Stem Cells have been a buzz word in the cosmetic industry in recent times. Stem cells have been at the forefront of medical revolutions in the news, for years. Stem cells also surround a lot of myths… ‘Do stem cells really come from fore skins and placentas?’ ‘Are we playing god by working with stem cells?’
What IS a stem cell?
Stem cells, essentially, make new cells. They are basic cells in the body from which more specialized cells are formed. They begin as one cell, duplicate their DNA which divides into two separate cells. One will remain a stem cell and continue on this cycle. The other will change into a specific cell, such as a skin cell.
In youthful skin, this process will occur up to 50 times from one stem cell and new skin cells are produced regularly. When we are exposed to daylight, UVA sun rays are reaching the DNA (the genetic information) in our stem cells, causing DNA breakdown and cellular damage. This damage will result in lower numbers of skin cells being made, and stem cells producing far fewer skin cells before expiring. This causes aging of the skin.
Lots of companies’ claim to have stem cells in their products. But stem cells from different sources will work very differently in the skin. There are two major groups of stem cells used in cosmeceutical products.
The first, and most common, are Plant derived stem cells:
There are some stem cells extracted from fruit, flowers and plants that our body can work with, but, they cannot affect our stem cell function meaning they cannot change the rate of production or quality of new skin cells. They can however offer exceptional protection against UVA sun damage which can cause DNA breakdown of our body’s own stem cells causing deterioration, seen as aging. Once delivered into the skin, these plant stem cells attach to our base stem cells acting like a body guard, preventing the penetration of UVA rays. This allows better cellular function and extended life of our stem cells, meaning more new skin cells.
IMAGE skin care uses ten potent botanical stem cells in its formulations, here are a few of our favorites:-
The Ancient Baber tree from morocco is one of the oldest tree species in the world! It’s extracted stem cells vitalizes the stem cells in our skin responsible for collagen and elastin production therefore fighting wrinkles and loss of firmness in our skin.
Stem cells from an apple tree in Switzerland offer excellent nutrients for the skin and protect against oxidive stress.
Alpine Edelweiss, extracted from a plant in the Swiss alps, have an anti-inflammatory effects in the skin and are high in anti-oxidant capacity so offer our skin strength and integrity.
The second, and far less common, are Bio-identical Stem cells.
Dr Ahmed Al-Qahtani is one of the only bio-chemists in the world to work with bio-identical stem cells which have been manipulated from isolated human tissue. Dr AQ developed a technique that is able to isolate a human stem cell, and extract the growth factors which promotes its development. He then manipulated this into a stem cell treatment that can affect not only the rate, but also the quality of new skin cells being made.
This Bio-identical, growth factor technology was originally used under skin grafts for infant burn victims. Because of its astonishing effect on the time and quality of healing within the skin, this technology was then applied to skin conditions such as aging, acne and hair loss.
When applied to the skin, these growth factors and stem cells communicate with our stem cells for better, and more frequent skin cell production. This returns the skin to a more youth function aiding in wound healing, the correction of aging and vastly improved skin health.
To use both bio-identical and plant derived stem cells in your skin care routine would ensure the improvement of stem cell function, rate and protection, leading to enhanced skin health and a more youthful complexion.
To find speak to your nearest IMAGE and AQ specialist, click here and begin your stem cell rejuvenation!
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