Cellular Secrets

Stem cells are building blocks that play important roles in cellular renewal and regeneration. But they become less potent over time. Fortunately, fruits and plants are sources of “universal cells” that can increase the longevity of your skin’s stem cells, renew dormant cells, repair damage, and regenerate healthy cells. They also defend against harmful ultraviolet, oxidative, and environmental stresses.

All plants contain stem cells, but those of the Swiss Uttwiler Spätlauber apple are touted for their anti-aging benefits. This rare apple is prized for its long storage life, which gave scientists the idea that the apple’s stem cells could lend themselves to prolonging and protecting human skin cells.

The Alpine rose is a highly resistant flower that thrives in high altitudes, freezing temperatures, and dry air. These stressors would destroy the plant if it weren’t for stem cells that are able to continuously regenerate, allowing these plants to live up to 100 years. Stem cells extracted from the Alpine rose have been shown to have a similar protective effect on human skin.

And that may just be the start of the stem cell beauty revolution. Scientists are discovering that stem cells from other fruit and plant extracts, including gotu kola and argan fruit, show real promise as anti-aging ingredients in skin and hair care products. And as the science continues to bear fruit, you can expect to see more and more plant-sourced stem cells included in your skin and hair care products.

Rejuvenate and renew your skin with Reviva LabsStem Cell Booster Serum. Stem Cells from the Swiss Uttwiler Spätlauber apple repair skin’s aged or damaged stem cells, improving skin texture and helping prevent wrinkles. Use alone or layer under day or night cream as a catalyst to accelerate the effects. It’s great for all skin types, but mature skin affected by normal aging, sun, and pollution will benefit most.

Firm your skin and fight environmental damage with Acure OrganicsGotu Kola Stem Cell + 1% Chlorella Growth Factor Day Cream. Gotu kola stem cells increase skin elasticity and protect it from cold and dry weather. Chlorella growth factor is clinically proven to protect collagen and elastin fibers from enzymes that destroy them.

Strengthen hair and stimulate new hair growth with Andalou NaturalsScalp Intensive Thinning Hair Treatment. Hair follicles are an ideal pathway to the cells of hair’s roots. Argan fruit stem cells stimulate your hair’s dormant root cells, defend against damage, and boost the natural repair process for healthy hair growth.

Renew aging skin with Cosmesis Skin Care Stem Cell Cream, made by Life Extension. The Alpine rose stem cell extract in this face cream strengthens skin and protects it from the ravages of weather, dehydration, and airborne toxins. The result is softer, smoother, healthier skin.

Sherrie Strausfogel is the author of Hawaii’s Spa Experience: Rejuvenating Secrets of the Islands. Writing about beauty, spas, health, cuisine, and travel, Strausfogel’s work has appeared in more than 100 magazines, newspapers, guidebooks, and websites. She is based in Honolulu.