Monday, April 13, 2015

Testimonies in Pictures








Plant Stem Cell Technology



Stem Cells are the body’s building block for cellular repair and growth of tissues and organs. Plant stem-cell technology has been a leader in advanced cosmeceuticals for its benefits in skin care. When applied to skin, proteins and other growth factor components in plant stem cells help begin the regeneration process of human stem cells. The regeneration process begins to slow down as we age or exposure to environmental stressors such as ultra-violet rays. emerginC combines apple stem cells in its protocell facial and eye products, and grape stem cells in its scientific organics facial and body collection to fight free radical damage and help improve signs of aging.

Long studied Swiss Apple
The Uttwiler Spätlauber has been a long studied Swiss apple in skin care. Its origins date back to the 18th century, and today, apple cultivation is carefully selected to ensure maximum potency and key benefits. Studies have shown slower rates of oxidation (apple turning brown) occur when an Uttwiler Spätlauber is sliced and exposed to oxygen. Apple stem cells derived from Swiss apples are clinically shown to prevent human skin stem cells from “oxidation”, or free radical damage when exposed to ultra-violet rays by providing antioxidant benefits and renewing stem cells for healthier growth.  Free radicals are unstable molecules which occur through environmental factors such as pollution, UV rays and cigarette smoke. Due to their unstable nature, free radicals attack stable molecules, such as those found in skin, to maintain stability. As a result, cellular breakdown may occur leading to common skin care concerns of photodamage, fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone and texture.

The Anti-Wrinkle Effect of Apple Stem Cell
The anti-wrinkle effect of PhytoCellTec™ Malus Domestica evaluated with 20 volunteers aged from 37 to 64.

An emulsion containing 2% PhytoCellTec™ Malus Domestica was applied twice daily for 28 days to crow’s feet. Results showed a visible decrease in wrinkle depth for 100% of the subjects.


Gamay Grapes of Burgundy France
Gamay grapes were originally cultivated in the Burgundy of France. The Gamay grapes are known for their rare cultivation and high anthocyanins found in the red color of their skin and juice. Anthocyanins contain powerful antioxidants to help repair and protect skin from ultra-violet rays and sun damage. emerginC uses grape stem cells cultivated from the Gamay grapes to protect skin stem cells from physical and cellular damage which occurs through ultra-violet damage.Incorporating emerginC’s Scientific Organics in a daily at-home skin care regimen will help improve the appearance of skin care concerns associated with aging. 
Stem Cell Colony Efficacy (CFE) and Growth
Graph shows the superior ability of Solar Vitis (grape stem cell) extract to protect epithelial stem cells against UV stress, the leading cause of skin aging.

Applied over time, grape stem cells will help diminish fine lines and wrinkles while improving skin tone and texture.

Source: scientific organics

Stem Cell Technology and the Skin

Author: 
Jennifer Linder, MD


Medical Resource Centers: 

A look at the current research on plant-derived stem cell extracts and their potential role in cosmeceutical and skin care products. The ability to replace, instead of simply repairing, damaged skin cells is becoming more of a possibility with the advancements in plant stem cell technology. Scientific research supports the use of certain plant stem cell extracts, but further research may be needed to support the efficacy of others. At this time, much of the research focuses on the photoprotective properties of dietary botanicals, citing the potential of topical products that use plant extracts with the same characteristics. Keeping abreast of plant-derived stem cell research as it evolves is essential for making optimal treatment choices as plant stem cell technology is incorporated into anti-aging skin care.

Skin Stem Cells

Before considering the addition of stem cells into cosmeceuticals, it is critical to understand the role of stem cells in the skin. The majority of skin stem cells reside in the basal layer of the epidermis. Their primary function is to replenish the skin as it undergoes normal homeostatis and wound repair.1 Like all stem cells, those in the epidermis are undifferentiated and capable of dividing themselves for extended periods of time and differentiating into multiple data suggests that the loss of a stem cell in lineages based on their tissue origin.1,2 When a stem cell divides, the daughter cells have the potential to either remain a stem cell, like the parent cell, or they can differentiate into cells with a more specialized function known as progenitor cells. After these progenies experience several rapid divisions in the basal layer, they cease dividing and travel through the suprabasal layers to the tissue surface. Once there, they progressively differentiate, switching from expression of one set of keratins to another. Eventually their nuclei degener- ate, producing an outer layer of dead keratinized cells that are shed. Stem cells continuously renew the epidermis, with a turnover time of approximately 1 month.2 Epidermal stem cells also are stored in a microenvironment called the bulge, which is located at the base of the hair follicle. They remain dormant there until recruited by neighboring cells to help repair the skin. The stem cell’s characteristics are determined by the epigenetic signal it receives. The existence of several distinct, highly compartmentalized stem cell populations have been reported in the literature3,4 The data suggests that the loss of a stem cell in one structural unit is quickly replaced by stem cells in the adjacent unit, which demonstrates the multipotential nature and developmental flexibility of skin cells.5

Skin Cell Damage

Although the skin constantly renews itself throughout an adult’s lifetime, these long-term self-renewing stem cells begin to regenerate more slowly as part of the aging process. It is believed that the im- paired wound healing rate in aging skin may be due either to impaired stem cell mobilization or a reduced number of stem cells able to respond to proliferative signals.3 Lost or dying cells begin to outnumber their regenerated counterparts, which likely leads to common signs of aging, such as rhytids and laxity. It is for this reason that stem cells make intriguing additions to anti-aging products. Additionally, ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes damage to the skin, including photoaging, inflammation, erythema, sunburn and cancers.6-9 Photoaging is characterized by wrinkles, altered pigmentation and loss of skin tone. Specifically, ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation have been proven to produce DNA damage directly and indirectly through oxidative stress.10 Solar radiation induces the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which interact with proteins, lipids and DNA, altering cellular functions. Although the epidermis is composed primarily of keratinocytes that are rich in ROS detoxifying enzymes, an increased generation of ROS can overwhelm the skin’s natural defenses. Furthermore, ROS have been shown to mediate the phosphorylatin of protein kinases through a series of cascades, such as mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), and activate transcription factors, such as nuclear factor-KB (NF-kB) and activator protein 1 (AP-1).These activities may con- tribute to cell proliferation, apoptotic cell death, inflammation and cancer.10,11 The upregulatation of gene expression through intracellular signal transduction pathways likely contributes to the development of skin cancer at the tumor promotion stage.10 Since this stage is reversible, it is a prime target for preventing, reversing or slowing the process. Stem cells have been proven to be protective against UV-induced radiation and ROS through a variety of mechanisms. It is this protective quality that also makes them useful for daily use in skin care.

Plant Stem Cells Benefit Human Skin

In recent years, researchers have identified naturally occurring botanicals with substantial antioxidant activity proven to protect skin stem cells from UV-induced oxidative stress, inhibit inflammation, neutralize free radicals and reverse the effects of photoaging. Consequently, cosmeceutical products containing extracts derived from plant stem cells have the ability to promote healthy cell proliferation and protect against UV-induced cellular damage in humans. In contrast to epidermal stem cells, plant stem cells are totipotent, meaning they are capable of regenerating an entirely new, whole plant. Through innovative plant stem cell technology, scientists are able to extract tissue from botanicals. Thus, the plant’s ability to regenerate stem cells can be harnessed for use in humans. The use of stem cells derived from botanicals, rather than human stem cells, avoids the controversy surrounding the source or methods of extraction of human stem cells while still harnessing the potential of these intriguing cells.

Research Supports Plant Stem Cell Extracts

There are several plant-derived stem cell extracts available for cosmeceutical use; however, research has predominately focused on three with various levels of scientific rigor. Components found in grape, lilac and Swiss apple have been shown to be rich sources of phyto stem cells. Probably the most widely and longest studied botanical is the vitis vinifera, otherwise known as the grape seed. Studies dating back more than a decade suggest that grape seeds are known to contain anti-inflammatory properties, prevent skin aging, scavenge oxygen free radicals and inhibit UV radiation-induced activity. 12 More recently published in vitro and in vivo studies have identified proanthocyanidins — a group of polyphenolic bioflavonoids — in grape seeds and their stem cells as being responsible for its high anti-tumor-promoting activity because of their strong antioxidant effect.11-17 The mechanism of action is not entirely understood, but it appears that the photo- protective effects of grape seed proanthocyanidins (GSPs) are mediated, at least, through protection of the endogenous antioxidant defense system and prevention of photodamage of macromolecules, lipids, proteins and DNA, which leads to inhibition of activation of the MAPK and NF- kB pathways.11,16 Some studies have demonstrated that GSPs exert a significantly stronger oxygen free radical scavenging effect than vitamins C and E. 18,19 When topically applied, GSPs have demonstrated substantial photoprotective effects. As an example, when a gel formation containing Jacquez grapes was topically applied to healthy human volunteers, it afforded significant in vivo protection against UVB light-induced skin erythema.20 Like grape seed, verbascoside extracted from various plants, including the syringa vulgaris or common lilac, is known to have antioxidant properties.21,22 When studied in vitro and in vivo, verbascoside was found to possess significantly accelerated wound healing and remarkable anti-inflammatory action.23 These effects were attributed to its ability to inhibit the ROS release by recruiting pro-inflammatory cells to the damaged skin. In fact, the verbascoside-containing extracts were found to be more effective than both hydrocortisone and triamcinolone in inhibiting inflammation.23 Although verbascoside is known to rapidly repair DNA oxidative damage, its mechanism of action is not clearly understood. In one study, verbascoside dramatically impaired NF-kB and AP-1 binding activity, suggesting that it has distinct mechanisms in the suppression of oxidative stress induced in keratinocytes by different stimuli.24 Thus, verbascoside may offer protection of the skin from both inflammatory and environmental insults. However, other studies attribute verbascoside’s ability to quickly repair DNA damage to its non-enzymatic fast repair mechanisms and not to its scavenging activity for ROS.25-27 Its fast repair reaction has the added benefit of preventing the ROS from causing further damage. While other plant stem cell extracts are currently being used in topical products, further research should be done to prove the efficacy.An ingredient manufacturer’s study showed that a 0.1% concentration of stem cells extracted from Swiss apple stimulated the proliferation of human stem cells by 80%.28 In a trial with 20 patients,a cream containing the apple extract was found to reduce wrinkle depth by 8% after 2 weeks and 15% after 4 weeks. Similarly, a cream and serum containing stem cells extracted from the edelweiss plant, which has been investigated for its anti-inflammatory properties, is reported to reduce wrinkle depth. Additional research is needed to verify the validity of these studies.

Extracts Can Enhance Topical Products

Currently, much of the scientific research focuses on the use of dietary botanicals. However, many researchers acknowledge the potential benefits of their use in sunscreens, skin care topicals and moisturizing creams. The key to developing effective cosmeceutical products is recognizing that the various plants have different properties as well as different mechanisms of action. Thus, products should be formulated to target the specific botanical’s effects. As an example, both grape seed and verbascoside have been proven to protect skin from UV oxidative stress. Although sunscreens are incredibly valuable, their inability to completely prevent UV-induced skin cancer — due to inadequate patient use and incomplete spectral protection — demonstrates the need for additional chemopreventive methods.29 Using sunscreens in conjunction with phyto stem cell-rich ingredients harnesses the photoprotective properties of these plants, which may be useful in providing additional prevention against UV-induced skin damage and other skin disorders caused by UV radiation.17,29 For example, components of grape stem cell extract have been shown to absorb radiation from the entire UVB spectrum and part of the UVA spectrum, and when applied topically they can provide additional protection against radiation penetration.28Additionally, these stem cell-rich botanicals are known to inhibit inflammation and combat destructive free radical injury that leads to photoaging. Combining stem cell extracts from grape and lilac leaf with other anti-aging ingredients, such as neuropeptides, L-ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and alpha hydroxy acids, can yield an ideal combination that can work synergistically to treat and protect the skin. As the scientific support for plant-derived stem cell research continues to grow, it is important to understand what these botanicals offer and how they work. In doing so, plant stem cell extracts scientifically proven to work can be incorporated into cosmeceutical products that hold the promise of not only stimulating the proliferation of human skin stem cells, but also protecting the skin from UV-induced oxidative damage. Dr. Linder, a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs skin cancer surgeon,is a volunteer Clinical Instructor in the Department of Dermatology at the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Linder is currently in private practice in Scottsdale,AZ. Disclosures: Dr. Linder is Chief Scientific Officer, PCA SKIN, is National Instructor, Dermik Aes- thetics (Sculptra), and National Instructor, Aller gan Facial Aesthetics.

Swiss Apple Stem Cells


What are Swiss Apple Stem Cells?
This active ingredient won the prize in European Innovation “Best Active Ingredient” in 2008. It is a revolutionary technology designed to protect human skin stem cells with the help of stem cells from a rare Swiss apple. The clinical trials conducted by the company who discovered this ingredient showed that 100% of the participants saw a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles after using a solution containing 2% PhytoCellTech Malus Domestica.

According to the Bible, Adam bit into an apple (coaxed on by us femme fatales) and deprived Earth of Heaven...was he attracted by the delicious taste or did he already know of the amazing youth-boosting properties of this fruit?
PhytoCellTec Malus Domestica is an award-winning patented liposomal preparation, so containing tiny bubbles made out of the same material as cell membranes, based on the stem cells of a rare Swiss apple called Uttwiler Spätlauber that derives from a seedling planted in the middle of the18th century. Uttwiler Spätlauber is an endangered apple variety that is well-known for its ability to be stored for long periods without shrivelling and thus its longevity potential. The apples are rich in phytonutrients, proteins and long-living cells. A novel technology has now been developed enabling the cultivation of rare and endangered species like Uttwiler Spätlauber. Thanks to this technology, plant stem cells can be obtained and incorporated into skin care products to enhance the longevity of skin cells. Not only does it protect the skin’s own stem cells but has been shown to have excellent age-delaying and anti-wrinkle properties, and is currently one of the most pioneering and exciting ingredients in skin care.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND STEM CELLS

Stem Cells and Longevity            
Longevity is related to specific cells called stem cells which have a unique growth characteristic. These cells can make identical copies of themselves as well as differentiate (in other words, split) to become separate, specialised cells. Two basic types of stem cells are present in the human body:
Embryonic stem cells found in blastocysts (structures found in the human pre-embryonic stage) can grow and differentiate into one of the more than 220 different cell types which make up the human body;
Adult stem cells located in some adult tissues can only differentiate into their own or related cell types. These cells act as a repair system for the body but also maintain the normal turnover of regenerative organs such as blood, skin or intestinal tissues.
Research on Stem Cells and Applications
Currently in medicine, adult stem cells are already used particularly in transplant medicine to treat leukemia and severe burns. In the cosmetic field, scientists are focusing their research on adult stem cells located in the skin. They are studying the potential of this type of cells, their functioning and aging. This research is helping us understand how to protect skin stem cells.
Stem Cells in the Human Skin
In the human skin, two types of adult stem cells have been identified:
  • Epithelial skin stem cells which are located in the basal layer of the epidermis.
  • Hair bulge stem cells located in the hair follicle.
Epidermal or skin stem cells replenish and maintain the balance of cells within the skin tissue and regenerate tissue damages during injury. But with age, the number of skin stem cells decreases and their ability to repair the skin becomes less efficient.
Plant Stem Cells to Protect Skin Stem Cells
In contrast to human, plant cells are totipotent, meaning that every cell has the ability to regenerate new organs (leaves, flower, seed…) or even the whole plant. Besides, all plant cells can differentiate and become a stem cell. All stem cells, independently of their origin (plant, animal or human) contain specific epigenetic factors whose function is to maintain the self-renewal capacity of stem cells. 



WHAT DO SWISS APPLE STEM CELLS DO?

ANTI-WRINKLE EFFECT ON CROWS FEET

The anti-wrinkle effect of Malus Domestica was evaluated in a study with 20 volunteers aged from 37 to 64. An emulsion containing 2 % of PhytoCellTec™ Malus Domestica was applied twice daily for 28 days to the crow’s feet. Wrinkle depth was determined by means of PRIMOS (phase-shifting rapid in vivo measurement of skin). Results showed a significant and visible decrease in wrinkle depth for 100 % of the subjects.
DEPTH OF WRINKLES USING 2.5% APPLE STEM CELL EMULSION
DAY 0
                              
















AFTER 28 DAYS (2.5% APPLE STEM CELL EMULSION) SAW A REDUCTION OF WRINKE DEPTH OF 15%
 












AGE -DELAYING EFFECT ON HAIR FOLLICLES OF APPLE STEM CELLS

Hair follicles are mini organs that represent a natural combination of epidermal and melanocyte (cells in the bottom layer of the skin) stem cells. The follicles can be maintained in a growth medium where they elongate until about day 14. Then the follicle cells gradually become senescent or undergo apoptosis – effectively they deteriorate and start to die - which is caused by the lack of blood circulation. Isolated hair follicles represent a good test model to analyse actives ingredients, such as Malus Domestica, that can delay the cell deterioration and death process. Isolated human hair follicles were incubated with Malus Domestica extract. Addition of 0.2 % of this extract was found to slightly but clearly postpone deterioration and necrosis: follicles kept in presence of the Malus Domestica stem cell extract continued to elongate until day 18, whereas the control follicles started to shrink after day 14.
Change in hair follicle length compared to Day 14 in %
 








 

MAINTENANCE OF STEM CELL GROWTH

An in vitro test was conducted on blood stem cells with Malus Domestica stem cell extract. The influence of Malus Domestica stem cell extract on blood stem cell growth was evaluated by counting the cell number after incubation. Results showed that Malus Domestica stem cell extract has a positive effect on stem cell growth thus maintaining the growth and the proliferative activity of stem cells.
Increase in Cell Growth Activity
  













PROTECTION AGAINST UV RATIATION 

Another test was conducted on blood stem cells. The protective effect against UV damage of Malus Domestica stem cell extract was evaluated by scientific analysis. Cells were incubated with different concentrations of Malus Domestica stem cell extract for 24h and were then exposed to UV radiation. The analysis, which measures the number of cells still living and therefore the damage from UV, was performed 48 hours after UV radiation. Results showed the capacity of Malus Domestica to protect cells from UV damage even at low concentrations.
  

Uttwiler Spatlauber - The Apple



Uttwiler Spatlauber

Apple stem cells derived from a rare 18th century varieties of apple - Uttwiler Spatlauber Apple, since the varieties of apples are very sour taste, so not many people farming. At present, there were only 3 remaining Uttliwer Spatlauber apple tree in Switzeerland.
Scientists found Uttwiler Spatlauber apples keep fresh even 4 months after harvesting. Uttliwer Spatlauber Apple contains a wealth of nutrients, protein and amazing vitality of the plants in operation to help the health regeneration of damaged cells.

Apple Stem Cell & Scientific Research


Scientific Research - Experiment on Stem Cell Regeneration 1

In another experiment, involving the effect of Swiss apple stem cells on fibroblast cells. Fibroblasts contribute to collagen production, mucopolysaccharide, and elastic fibers. Fibroblasts not only helps the skin to provide a structural framework, they also play a key role in wound healing.
In the experiment, the scientists treated fiber cells with hydrogen peroxide for two hours, until the fibroblast cells began aging, which means that the quality of genes decreased, decreased cell proliferation and growth.

Scientific Research - Experiment on Stem Cell Regeneration 2

However, these degraded fibroblasts later treated in Uttwiler Spatlauber apple stem cells extract for 144 hours, the quality of genes restore , cell proliferation and growth to resume normal operation, and in some cases, the genes better than before and enhance cell proliferation and growth! In addition, the scientists said, Uttwiler Spatlauber Apple stem cells stimulate an important antioxidant enzyme called heme oxygenase.
Heme oxygenase is the process of heme catabolism rate-limiting enzyme, biliverdin and its product (red) pigment and carbon monoxide has anti-oxidative injury, respectively, and blood vessel regulation and so on.

Scientific Research - Experiment on UV Protection

Scientists conducted an experiment on cord blood stem cells to ultraviolet radiation (UV).
Experimental results shown that under the strong ultraviolet radiation, 43% of cell death. However with the Swiss apple stem cells extract repeat the test solution, shows only a slight 6% of cell death.
Once again proved that the Swiss apple stem cells extract effective in preventing UV damage to the
skin as high as 37%.
Daily UV radiation can pass through skin dermis and stimulate the skin to create hydrogen peroxide and free radicals, damage to collagen and elastic fibers, accelerate the formation of melanin, the skin becomes dull, rough, loss of elasticity.
Apple stem cells act as skin "protective layer" to resist UV damage and the destruction of collagen, keeping skin elasticity, prevent sun pigmentation, wrinkles and premature aging.
Apple stem cells through 24 hours of continuous protection , improve the skin ability to combat against external damage, strengthen self-healing features.

Scientific Research - Experiment on Wrinkles Reduction 1

A wrinkle is a fold, ridge or crease in the skin , caused by habitual facial expressions, aging, sun damage, smoking, poor hydration, and various other factors.
Scientists conducted research to 20 volunteers aged 37 to 64 years , consume Swiss Apple Stem Cell for 28 days. The results showed that 100% of the study volunteers had significant improvement of fine lines and wrinkles.

Scientific Research - Experiment on Wrinkles Reduction 2

Swiss apple stem cells promote collagen protein synthesis, and enhance their ability to support the skin. After 4 weeks of consuming Swisscorr, your skin will become smooth and radiant, wrinkles and fine lines reduce significantly. Apple stem cells also function to inhibit the effect of melanin, achieving a fabulous results in skin lightening & brightening.

Skin Stem Cell From Apples?

The mirror tells me that my face is blotchy in some areas. Pigmentation, my dermatologist tells me.  Jars of bleaching cream somehow helped to lighten them but very minimally.  I would resort to applying a concealer during the day and heavy foundation during big events. 
Knowing that I am on the lookout for new products to improve the condition of my skin, friends came up with suggestions.  I only want to use products that are clinically proven backed by years of research and have natural ingredients with no harmful chemicals.  A doctor once told me that that the less chemicals we apply on our skin, the better off we are health-wise. He recalled that at age 29, he experienced aching joints.  He was young, athletic, and healthy, so what was he doing wrong?  He noticed that the only thing different from his usual daily regimen was spraying himself all over with body cologne that his mother gave him.  He stopped using the cologne and the aching joints disappeared.  “Anything you apply on your skin seeps through your bones, muscles, and organs so be careful in choosing skin products,” he warned. 
Our skin is the largest organ of our bodies. Adults carry some 8 lbs. or 2 sq.m. of skin.  Encyclopedias tell us that the skin is made up of many layers of ectodermal tissue, which guards the underlying muscles, bones, and internal organs.  It is one of the most important parts of the body because it interfaces with the environment and is the first line of defense against external factors. It plays a vital role in protecting the body against pathogens and excessive water loss. We must always take good care of our skin so it takes good care of us.
There are so many new products on the market, but what caught my interest were the ones with stem cells or stem cell enhancers.  Our skin is made up of epidermal stem cells, but we need to enhance or aid their regeneration as we advance in age because their ability to repair the skin declines.  It is not surprising that the potential role of stem cell rejuvenation in anti-aging has received so much attention.
Barbara Green, noted pharmacist and VP of clinical affairs of Neo Strata, wrote a number of articles that recommend skin products that have stem cells from plants.  An interesting discovery is the stem cell from a Swiss variety of apple, which is very powerful in smoothing away wrinkles and crow’s feet, and improving the healthiness of human stem cells.  This apple variety, Uttwiler Spatlauber, is famous for its ability to be stored for a long period of time without getting shriveled.  It is also noted that this apple is rich in phytonutrients that help maintain the vitality of the skin stem cell. 
It seems that the health benefits of apples go far beyond their nutritional values.  In my research, I found out that Neo Strata has creams that have as their active ingredients stem cells from plants.  For example, apple stem cell extract is one of the ingredients found in their Cellular Restoration Cream and Intensive Eye Therapy Cream.
From Barbara Green’s articles, I listed the following ingredients and their benefits that I should look for in buying products:
Lifestyle Feature ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch:
From Barbara Green’s articles, I listed the following ingredients and their benefits that I should look for in buying products:
• Super antioxidants such as Chardonnay grape seed extract, vitamin A, vitamin E, pomegranate, berry extract  — they fight and neutralize free radicals. Free radical formation occurs continuously in cells as a result of exposure to external sources such as UV radiation, environmental pollutants, and industrial chemicals.
• Peptides — they help slow facial aging by stimulating new collagen, reducing dark circles under the eyes, and lightening unwanted spots.
• Swiss apple stem cell extract — slows the process of cellular aging by protecting and extending the life of the skin’s own stem cell.
• Glycolic acid — clinically proven to increase collagen production, plumping and filling the skin so that wrinkles are smooth inside out.
• NeoGlucosamine — inhibits tyrisinase, a key enzyme to melanin production by reducing the appearance of skin discoloration like age spots.
• Retinol — increases cell turnover, diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and increases clarity.
• Hyaluronic acid — acts as a natural moisture magnet.
• Caffeine — helps deflate puffiness under the eye.
I chose three new creams from Neo Strata’s for my 2013 skin regimen:
1) Cellular Restoration Cream which has the apple stem cell extract, peptides, grape seed extract, extracts of pomegranate, blueberry and acai, and glycolic acid.  This cream is formulated to synergistically restore skin’s essential cells, rebuild the deep skin matrix, and reduce oxidative damage for skin that is firmer, more lifted, and vibrant.
2) Intensive Eye Therapy which has apple stem cell extract, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, caffeine, and NeoGlucosamine.  All these ingredients combined are supposedly powerful enough to smooth crow’s feet, lift and firm sagging skin around the eyes, reduce dark circles and other discolorations, deflate puffiness, and make the eyes look lifted, brighter, and younger.
3) Pigment controller, which has NeoGlucosamine, retinol, Alpine plant extracts, vitamins C and E.  This will lighten my skin blotches.
Using all multi-action products together as a skincare regimen will supposedly deliver optimal results. Clinical studies showed 91 percent of women observed increased firmness and clarity after a month of usage. I will have to be more patient with the pigment controller, which has to be used for 20 weeks.  Seems like a long time, but if it gives me the desired results, it’s well worth the wait.  With the apple stem cell as their active ingredient, my skin will be on its way to rejuvenation.