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genetic stem cells( PSC). Pluripotent stem cells derived from cells that are in their final form, so-called adult cells, are called induced pluripotent stem cells( iPS). Multipotent stem cells— for example, mesenchymal stem cells— are stem cells that have limited capabilities, and can only form different cell types within the same“ germ layer” or closely related cell types such as hair and nail or bone and cartilage.
What are the earliest known applications of stem cell technology in skin care? One of the earliest applications of stem cell technology in the skin-care field was by Amatokin, whose first product was developed in Russia and launched in the United States in 2005. Since then, however, there is a whole new generation of stem cellrelated skin-care products.
But with previous claims proving sketchy or downright ridiculous, it is natural to ask the question: Are stem cells …( a) the latest and greatest advance in anti-aging skin care,( b) revolutionizing the art and science of cosmeceuticals; or( c) just a lot of hype? So which is it? The truth is probably:( d) all of the above.
Like many other technologies in cosmeceuticals, the source of the active ingredient, the veracity of the claims, and the underlying science, are quite literally, all over the board. Let’ s look at stem cells and consider the sources, the science and how they are used in skin-care products. It’ s important that the skin-care industry understand the science behind stem cells, and communicate fairly and effectively.
What are some of the challenges of stem cell application in the skin-care field? There are a number of companies that use stem cells derived from adult tissue, usually discarded foreskins, and skin tissue discarded from abdominoplasties( tummy tucks, etc). These adult skin stem cells reside in the basal layer of the epidermis and remain dormant until they are activated by tissue injury or disease. Such multipotent stem cells only have a limited
WHAT IS THE FUTURE of stem cells in the medical field? Visit digital Pulse at experienceispa. com to read more. ability to differentiate and proliferate and contain mostly epidermal growth factors.
[ One other challenge for many stem cell skin-care companies is finding ways to stabilize peptides extracted from stem cells.] Peptides by themselves would be useless as they quickly breakdown and lose their potential to interact with skin cells unless they are stabilized. This is true for all stem cell extracts, however, not every skin-care product addresses this issue, in large part because of the complexity involved and the R & D resources required to find a solution.
[ To address this issue,] Lifeline Skin Care developed and patented a process to extract various bioactive growth factors, peptides and enzymes from unfertilized stem cells. The second key breakthrough was encapsulating the peptides in a liposomal bi-layer delivery system that would both provide adequate protection, yet also release the peptide after they have been absorbed by the skin. n
EDITOR’ S NOTE: Stem cell technology is a complex science. Do an extensive research and learn from credible experts and sources in order to ensure that you understand stem cells’ current limitations, benefits, applications and scientific challenges.
24 PULSE n June 2012