Stem cells have been touted as a miracle ingredient in skincare for some time now. And for good reason. While most people would be familiar with human stem cells (the kind used in medical research for things such as cancer treatment), a growing number of beauty brands are using stem cells in their skincare products.
No need to feel squeamish – the majority of these stem cells are derived from plants. However, they work in a similar fashion to human stem cells, offering a range of benefits for your skin.
What are stem cells and how do they work in skincare?
As we age, so do our skin cells. Our complexion loses its ability to fight environmental damage, bounce back to its usual state and maintain healthy cell regeneration and renewal. Some of the visible signs of skin cell degeneration include fine lines, wrinkles and sunspots, and while we can’t stop the process of ageing, skincare which utilises the benefits of plant stem cells may actually help to rebuild the health of your skin.
Although plant stem cells cannot mimic cell production in humans (yet!) the preliminary research is promising. In Vitro studies by Mibelle Biochemistry suggest that plant stem cells have the potential to increase the colony-forming efficiency of epidermal stem cells and help skin cells maintain the capacity to build new tissues.
Nonetheless, plant stem cells can still play a pivotal role in how damaged skin visibly repairs and rejuvenates itself.
What else can they do?
According to Charmaine Maree Caldwell founder of Australian-owned, award-winning skincare brand Vixin, “Stem cells can still stimulate and repair skin cells and create a more youthful look as they contain amino acids and peptides, which are skincare powerhouse ingredients for skin rejuvenation. These are the building blocks for cell rejuvenation, which can help soften the looks of line and wrinkles, improve skin texture and tone, and generally.”
Used in skincare, plant stem cells – or specifically skin cell extracts – also naturally have antioxidant properties and nourish skin cells to promote cell turnover and increase collagen production.
Stem cells can also protect your skin from environmental aggressors such as pollution. This could result in fewer lines and wrinkles, improved skin texture and tone, and younger, better-looking skin.
What to look for in a stem cell skincare product?
Charmaine recommends sticking with well-researched plant-based stem cells. “This will give you an indication of their efficacy,” she says. And with a range of brands now incorporating stem cells into their products, you simply need to use them as you typically would that particular skincare product.
STEM CELL SKINCARE PRODUCTS WE LOVE
Vixin All In One Apple Stem Cell
The active ingredient in Charmaine’s best-selling product is a powerful 2.75% apple stem cell. Formulated by expert chemists, it smoothes and softens fine lines, hydrates your skin and protects against UV and environmental stress. In less than a month, wrinkles are reduced, skin tone evened out, and your complexion is left plump and hydrated.
Mesoestetic Stem Cell Active Growth Factor
This powerful facial serum is the perfect addition to any anti-ageing skincare regimen. Combining the action of plant stem cell extracts with growth factors, this regenerative cream actively encourages and accelerates skin cell renewal to brighten the skin and minimise the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, discolouration, and scarring.
Enbacci Complete Body Firming Lotion
Give your limbs the same love as your face with Enbacci’s Complete Body Firming Lotion. Its powerful toning abilities are credited to the stem cells of an 11,700-year-old plant, the Saponaria Pumila. The pretty pink plant survived the last Ice Age by developing protective repair mechanisms to withstand extreme weather conditions, and today, combined with sweet almond and macadamia oil will leave your skin hydrated, firm and indulgently nourished.
Ciaté London Raspberry Burst Exfoliating AHA Lip Serum
This lightweight balm gently uses unique moisture-rich berry stem cell extracts to smooth and rejuvenated lips, while leaving them super-soft and hydrated.
CALECIM Professional Restorative Hydration Cream
Naturally derived Hyaluronic Acid (HA) from cord lining extract replaces moisture instantly at the epidermal layer, while Rejuvenating Conditioned Media goes beyond hydration: it helps boost HA levels within, while effectively restoring the skin’s epidermal cell cycle so that fresh, new skin cells can rise to the surface.
