Stem Cell Science and the Age Management of Skin

Demand for anti-aging ingredients has put progressive age management of skincare at the top of the list for consumers. Sixty-two percent of women between 35 and 54 and more than sixty-five percent of women 55 and older say that aging is their number one reason for using skincare products.

The most cutting-edge anti-aging research involves stem cell technology using plant stem cells, which have proven to protect skin from UV oxidative stress and inhibit inflammation, control collagen loss and tissue damage, and combat destructive free radical injury.

Stem cells are un-programmed cells that can differentiate into a cell with specific functions. They are related to longevity and have a unique growth characteristic allowing them to make identical copies of themselves. Skin stem cells generate new skin to replace the cells lost every day and influence wound-healing. Healthy stem cells mean healthier, younger-acting skin.

With current applications for treating and managing aging skin, scientists are focusing their research on adult stem cells located in the skin and are studying the potential of this cell type, coupled with its function related to chronological aging to help understand how the skin's aging clock can be reset. Plants have stem cells comparable to human stem cells. Unlike humans, plants contain totipotent stem cells with the potential to regenerate a whole plant.

This action gives scientific rise to the benefits of the plant stem cells' ability to regenerate new leaves, flowers, seeds, or a whole, fresh plant. Unlike human stem cells, plant stem cells can de-differentiate and become a stem cell.

This is an exciting time for skincare as a new approach to fight the aging process involves stem cells. It's all about extending and preserving the life energy of skin cells to help yield younger-looking results. We all want to reset that aging clock!

Source: Skin, Inc., June 2010.

Souli Gives the Best Facial in Denver

Souli Skinspa has WON first place in Denver's 7 A-List contest for Best Facial. Last year the spa reached third place for best Denver facial, which was an absolute honor. This year I asked for your help reaching first, and you did just that!

Thanks to all who voted and continue to support Souli year after year. Click here for a full list of winners.

Watermelon. Not Just for Snacking.

Our skin is the largest organ in our body and reflects our total overall health. It’s affected by stress, sleep patterns, water consumption, genetics, and, most importantly, diet. You hear me talk over and over about eating foods rich in antioxidants to change the skin at the cellular level. A healthy diet means healthy cells, healthy skin, and healthy hair.

Watermelon as Sunburn Soother
As the summer comes to an end, fill up on your watermelon. It is not only high in fiber and low in sugar (as far as fruits go) but also contains lycopene. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that has been proven to protect against UV skin damage. Additionally, watermelon has anti-inflammatory properties, which means you might feel better if you place pureed watermelon on your sunburned skin. The bottom line: eat watermelon before you go in the sun. And if you don’t slather on enough UVA/UVB protection during your outing, use a little watermelon on your skin to feel better. Who knew?

Watch for more upcoming skincare recipes and food tips!