Plant-Based Stem Cells: The Future of Anti-Aging

Why plants can help maintain a youthful look.

If I told you that there’s a growing product category that can protect the longevity and vitality of skin, promote skin cells’ ability to regenerate, delay the biological aging of essential skin cells and preserve a youthful look, you’d say I was crazy, right? Well, I’m not; plant stem cells can do just that.

What Are They?
Stem cells are unprogrammed cells that can morph into cells with specific functions. They have the capacity to replenish themselves through self-renewal and to divide almost limitlessly. The majority of your knowledge regarding stem cells most likely derives from embryonic human stem cell research, which has been a topic for debate in recent years. Such stem cells have been investigated in the treatment of various health problems, though not everyone agrees it is ethical.

Completely different technology is in use by natural skincare companies, which are using plant stem cells in their products to combat wrinkles, dryness, sun damage and other imperfections. Active plant stem cells contain essential life substances, and in beauty products, they can restructure and renew the epidermis and hair follicles (1). This leads to reduced signs of aging for the user.

Why Should You Sell It?
A plant’s stem cells form tissues and organs and then continue to create new cells. In fact, some experts say that since plants can’t physically escape the dangers of their surrounding environment—like bugs, animals and whatever Mother Nature throws at them—their stem cells kick in for protection, and could be even stronger than human stem cells (2).

Natural skin care companies have formulated plant-based stem cells into products like anti-wrinkle eye creams, brightening serums, soothing serums/creams and more. Such plant-based products don’t reverse aging or repair skin, but they protect skin and diminish the signs of aging (3).

How Does It Work?
Plant-based stem cells are often derived from fruits, edelweiss or rosebuds, all of which are good sources of antioxidants (4).

Apples. Rich in phytonutrients, proteins and long-living cells, the Malus domestica fruit stem cells, from the Uttwiler Spatlauber apple, have a knack for awakening dormant cells to make them act younger (5). This ingredient:
• Stimulates healthy cell renewal
• Protects the longevity of skin stem cells
• Delays aging in essential cells and skin

Grapes. Solar vitis fruit stem cells, from the rare Gamay Teinturier Freaux grape, are high in anthocyanins, which are powerful antioxidants that are enhanced by the interaction of special epigenetic factors and metabolites that they contain (5). They help:
•Protect the skin stem cells against UV damage and increase the skin’s UV tolerance
• Maintain healthy characteristics of skin cells
• Defend against premature aging from prolonged UV exposure

Argan. Derived from the Berber tree, Argania spinosa fruit stem cells delay the depletion of dermal papilla stem cells, revitalize dormant root cells and accelerate the natural repair process to thwart hair follicles’ chronological aging (5). Argan cells:
• Delay the depletion of vital skin cells
• Accelerate the natural repair process of the skin

Edelweiss. Edelweiss—a rare plant that grows in the Alps—is used in eye serums and other products. The plant contains adaptogens, which help protect, nurture and heal damaged cells. It is also clinically proven to reduce wrinkles and is a firming agent, collagen producer and UV protector (6).

Gotu Kola. Gotu Kola, Centrella asiatica, a small herbaceous plant that grows in wet, marshy, high-altitude areas is another natural substance currently used in skin care products. Its stem cells are useful for firming and restructuring skin, addressing stretch marks, controlling cellulite and supporting blood vessel tone. As a matter of fact, Gotu Kola is used for the treatment of wounds, burns and varicose ulcers in Indian traditional medicine (7).

The future of skincare is now, and it starts with plant-based stem cell products. WF

References
1. LABO International, www.labosuisse.com/Researches_stem_cellss_LB_int.aspx, accessed June 24, 2013.
2. Annmarie Gianni Skin Care, “Plant Stem Cells—The Latest Breakthrough in Anti-Aging Skin Care,” Mar. 12, 2013, www.annmariegianni.com/plant-stem-cells-the-latest-scientific-breakthrough-in-anti-aging-skin-care, accessed June 24, 2013.
3. D. Schmid et al., “Plant Stem Cell Extract for Longevity of Skin and Hair,” Int. J. Appl. Sci. May 2008, http://collagensynergy.com/docs/02-Plant-Stem-Cell-Extract-for-Longevity-of-Skin-and-Hair-SFW-05-08.pdf, accessed June 24, 2013.
4. S. Ferguson, “Stem Cell Skin Care,” Lucky, Feb. 14, 2013, www.luckymag.com/beauty/2013/02/stem-cell-skin-care, accessed June 24, 2013.
5. Andalou Naturals, “Fruit Stem Cell Science,” http://andalou.com/index.php/nature-knowledge/fruit-stem-cell-science.html, accessed June 24, 2013.
6. Clovertree Apothcary, www.clovertree.com/edelweiss-plant-stem-cell-eye-serum, accessed June 24, 2013.
7. MyChelle Dermaceuticals, “Revolutionary Plant Stem Cell Bioactive Ingredients,” www.mychelle.com/Revolutionary-Plant-Stem-Cell-Bioactive-Ingredients#.UcSORueyCQB, accessed June 24, 2013.