Stomach Cells In Cosmetics: Myths, Concerns And Applications

We asked Natalia Derkach, Candidate of Medical Sciences and founder of the INSTYTUTUM and Hyalual brands, about the properties, technology and methods of using plant stem cells in skin care cosmetics.

What are stem cells?

The term "stem cells" refers to immature cells, the functions of which have not yet been determined, that is, they do not possess the properties of an individual organ or organ system. Thanks to this, they are able to self-renew, forming new stem cells, divide and transform into cells of any organs and tissues.

In humans and animals, only embryonic stem cells have this property, but they are able to transform into any type of cell: into nerve cells, skin cells, muscle cells, etc.

Plant stem cells also have this superpower. They have a common basic property in common with humans and animals: they have a powerful growth potential and a high concentration of active substances. But at the same time, they are much stronger, which is due to the logic of evolution, because plants are immobile. Where a person or animal can escape and hide from adverse conditions (for example, bad weather), the plant has to stay in place and survive.

That is why plant stem cells (PSC or plant stem cells) have unlimited regenerative abilities and help plants recover even after the most severe damage, literally growing themselves again from the smallest fragments. They are distinguished by a high concentration of active substances - fatty acids, nucleic and amino acids, peptides, vitamins, enzymes, antioxidants.

Thanks to this, plant stem cells are especially effective in cosmetic products and help the skin fight free radicals, having a powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-aging effect on the skin.

Studies of stem cells from the Swiss apple have shown that they are able to prevent the aging process in fibroblasts, prevent the appearance of expression lines in the area around the eyes and enhance the regenerative capacity of the skin. In particular, when applying the extract to the skin in the area of the so-called "crow's feet" after four weeks of use, a decrease in the depth of wrinkles by as much as 15% was recorded.

Plant Stem Cells in Skin Care

Not living stem cells or even cell mass are added to cosmetic products. Plant stem cells are specially processed in the laboratory to obtain active substances (extracts) that have antioxidant properties, are rich in amino acids and are able to stimulate collagen synthesis. These extracts are "preserved" in a mixture of water and glycerin. Therefore, when choosing cosmetics with plant stem cells, do not be afraid that it will quickly deteriorate.

Plant stem cells are harvested from plants grown in laboratory conditions, which helps to protect them from pesticides, pollution and negative environmental influences. Such cells are maximally "cleansed" and favorable for the skin (see also: "How to determine that an anti-age remedy is natural?")

The experience of American and European doctors has shown that plant stem cells are able to deeply nourish the skin, strengthen its structure, reduce dark circles and pigmentation, and make it smoother and more elastic.

The use of PSC extracts perfectly slows down the aging process: improves cellular metabolism, cleanses cells from toxins, restores their damaged components, and provides stress resistance.

Plant stem cells show particularly remarkable results in combination with exfoliating ingredients (retinoids, bacuchiol and alpha-hydroxy acids).

The most efficient plant stem cells

Given the huge variety of plants in the world, there are almost unlimited opportunities for brands to explore the additional properties of stem cells.

Today, scientists are actively researching the properties of PSCs from apples, tomatoes, lilacs, berries, algae, grape seeds and ginger. For example, it is already known that the stem cells of the latter have a "matting effect" and are able to visually narrow pores.

At the same time, it is important to remember that clinical research is not a quick process. And although the experience of using and already confirmed by studies of the effectiveness of stem cells of individual plants gives hope that all plants will be equally effective for the skin, experts advise to wait for the results of authoritative research on each individual component before including it in your beauty routine on a daily basis. …

So, if you see the Plant Stem Cells mark on the jar, the first thing to ask yourself is which plant stem cells the manufacturer uses and look for information about their effectiveness.

In our material, we talk about several extracts, the effectiveness of which has already been clinically confirmed.

Raspberry stem cells for skin hydration and firmness

Raspberry stem cells are obtained from the leaves, fruits and seeds of the berry. They are rich in carotenoids, lipids, phenolic acids and ellagitannins. Thanks to these active substances, raspberry stem cells have powerful antioxidant and moisturizing properties.

Water is an indispensable element for maintaining normal skin metabolism. Therefore, it is high-quality moisturizing that is the key to preserving youth, health, elasticity, elasticity and normal skin tone (see also: "Rules for skin moisturizing at different ages").

Raspberry stem cells deeply moisturize the skin, increasing the content of hyaluronic acid in the dermis and epidermis, and improve the synthesis of ceramides in the stratum corneum, strengthening the skin's protective barrier and preventing transepidermal moisture loss.

Coffee stem cells for a lifting effect

Coffee stem cells are obtained from the plant Psilanthus Bengal, a special type of coffee that does not contain caffeine (it can slow down cellular metabolism). They have the ability to smooth out wrinkles by acting on the three main layers of the skin.

So, in the hypodermis, they stimulate the division of adipocytes (fat cells) and reduce the activity of enzymes that dissolve fats. Due to the high content of fat cells, the skin retains its elasticity, looks well hydrated, "saturated" with moisture from the inside. In the dermis, they trigger the synthesis of collagen types I and III, helping the skin to renew itself and maintain elasticity, while in the epidermis, coffee stem cells increase the expression of genes responsible for maintaining moisture levels.

In addition, coffee cell extract also has strong antioxidant properties and increases ATP levels, which are responsible for maintaining cell vitality.

Forest tobacco stem cells for youthful skin

Nicotiansylvestris stem cells have a pronounced antioxidant effect and are “keepers of DNA”: they stimulate the production of new collagen, and the existing one protects against degradation.

They contain bioactive tripeptides and natural carbohydrates that directly affect the "youth gene" and protect the skin from premature aging.