Plant stem cells have become a buzzy skincare ingredient, but what are their actual benefits? We’ll discuss the effectiveness of plant stem cells, and how they are used in skin care products.
What Are Plant Stem Cells?
Plant stem cells are undifferentiated cells that are found in the meristems of plants. They are able to divide in order to produce more stem cells, and can also become specialized cells. After injury, these stem cells help to stimulate and regenerate tissue to repair damage in a plant.
How are Plant Stem Cells Used in Skin Care Products
In skin care products, an extract of the plant stem cells is used, rather than the actual cells, as the cells would be dead by the time they hit the skin and have no effect. In order for them to be effective, these extracts need to be in a formula that is water soluble and has a low pH, since the extracts are naturally acidic.
On labels, plant stem cells may be called phyto cells, plant extracts, or fruit extracts. Since not all plants have been proven to show efficacy with their stem cells, it is important to look at where a brand sources their plant stem cells, and if they have clinical trials to back up their claims.
Benefits of Using Plant Stem Cells for Skin Care
The use of plant stem cells in skin care was originally studied in Switzerland, using the stem cells from Swiss apples. The extracts from the plant stem cells were found to reverse the aging process of cultured fibroblasts, which are active cells in connective tissue. An initial study found that these extracts decreased the appearance of crow's feet, and following studies found the plant stem cells showed efficacy in wound healing and repairing the skin.
These findings show that plant stem cell extracts may be effective in fighting the signs of aging. It is important to note, however, that the benefits of plant stem cells come from the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that are found in the extracts – not because plant stem cells are regenerative. Even if active plant stem cells were directly applied to the skin, they would not be able to repair and regenerate human skin as they would plants. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are still great for protecting against damaging free radicals and preventing fine lines and wrinkles.
Plant stem cell extracts are most beneficial when combined with exfoliating ingredients, such as retinol, bakuchiol, and alpha-hydroxy acids. The extracts could also be beneficial when applied after procedures that wound the skin on a micro level, such as chemical peels, microneedling, and dermaplaning.
Products to Heal and Repair Your Skin
While plant stem cells can work to get more youthful skin, they are just one of hundreds of potential skin care ingredients. Visha Skincare products contain a variety of active ingredients that have been proven to be effective in improving the overall appearance of skin. Here are two products that are particularly powerful when it comes to fighting the signs of aging and revealing glowing, even skin.
Visha Skincare Advanced Correcting Serum with Illuminotex™
This multitasking anti-aging serum is full of ingredients that improve the overall appearance of the skin while still keeping it hydrated. It contains a variety of active ingredients, including exfoliating acids, retinol, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and Illuminotex™, a skin-brightening complex that addresses aging and hyperpigmentation. These potent ingredients boost collagen production, soften wrinkles, minimize sun spots and hyper-pigmentation, improve skin texture, and minimize the appearance of pores. This powerful anti-aging serum can be used twice a day for the best results.
Visha Skincare Advanced Bright Eye Booster
This effective eye cream combines peptide technology with moisturizing hyaluronic acid, stimulating caffeine, and brightening emblica extract, along with other hydrating and rejuvenating plant-based ingredients. The 4-in-1 eye cream reduces puffiness, moisturizes, reduces wrinkles, and minimizes the appearance of under-eye dark circles for a brighter and more youthful appearance. For the best results, this potent eye cream can be applied morning and night.
The Bottom Line
There are benefits to using plant stem cell extracts in skin care, and they do contribute towards fighting the visible signs of aging. However, their benefits come from the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and not because they regenerate and repair human skin the same way they do plants. They can be a nice addition to a skin care product, but are not the only gateway towards youthful, glowing skin.