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.
