What are Human Stem Cells and How Do They Work

Stephanie Rae, medical spa owner takes a deep dive into human stem cells in this article!

So, everyone has heard of stem cells and you may have even heard of some uses of them in certain circumstances. They are one of the most controversial ingredients in skincare and still shrouded in mystery. Stem cells are not a new introduction to skin care, but it is an ingredient that seems to have near limitless possibilities and multiple practical applications, yet they remain a widely misunderstood addition to the esthetics world.  

Stem cells are special cells that are undifferentiated, meaning they are cells that have the ability to become almost any type of cell within the body, and depending on their source, have the ability to repair tissues and even whole organs. Stem cells self-renew indefinitely, meaning they divide rapidly for quicker results.

4 Categories Of Stem Cells

Human stem cells are typically divided into several categories. Each of these categories has its own special functions and purposes: totipotent, pluripotent, multipotent, and unipotent.

Totipotent 

Totipotent cells can differentiate into all possible cells types thus making them an obvious choice, however, are surrounded by a plethora of moral controversies. Totipotent stem cells are the most versatile stem cell type because they are formed shortly after fertilization of the egg. These cells can become all the cells of the human body, but about four days into development of the embryo, these totipotent cells change slightly becoming pluripotent stem cells.

Pluripotent

Pluripotent cells can differentiate into almost every cell type and are derived from embryos.

Multipotent

Multipotent stem cells can develop into more than one cell type but are far more limited than the pluripotent cells. Adult stem cells and umbilical cord blood stem cells are considered multipotent. With recent scientific advancements, it is now possible to take multipotent cells from bone marrow and cultivate them in special labs to give them the characteristics of a pluripotent cell, thus making them the most widely studied and used cells.

Unipotent

Unipotent stem cells normally have the ability to only differentiate into a single cell type.

These cells then rapidly multiply and release their own biochemical signals to bring in more anti-inflammatory and healing cells. When looking to utilize stem cells in esthetics applications, these cells must be properly processed to assure there are no cellular components left over that could be harmful. Once properly processed you are left with matrix proteins and cytokinal peptides. These biproducts are phenomenal for esthetic applications.

Stem Cells In Skin Care 

With young skin, our naturally occurring stem cells are robust and responsive, keeping skin smooth, elastic, and radiant. But as we age, we have fewer of these cells available to repair skin damage. Over time, this damage adds up and our skin health deteriorates. Growth Factors are now established by peer-reviewed research as the highest level of optimization in anti-aging skincare. Your skin works hard to protect you every day. Stem cells within your skin contain hundreds of different Growth Factors & Cytokines used to manage the healing process or nearly flawless regeneration. These are the most intelligent, anti-inflammatory agents in your body. 

Stem cells have many applications, and with a higher demand for even more dramatic anti-aging results, they continue to be a consistent performer with room to grow. With more research starting and more people in both the esthetic and pharmaceutical worlds becoming increasingly interested in the practical applications of stem cells, we can only imagine how stem cells are going to become even more prevalent in our skin care. The scientists behind AnteAGE have harnessed the healing power of stem cells to regain your skin’s ability to behave youthfully and heal beautifully.

There are several different companies that specialize in the use of stem cells within their skincare products, one such company that we have personally researched is AnteAGE. Below we will highlight how these cells assist in their skincare products and a couple of their products that we have tested.

4 Stem Cell Rich Serums

2. AnteAGE VRS Box

A thinning vaginal wall can cause a host of challenges for women, many of which go unaddressed and assumed to be normal effects of aging. Vaginal atrophy, stress incontinence, vaginal dryness, irritation, itching and pain associated with urination and intercourse become common symptoms with the onset of menopause or other hormonal shifts. Clinically tested by gynecologists, VRS provides excellent patient satisfaction as a homecare solution or when administered post-procedure. 

The AnteAGE® Vaginal Rejuvenation Solution is a regenerative vaginal moisturizer. Harnessing the natural power of bone marrow stem cells, AnteAGE® VRS delivers lost bio-signals to restore a youthful micro- environment. Our at home VRS safely restores the vaginal wall using growth factors and cytokines without any added hormones. Physiologically balanced bio-signals from the stem cell cytokines reduce inflammation while the hyaluronic acid increases moisture that is native to the body. Clinical studies show tremendous improvements in dryness, pain and vaginal epithelium thickness within 1-3 months of use.

4. SkinMedica – TNS Essential Serum 

Barry used the TNS Essential Serum by SkinMedica and loved it, minus the potent mildew-like smell.  SkinMedica originally launched their TNS Recovery Complex and then added theTNS Essential Serum. This a dural-chamber product featuring TNS Recovery Complex and their APS Corrective Complex – a patented mixture of antioxidants, peptides and other innovative ingredients that synergistically improve the overall appearance of skin.

STEPHANIE RAE