It seems there is more and more talk about bone marrow stem cells every day – and for great reason. Bone marrow stem cells are extremely pro-healing and anti-inflammatory. They are also the only stem cell used to cure cancer and disease. While the benefits of these stem cells are remarkable, how do they play a role in skin care?

When an individual is young, they have an abundance of stem cells, which is why they heal so much faster. However, as aging occurs, they have fewer and fewer stem cells and their natural ability to heal begins to slow down. Mesenchymal bone marrow stem cells are not just simply added into a product or formulation. They are taken from a donor and the stem cells themselves are used to produce bio-signals. Bio-signals are growth factors and cytokines produced from human stem cells. These bio-signals are what truly makes the formula superior. Bone marrow stem cells growth factors applied topically tell skin cells to look and act the way they used to. These growth factors also help heal and reduce inflammation in the skin.

Bio-signals from bone marrow stem cells can help promote wound healing and aid in defense against ultraviolet DNA damage. Most skin conditions and concerns stem from inflammation. Bone marrow stem cells growth factors are potently anti-inflammatory, making them master healers.

 Aging is a series of micro-injuries to the skin. Sun exposure, environmental toxins, and repetitive facial movements are just some examples of factors that can take a toll on skin and contribute to inflammation.

The whole goal in the science of bone marrow stem cells in skin care is to help heal and reverse all this inflammation. With all the talk about stem cells, some may wonder why there is so much emphasis on bone marrow stem cells compared to others. Studies have shown that bone marrow stem cells produce up to 50 times more bio-signals than formulations that use neonatal (foreskin) fibroblasts. Other formulations can also contain processed cell proteins created from lysed (cells that have been ruptured or burst using repeated freeze-thaw cycles) cultured fibroblasts. However, the molecular size of these ingredients limits their action and result for the skin.

Another popular stem cell used is derived from adipose tissue. The conditioned media (the nutrient culture broth after all cells have been filtered out and discarded) is taken from fat during liposuction. This is usually very cost effective, hence its popularity. However, unlike bone marrow stem cells, adipocytes and adipose stem cells are known to produce pro-inflammatory bio-signals. In the fight against aging and helping to heal the body, why risk adding inflammation?

Research all the studies showing the healing powers of bone marrow stem cells. Science and technology are getting better with each day and these professional healers will only continue to change what is known about skin care as they are integrated into new formulas in the future.