As off putting as using embryonic stem cells to repair our bodies may be, there is little doubt that researchers are onto something. The research has taken scientists in many directions and the latest appears to be the anti aging skin care market. Manufacturers of skin care products are starting to utilize stem cell matter in their products. Moral dilemmas aside, early results seem to hold some promise.
There are a couple of stem cell varieties – endogenous and exogenous. Endogenous stem cells are adult stem cells located in tiny amounts within the mature adults body, their function is repair of the tissue they are found in. For example, skin stem cells are located around sweat glands and hair follicles, working only as they get a signal from the system to restore the skin. Exogenous stem cells are derived from outside origins and embryonic stem cells would qualify for this type of stem cell.
Stem cells are their own cannot be utilized by a product, which is spread on the epidermis by itself, this would not work for any live matter. However, the peptides and enzymes from human/plant bio source stem cells may be used. A firm called National Stem Cell was the initial business to utilize a human enzyme from an embryonic source in a skin care product line, however, they are changing to enzymes from non stem cells. They are switching their name to Proteonomix. Their line is marketed as products that will enhance the creation of natural collagen giving skin a dense and soft appearance.
The initial producer of skin care with stem cell additives was Revive, who sell a skin cream called “Peau Magnifique” or magnificent skin, created by a physician specializing in plastic surgery and it cost fifteen hundred dollars. On their website they state that the product will “reset your skin’s aging clock” and the resulting effects are “indelible and life changing.” Pretty high claims for a newer product but backed up by much trial we presume. The main element is an enzyme named telomerase, which functions on various genetic configurations, invariably keeping micro pieces of DNA from disappearing during cellular division. The Noble peace prize was awarded to those who worked on the research. Prior to this, the plastic surgeon responsible for the breakthrough line was working to repair skin damaged from burns and created a compound known as Epidermal Growth Factor or [EGF]. This EGF is discharged into a body when it is wounded and actively works to stimulate the process of healing. ReVive’s initial skin care products contained the EGF.
There are new products ready to emerge onto the market. Amatokin is produced and distributed for sale by Voss Laboratories and it uses a polypeptide and enzyme amalgamation that motivates the growth of skin stem cells that diminish the effects of aging and give skin a more youthful look. Dior’s Capture R60/80 XP restores the epidermis not via the addition of skin stem cells, but through utilization of factors that defend against skin stem cell damage; this means more stays on the skin and begins to multiply. Products called Swiss Apple Stem Cell Serum and PhytoCellTech are utilizing plant stem cells to get the same results but using a different procedure. Dermalstyl products utilize innate and manmade tropoelastin; a naturally occurring variety of the compound can be located in both embryonic stem cells and pregnant women [they do have that special glow about them!]. There are numerous other products either on the market or in production phases, which toil with the skin stem cells to decrease any indications that your skin is aging.
So knowing all this a person would think there must be some negative aspect. There need not be any fear that any of these stem cell product variations will alter your cell structure. If a product had this kind of reaction, it would have to make it past the FDA and then it would only be available by prescription through your health care provider. Nevertheless, there have not been any extended time studies conducted on any of these creations; no government agency insists upon these regulations. This is breakthrough technology and it is quite promising but these are expensive items. There have been accusations that say the use of peptides; collagen and Agirilene [also used aggressively in these stem cell sourced items] could be harmful to their users posing a danger to them. They express their point that women should continue to utilize natural based skin care regimens.
Consumers are advised to do some research before they g out and purchase these skin care options. Asking if you can sample the product before you pay outrageous prices for these is not out of the question. Remember also that in the middle of the last century, physicians actually encouraged some women to take up smoking as a means of controlling anxiety; many people would light up with their physicians in their office! Now we know the risks associated with smoking. These new skin care products offer hope and promise for sure but what else could be lying in wait for their users?
Tue, Jan 19, 2010
Anti Aging, Anti Aging Products, Bioscience, Stem cells