing the effect of beta-glucans like Glucoprime® on scarring, our knowledge of Glucoprime® and the published literature strongly suggests that the application of TR Pro+® can assist normal scar formation. Glucoprime® is able to increase the number of M2 macrophages and these cells play a multifaceted role in supporting scar formation by promoting fibroblast activation, collagen deposition, ECM production, and the scar remodeling processes. Their anti-inflammatory properties and ability to regulate the wound healing environment make them key players in the complex process of scar formation.

Enhance Skin Barrier Function

Stimulates the production of essential lipids, such as ceramides which helps prevent excessive water loss and protects the wound site from external irritants and pathogens

Modulates Inflammation

M2 macrophages prevent excessive inflammation which is critical for normal scar formation and minimises the risk of hypertrophic scars or keloids.

Enhancing Immune Modulation

Influences the activity of various immune cells to maintain a balanced immune response and reduce the risk of excessive scar tissue formation.

Collagen Synthesis

Enhance the synthesis of collagen that provides tensile strength for more resilient scar tissue.

Balancing Fibrosis

Modulates the production of extracellular matrix components which prevents excessive fibrosis that can lead to abnormal scar formation.

Stimulates Cell Proliferation and Migration

Stimulates fibroblasts that produce collagen and extracellular matrix and support structural integrity. Enhances keratinocyte migration to help with re-epithelialization.

Hydrogels are the wound dressing of choice

The multifunctional nature of hydrogels, including their moisture retention, tissue adhesion, controlled drug delivery, antibacterial properties, and self-healing capabilities, makes them highly beneficial for skin healing applications. These properties enable hydrogels to create an optimal environment for wound repair, tissue regeneration, and controlled drug delivery, ultimately enhancing the overall healing process.

Hydrogels can benefit all stages of healing:

Can be used for different types of wounds (closed, open, weeping or dry)

Cleansing phase: supports the removal of exudate, cell debris, foreign bodies and germs (autolytic debridement)

Granulation phase: optimally moisturise and provide a hydrated matrix which promotes cell migration into the wound, and supports collagen synthesis and cross-linking

Reparative phase: re-epithelialisation is promoted by division of keratinocytes, optimally supplied with oxygen

TR Pro+® supports skin regeneration in many ways

Film-forming, Flexible, Full Contact

TR Pro+® dries to form a thin, transparent and durable protective film that stays in constant contact with the skin.

Hydration and Water Loss

TR Pro+® is partially absorbed into the skin to provide hydration while at the same time providing a barrier to reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL) (Pillai et al. 2005; Vetvicka et al. 2019).

Aesthetic Benefit

TR Pro+® has been shown in clinical trials to reduce skin wrinkling and increase elastosis (Wu et al. 2022).

Wound Healing and Scar Formation

TR Pro+® absorbs exudate leading to improved wound healing5. Increased hydration provides an environment favourable to normal scar formation (Muthuramalinga et al. 2019).

Protection

TR Pro+® provides a barrier that protects against microbial infection while at the same time allowing the skin to breathe (Pillai et al. 2005).

Cooling Effect

TR Pro+® provides a cooling effect to soothe damaged skin and helps relieve pain and itching. Heat generated from cosmetic procedures is able to dissipate freely (Pillai et al. 2005).

Reduces Oxidative Stress

TR Pro+® has antioxidant capacity to protect skin against oxidative stress that may be caused by UV radiation (Majtan and Jesenak 2018).

Stops Bleeding

TR Pro+® acts as a haemostatic agent to stem bleeding and manage exudate (Madaghiele et al. 2014).

Cosmetically Elegant

Upon being left to dry and absorb into the skin, TR Pro+® is not visible and can have makeup and sunscreen applied.

Easy to Use and Non-reactive 

TR Pro+® can be applied once daily, is non-greasy, and can easily be removed from clothes. TR Pro+® is neutral pH, and does not contain any preservatives, fragrances, or parabens making it suitable for people with sensitive skin.