Our cells age as we do, so wouldn’t applying skincare containing fresh new stem cells – which can divide and produce new healthy cells – solve all our sagging, creping skin problems?
If our bodies were Las Vegas, Stem Cells would be the resident magician, brought in to rouse and magically renew our natural cell store and keep us away from the roulette wheel of other options in over-promising, under-performing skincare.
It makes sense that Stem Cells in skin care would be a winner, and a very hot topic at the recent Cosmetex15 – where the highest calibre of cosmetic and medical experts come together to talk about the future of the industry.
Stem Cells are infinitely renewable and – within the medical field – are used to regenerate everything from skin to organs, hair to nerves endings.
But don’t be fooled. That pot of pretty-putty you are penning your hopes on does not in fact contain embryonic cells, but a specialized mix of peptides, enzymes and plant cells which – when applied topically – can increase the defences of cells experiencing damage and deterioration.
The Stem Cell Skincare Sell:
Dr John Flynn, Censor in Chief, Australian College of Cosmetic Surgery explains the ways stem cells are used in two areas aesthetically; “One is plasma products known as PRP and secondly in cellular format,” he says. Plasma products work by stimulating the tissue physiology in the skin to rejuvenate it and bring it up to a healthier platform. It also acts in either pro inflammatory or anti-inflammatory fashion. “Cell products can actually grow new cells and are thus very reparative for degenerative conditions such as arthritis,” he adds, noting that topical applications can boost healthy skin, repair sun damage and act as an adjunct to fat grafting to enhance the end result and to make the graft more reliable.
The Inside Story:
Stem cell technology is far better utilized in procedures than topical skincare due to difficulties in getting large molecules into the skin, notes Dr Flynn. “However as technology improves then skin penetration will improve and so therefore will topical applications of plasma type products.” Dr Flynn adds the likelihood of a live cellular transfer becoming a reality may not happen “unless assisted by an injection.”
Your Face. The Future:
The future of stem cell technology in skincare is very broad but cost is currently limiting the product and procedure development. However, as Dr Flynn puts it, Stem Cell Technology has the potential to displace a large number of commonly performed procedures and will also provide an avenue to enhance the results of procedures already in use. As an example, he notes that the laser resurfacing we see today may become increasingly more successfully thanks to a variety of Stem Cell Technology products in the future.
Will Stem Cells Replace the Scalpel?
Stem Cell Technology can work as an adjuvant with injectable and fillers. And there is little question that stem cells use can enhance a facelift result, says Dr Flynn. But, “to replace these procedures entirely will depend on when and if we can get to manipulate ageing genes,” he says.
Don’t be a Sucker for Stem Cells:
Hopefully you have gained some clarity on stem cells, but be warned; it may just be the snake oil of the new millennium, as every second skincare brand seems to be spruking the ingredient. So approach their purchase and application with a healthy does of smarts, Dr Flynn encourages. “Many products and procedures claim to use stem cells when they are not,” he cautions, urging any consumer to be sure of the credentials of the supplier and the technology of the product before purchase.
