Stem Cells: Get the Facts

Stem cells have seen an unprecedented rise in popularity over the last few years, with many brands claiming that they are a miracle solution to the problem of ageing. But while the science sounds legit, what does it all really mean?

When you hear the term 'stem cells', you may have flashbacks to your high school science lessons. We were taught that these incredible cells have the ability to turn into any other kind of cell “ pretty amazing, right? Scientists certainly think so, and are constantly trying to find ways to exploit stem cell power to treat illnesses like cancer and Alzheimer's. However, there is a whole world of controversy surrounding the use of stem cells. This is because the most adaptable kind are embryonic stem cells. That means that they come from fertilised human eggs, and there are all kinds of ethical and religious reasons why many people disagree with this kind of research.

But don't panic, you haven't been rubbing human embryos on your face “ the stem cells we use in beauty products are derived from plants. But here's another confusing fact: rather than live stem cells, most products contain extracts of substances that are found within the stem cells. In order to get the highest quality extracts, the plants must be grown in a controlled, contaminant-free environment “ and this is what can make stem cell products a little pricey.

The reason that stem cells are such a buzzword in the beauty industry is because of their unique power to regenerate into new cells. Stem cell products work when the plant stem cell extracts trigger a reaction in the skin's own stem cells, which are just under the surface. This can stimulate new growth and regeneration, resulting in firmer, younger-looking skin. Some brands that have harnessed this plant power are Image Skincare, Mesoestetic, HydroPeptide and Swisscode.

So now you've got the facts, do they live up to the hype? Well, with celebrities like Victoria Beckham and Kim Kardashian-West using them, it's easy to see why stem cell beauty products have become so popular; those two always have perfectly flawless skin! If you're looking for a way to brighten a tired and ageing complexion without going under the knife, stem cells might be exactly what you're looking for.

Written for you by: Emily J, Face the Future