Many brands have started adopting the use of plant stem cells, especially apple stem cells, into their products. But does the science support the benefits of plant stem cells, or is this just another anti-aging buzz word?
A 2017 study found that plant stem cells can be an effective anti-aging ingredient. While plant stem cells work as incredibly rejuvenating elements of plants, they don't necessarily rejuvenate human skin cells in the same way. However they have various antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe the skin and reduce signs of aging.
It is important to note, though, that some brands do simply use plant stem cells as a marketing term without truly harnessing the benefits. Read on to find out how to spot the products that are using this powerful ingredient correctly, and to find our #1 product recommendation.
What are plant stem cells? What makes them so great?
Both humans and plants have stem cells, but plant stem cells have one interesting characteristic that makes them special.
You see, when human skin gets injured, human stem cells work to repair the damaged tissue.
However, when a plant "gets injured," for example, a branch or twig is broken, you may have noticed that the plant doesn't just seal up the wound. Often, it re-grows an entirely new branch, sometimes even a whole new plant!
That is why plant stem cells are just so spectacular. Within them, they have the power to become any type of cell in the plant, or to multiply into more plant stem cells.
Do plant stem cells really have anti-aging effects?
In 2008, a group of scientists studied the anti-aging benefits of a rare breed of Swiss apple. In their study, they found that 100% of participants saw a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles. This ingredient was also shown to be effective in wound re-generation and calming burned, scarred, or inflamed skin. For that reason, Swiss apple stem cells won the European Innovation prize for Best Active Ingredient.
So why did the plant stem cells work? Interestingly, it wasn't because these cells stimulate human stem cells to rejuvenate themselves, but rather because they had anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Ingredients like the plant stem cells work best when used in conjunction with other exfoliating anti-aging ingredients. For example, using one product with retinol, or an exfoliating scrub once a week, will work beautifully in your routine with plant stem cells.
What to Look for in Plant Stem Cell Anti-Aging Products
There are a few key indicators that will inform you whether a product is claiming to use plant stem cells, or really using plant stem cells to their full advantage.
Only use stem cell products that:
- Have a water-soluble formula
- Have a low pH, because plant stem cells are naturally acidic and the rest of the cream should balance out this acidity so that the pH level matches with your skin's pH.
- Use only non-GMO, paraben-free products. These labels show that a brand has taken the extra step to affirm the quality of the ingredients in their products.
- Can show a proven track record from people who affirm the quality of the product.
- Use apple stem cells. Other plant stem cells have been proven to work against signs of aging, but the rare breed of Swiss apple from the aforementioned study has the most scientific literature backing up its effectiveness.
Try the Fièra Apple Stem Cell Cream
To create the Apple Stem Cell Cream, we derived ethically sourced stem cells from a rare type of apple tree to utilize their anti-aging powers.
This luxury product has been clinically proven to decrease signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles, and even soothe irritation or age spots on the skin.
Have you tried the Fièra Apple Stem Cell Cream? We'd love to hear what you think! Share a comment talking about what you think of this product and we'll respond as soon as we see it.