Cells in animals and in plants that are capable of becoming any other type of cell in that organism and then reproducing more of those cells. Despite the fact that stem cell research is in its infancy, many cosmetics companies claim they are successfully using plant-based or human-derived stem cells in their anti-aging products. The claims run the gamut, from reducing wrinkles to repairing elastin to regenerating cells, so the temptation for consumers to try these products is intense.

The truth is that stem cells in skincare products do not work as claimed; they simply cannot deliver the promised results. In fact, they likely have no effect at all because stem cells must be alive to function as stem cells, and by the time these delicate cells are added to skincare products, they are long since dead and, therefore, useless. Actually, its a good thing that stem cells in skincare products cant work as claimed, given that studies have revealed that they pose a potential risk of cancer.

Plant stem cells, such as those derived from apples, melons, and rice, cannot stimulate stem cells in human skin; however, because they are derived from plants they likely have antioxidant properties. Thats good, but its not worth the extra cost that often accompanies products that contain plant stem cells. Its also a plus that plant stem cells cant work as stem cells in skincare products; after all, you dont want your skin to absorb cells that can grow into apples or watermelons!

There are also claims that because a plants stem cells allow a plant to repair itself or to survive in harsh climates, these benefits can be passed on to human skin. How a plant functions in nature is completely unrelated to how human skin functions, and these claims are completely without substantiation. It doesnt matter how well the plant survives in the desert, no matter how you slather such products on your skin, you still wont survive long without ample water, shade, clothing, and other skin-protective elements.

Another twist on the stem cell issue is that cosmetics companies are claiming they have taken components (such as peptides) out of the plant stem cells and made them stable so they will work as stem cells would or that they will influence the adult stem cells naturally present in skin. In terms of these modified ingredients working like stem cells, this theory doesnt make any sense because stem cells must be complete and intact to function normally. Using peptides or other ingredients to influence adult stem cells in skin is something thats being explored, but to date scientists are still trying to determine how that would work and how it could be done safely. For now, companies claiming theyve isolated substances or extracts from stem cells and made them stable are most likely not telling the whole story. Currently, theres no published, peer-reviewed research showing these stem cell extracts can affect stem cells in human skin.

Follow this link:
stem cells - Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary: Cosmetics Cop ...

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