Everything You Need To Know About Stem Cells In Skin Care Product

Even with 16,000 cosmetic ingredients (and counting) in the world right now—it’s still hard to miss the buzz around stem cells in skin care products. Stem cells are gaining popularity, and there’s a lot of mystery (and misunderstanding) about them. But they’re a hot topic in skin care for their anti-aging benefits—and are here to stay. 

Technology’s rapidly advancing and more of us as consumers care about and are embracing ethical sustainability. Stem cell research gives some exciting opportunities for future beauty care but not without its challenges and controversies. Let’s take a look at what exactly stem cells are (versus cultured plant cells), where they come from, ethical sourcing and some of their skin benefits.

What Are Stem Cells?

Living stem cells found in human bodies (and animals and plants) contain DNA and cellular components and function to reproduce and regenerate new cells and tissue. There are different types of stem cells, but tissue-specific stem cells are responsible for creating specific tissues such as skin. 

It’s important to note that living stem cells are quite fragile and delicate and by the time they are used in skin care formulations, they no longer have the DNA and cellular components to regenerate into live (skin) cells and tissue. Living human, animal and plant cells are also too large to absorb into your skin for any benefit and animal and plant cells communicate in a different biochemical “language” that your human cells don’t recognize. So if you hear any claims that stem cells in skin care products can regenerate your skin—know it’s pure myth. 

So why then use stem cells for our skin care? Plant stem cells used in skin care, while no longer living or active, still carry protein derivatives that have incredibly high concentrations of antioxidants and nutritive properties. These in turn help defend your skin against the aging process, naturally nourishing and promoting healthy skin cells. At Annmarie Skin Care, we’ve found that ethically and sustainably sourced plant stem cells in our skin care formulas are an incredible way of targeting your skin concerns with different plants providing unique benefits for your skin. We’ll dive into more benefits later on below!

Where Do Stem Cells in Skin Care Products Come From?

Honesty and transparency are core values for Annmarie Skin Care. That means knowing exactly what ingredients you’re putting on your skin and where they come from. Not only does this impact your health and wellness (and skin!), but in the case of having stem cells in your skin care—it ensures that any company’s practices are aligned with your values. 

There are currently ethical and regulatory concerns surrounding stem cell research that raises alot of questions, and reservations, about how we source and use stem cells in skin care. While we stand by our values of being cruelty-free, natural and plant-based, and advocate using only sustainably sourced plant stem cells in our formulations, other skin care companies can use stem cells from animals and humans. 

Various skin care companies can source stem cells from animal embryos and placenta material (like sheep and rabbits). Note that no scientific research supports claims that animal stem cells can perform the same function on humans—repairing human skin or tissue. As we mentioned above, animal cells have different bioactive reactions with growth factors, cytokines and proteins that aren’t compatible with human cells.

Sourcing stem cells in skin care from humans, such as embryonic cells from human fetal tissue and the ovum, also raises serious ethical questions. In addition, while effective in fetal development, there’s inconclusive data on if these fetal stem cells are even effective. Some sources state they may even potentially be harmful for adults. Human stem cells (that are non-embryonic) may also be sourced from various tissues and organs from adult humans.

Again, note that these animal and human stem cells are no longer living by the time they’re put in your skin care formulas and are completely ineffective in actually regenerating your skin cells. Plus, even if they were living, the living cells would be much too large to absorb into your skin.  

In Annmarie Skin Care serums, we highly advocate using sustainably sourced plant stem cells in our formulations. Plant stem cells are sourced from the meristems of plants, which can be anywhere in a plant’s roots, shoots, stem and leaves. It’s the regions of tissue in the plant where the cells differentiate and divide into the different parts of the plant. 

Cutting-edge technology now enables us to extract the most activated, nutrient dense components of the plant cell, packaging them to mimic your skin cells and effectively deliver the highest concentration of skin-boosting ingredients deep into your skin. 

The incredible level of nourishing properties from our plant stem cells lets us create dynamic anti-aging formulas that makes your skin feel alive, revived and rejuvenated. In addition, we source pure, non-GMO plant stem cells that are sustainable, eco-friendly and taken through a process that ensures there’s no adulteration from pollution by-products like pesticides and nitrates, and are preservative free.

Why Are They Important in Skin Care?

Plant stem cells—with their incredible nutrient and antioxidant rich properties—are great for all skin types. While plant stem cells in skin care aren’t actual living stem cells with DNA, this doesn’t mean they’re ineffective. Your skin is still receiving the plant extract, or the rich nutritive components inside each of these cells. 

You’ll find highly concentrated doses of nutrients like polyphenols, vitamins, polypeptides, lipids, fatty acids, enzymes, sugars, essential amino acids and proteins from these activated plant extracts that help nourish, revitalize and revive the look of your skin. Plant stem cells naturally have potent antioxidants, protecting your skin against environmental stressors by enhancing your skin’s natural defensive shield. Additional skin benefits can include reducing the appearance of fine lines, crow’s feet and wrinkles, toning and evening out skin and minimizing the look of dark spots and areas. 

Each plant comes with its own unique nutrient profile and beneficial skin ingredients. When applied topically, plant stem cells provide anti-aging benefits that can visibly be seen on your skin. 

As a sustainable, cruelty-free company that values honesty and transparency with all of our ingredients—at Annmarie Skin Care, we’re huge advocates of using plant stem cell technology in our skin care. We use high concentrations of unique, non-GMO plant stem cells to dynamically boost some of our best anti-aging formulas. 

Many of our best anti-aging skin care products include non-GMO plant stem cells from organically grown and wildcrafted plants. Our Citrus Stem Cell Serum boasts a proprietary blend of citrus-derived stem cells that clarifies and renews the look and feel of your skin. Damas rose and sweet iris plant stem cells in our Anti-Aging Eye Cream reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while firming and tightening your skin. Madonna lily plant cells in our Wild Fruit Serum beautify and rejuvenate your skin’s integrity and resilience. And our Fruit Ceramide Eye Serum includes lingonberry plant stem cells that protect and instantly calm your skin.

Partnering with mother nature and using innovative, sustainable ways to get her gifts to your skin is our passion. We stand behind every product we create—pure, clean, incredibly effective on your skin and good for you and the planet.

Benefits of Stem Cells in Skin Care

Plant stem cells can benefit mature skin by providing a rich nutrient source for reviving and rejuvenating your skin’s look. Here are 7 key benefits of using plant stem cells in your skin care:

1. Plumps

Maintain better tone and color in the look of your skin while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

2. Hydrates

Plant stem cells can help hydrate your skin, improving the look and feel of your skin and promoting a healthy complexion.

3. Protects and Strengthens

Rich in antioxidants, plant stem cells help to protect your skin from environmental stressors such as pollution and strengthen your skin barrier, promoting a youthful radiance. 

4. Firms and Tightens

Helps your skin look taut and youthful, improving the overall appearance and health of your skin.

5. Reduces the Look of Aging Signs

Plant stem cells can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, dark spots and large pores for a fresh, even-toned glow.

6. Soothes

Calms your skin from temporary redness and irritation and improves skin texture and tone for a clear, rested complexion.

7. Gentle and Non-Toxic

Plant stem cells are suitable for even the most sensitive skin types. By incorporating plant stem cells into your skin care routine, you can enjoy these benefits and more, promoting the health and beauty of your skin.

Conclusion

Stem cells offer incredible benefits for your skin, from antioxidant protection to combatting signs of aging, making them a fantastic addition to any skin care routine. However, it’s essential to approach using stem cells cautiously, always checking that they’re ethically and sustainably sourced from pure, safe sources. 

If you have any questions regarding using stem cells for your skin type, don’t hesitate to reach out to the brand you’re considering or seek the guidance of a qualified dermatologist or healthcare professional. With the potential for rejuvenating the look of your glow and promoting a youthful and radiant complexion, stem cells are definitely worth looking into in your journey to achieve beautiful, healthy skin.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can Stem Cells Reverse Aging?

When we age, our skin naturally loses its resilience. As mentioned above, while living stem cells differentiate into a range of cell types and regenerate tissue in our bodies, stem cells in skin care are no longer living, and their effect on reversing the aging process is currently unfounded and requires further study. Nevertheless, plant stem cell technology has a beneficial impact on your skin—enhancing its texture, diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and promoting overall skin health. It’s not possible to reverse the aging process, but plant stem cells with their high concentration of skin-boosting nutrients can be an incredibly valuable addition to your skin care regimen to slow the aging process for a more restored, rested and youthful glow.

Do Stem Cells Help With Wrinkles?

Plant stem cells can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, crow’s feet and wrinkles. With their high concentration of nutrients (like amino acids, fatty acids, peptides and proteins), stem cells can help strengthen, hydrate, plump and create a fuller look in the skin, as well as reduce the look of wrinkles. Stem cells can also do much more—helping to firm, tighten and even out your skin to improve texture, tone and the overall appearance and health of your skin. Rich in antioxidants, plant stem cells also help protect your skin from environmental stressors, strengthening your skin barrier for a more taut, youthful glow.