How Plant Stem Cells Work in Organic Skincare!

It’s a fact of life that as we age, our skin cells age with us. This means that over time our skin’s stem cells become damaged and don’t react as well to environmental stressors. Skin may begin to look tired, dull and even dry or dehydrated. You might also notice that your skin isn’t as luminous as it once was and fine lines and wrinkles start to appear. This could all seem a little bit depressing, but it doesn’t have to be! With some of the latest natural skin care innovation coming from stem cells derived from plants!

What are plant stem cells?

Plant stem cells are the selected and reproduced stem cells that contain all the benefits of whichever plant they were derived from¹. Studies have shown them to have the ability to self-renew and avoid the ageing process. This means they can continue to grow and transform even under the harshest of conditions or environmental stressors².

How are plant stem cells different to skin stem cells?

Unlike plant stem cells which are not affected by ageing, skin stem cells deteriorate over time whilst becoming damaged and unproductive². Stem cells divide and create new skin cells all the time to renew the outer layer of our skin. As we age this process slows down and less skin cells are produced. This means that our skin is more delayed in renewing itself and wrinkles begin to appear.²

How can plant stem cells save your skin?

Plant stem cells are highly potent and contain up to 1,000 times the amount of antioxidants compared to other botanical extracts.² When small amounts of plant stem cells are included in skincare, clinical studies have proven that they increase collagen synthesis and cell renewal, while also reducing the appearance of photoaging.² How incredible is that! Results of this research showed that plant stem cells can display similar activity to young stem cells when treated on aged skin stem cells.²

What plants can stem cells be derived from?

There are a long list of plants from which stem cells can be derived, but here are three of the most common found in natural skincare:

Argan stem cells: Argan stem cells are well known for their anti ageing properties. They are regenerative and work to strengthen skin’s elasticity.¹ Argan stem cells also penetrate the skin at a deeper level, so are able to help fight the signs of ageing. ¹ Argan stem cells are the only proven stem cells with the ability to penetrate the skin’s dermis, meaning they can help protect and revitalise human dermal stem cells!¹

Apple stem cells: Stem cells derived from apples are rich in protein and phytonutrients. They help stimulate the renewal of cells and retain skin’s essential oils, slowing down the ageing process.²

Gotu Kola stem cells: Gotu Kola stem cells are often included in skincare for sensitive skin because they work to help reduce inflammation and the appearance of rosacea.¹ These stem cells also help protect the skin’s capillary wall and retain hydration in the skin.

Which brands are using plant stem cell technology best?

Andalou
Andalou is a fantastic brand we stock here on Nourished Life that use clinically proven plant stem cells in all of their products which includes haircare and body lotions.

The plant stem cells included in Andalou products were clinically tested in study² which showed that 87% of participants saw an improvement in skin tone and illuminosity. 100% experienced an increase in hydration and 62% saw a decrease in fine lines and wrinkles. Results also showed that half of the participants saw a reduction in the depth of wrinkles and 87% saw an improvement in elasticity. Impressive!

If you’re after a soothing body lotion that will improve the quality of your skin, then I suggest you try the Andalou 1000 Roses Soothing Body Lotion that uses the fruit stem cells from alpine roses, malus domestsica and solar vitis. Also using these beneficial stem cells is the Andalou Purple Carrot Luminous Night Cream which offers anti-ageing protection and luminous skin. For thinning hair, stem cells can also be used to reverse this ageing process. The Andalou Argan Stem Cells Age Defying Shampoo features the anti-ageing properties of argan stem cells to wash away toxins and declog blocked pores, allowing hair to grow back stronger.

Acure
Acure is another skincare company that uses the innovative plant stem cell technology to enhance the effectiveness of their products. They also use Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF) which is a plant derived substance that can replicate and rapidly reproduce the RNA and DNA cells found in our bodies.³ When these increase, our bodies can use nutrients, remove toxins and avoid disease more efficiently.³

If you are looking to reduce pigmentation and brighten the complexion, the Acure Brightening Facial Scrub uses Argan Stem Cells plus Chlorella Growth Factor to help stimulate new cell growth, their studies reported an 85% decrease in pigmentation³. Also using the benefits of Argan Stem Cells, is the Radical Wrinkle Complex which has a 5% CGF concentration. This hardworking cream has a 100% approval rating in clinical trials conducted on its effect on reducing fine lines and wrinkles, balancing moisture and evening skin tone!⁵ Want to smooth out crows feet? The Acure Eye Cream uses Chlorella Growth Factor as well as Elderweiss stem cells which have shown to reduce wrinkle depth of the eye contour area by 15% after 20 days! ¹


(sources: ¹acuregateway.com, ²andalou.com, ³naturalways.com, ⁴as claimed on Acure product label, ⁵acureblog.com