What are they and what are they doing in your skincare?
We’ve heard the term buzzing in the beauty world for quite some time, but plant stem cells are an area that still feels a bit mysterious. What exactly are they and what role do they play in skincare? Let us shed some light on the anti-ager everyone is talking about.
When you think about “stem cells,” you probably think of the controversial embryonic stems cells that have the ability to fight disease by regenerating failing organs. But did you know we have stem cells all over our body? Stem cells are constantly regenerating themselves on the surface of our skin when we slough the old cells off.
As we age, our stem cells weaken from years of sun damage, environmental pollutants and other factors. This makes it harder for the stem cells to repair skin tissues and regenerate when needed. If you’ve ever noticed a baby’s soft, glowing skin…you’ve seen the perfect example of fresh new stem cells hard at work. Over the years, our stem cells begin to require a little help.
That’s where plants come in! Plants actually have their very own set of stem cells that help to regenerate and repair the plant when needed.
How can plant-derived stem cells really help human skin, you ask? Plant-derived stem cells are thought to be even stronger than skin stem cells in order to withstand the harsh conditions around them. The same way they help protect and repair plants, they can help protect our own stem cells and prevent aging.
Products are now being created with specialised peptides and enzymes or plant derived stem cells which, when applied topically on the surface produce amazing anti-ageing and protective properties for our skin. Plant-derived stem cells combat dryness, sun damage and fine lines by restructuring and renewing the epidermis.
What plant stem cells are used and what are their functions?
- Swiss Apple (Malus Domestica) Stem Cells of the Swiss Spaetlauber apple tree which are rich in phytonutrients, proteins and long living cells. Used to promote longevity of skin stem cells, combat chronological aging, protect against oxidative stress and repair DNA.
- Grape (Vitis Vinifera) Stem Cells of rare red-flesh grape cultivar which contain epigenetic factors and metabolites that are able to protect epidermal stem cells against UV damage and fight photo aging.
- Edelweiss (Leontopodium Alpinium meristem ) Stem Cells from the Alpine Edelweiss flower that has developed defense mechanisms to survive extreme climatic and environmental conditions. Rich in substances with antioxidant activity higher than that of common natural antioxidant benchmarks. Also used for it anti-inflammatory effects.
- Argan (Argania Spinosa callus) Stem Cells from the ancient Barber Tree from Morocco which is able to resist extreme droughts and extremely high temperatures and has a proven effect on dermal stem cells. Vitalises dermal stem cells, which hare responsible for collagen and elastin production. It also fights wrinkles and loss of firmness.
- Snowflake (Leucojum Aestivum) Stem Cells from the Summer snowflake flower which survives in extreme climates. Shown to slow down cell proliferation (aging oricess) and also has a Botox-like effect on muscle contraction.
- Mung Bean (Phaseolous Radiata Meristem) Stem Cells from mung bean sprouts which is capable of protecting against various environmental stressors. Used to decrease pro-inflammatory mediators and extra cellular matrix degradation enzymes, increases collagen, repairs UV damage and reduces photo damage.
- Echinacea (Echinacea Angustifolia) Stem Cells are extracted from the buds or root tips, and are used to fade dark circles, reduce capillary permeability by nitric oxide reduction, reinforce the capillary wall and strengthen thin and delicate skin, also stimulates the collagen synthesis.
- Sulfora White (Swiss Golden Cress) Liposomal preparation of swiss garden cress sprouts rich in sulforaphane, a powerful antioxidant phytonutrient. Effectively inhibits melanin production, provides brightening benefits and fades the appearance of dark spots and discolouration.
- Canadian Willow Herb (Epilobium Augustifolium) Stem Cells from the Canadian Willowherb which has developed strong phytochemical properties to survive the harsh climate. The plant extracts contain bioactive moecules that act as a free radical scavenger and helps to reduce erythema caused by UV radiation.
In a nutshell: the plant stem cells speed up skin renewal process and slow down the ageing process. But be sure to check the ingredients list on the product before you buy—to really benefit from plant stem cells you should find them listed in within the first five ingredients.
Image Skincare is one of the leading skincare brands in the research and development of stem cells in skincare products.
Click here to find a product with plant-derived stem cells that is right for your salon.