Keeping Your Skin Youthful, The Stem Cell Way

stem cell cosmetics 2.jpgStem cells are, apparently, all the rage in the world of cosmetics. Slather them on your face to keep your face young and ageless or to simply make yourself more beautiful on your eyes, cheeks, or lips. New products like LancĂ´me's Absolue Precious Cells claim to "help restore the potential of skin stem cells and bring back the skin of youth". But there are many more products on the market than just this single creme, according to the Times Online.

But is this even true? Will slapping on stem cell creams keep your skin as youthful as a brand new embryo or is it just a bunch of hype? The truth is that while most of these stem cell creams aren't likely to do much more than make the surface of your skin appear smoother (rather than giving you new skin regenerated by the stem cells in the cream), they aren't likely to harm you either.

As for me, I will agree with the conventional wisdom--the best way to keep skin young and healthy is just keep it out of the sun--and I'll pass on the stem cell concoctions for now.

Summer Johnson, PhD

comments

Stem cells potentially provide great developments for medical science. As a kidney transplant I look to stem cells as one of a few possible chances at researchers finding a holy grail so that our bodies will not reject the transplant organ.

However, as great as the potential of stem cells are, the sad fact is that very few have actually had success in turning them into viable treatments so far.

'Stem cells' have become such buzz words that people and some in the medical community may actually take advantage of others with products promising great things but really do nothing.

contribute a comment

Your contributions to the conversation are very much appreciated. We do have a few simple guidelines, though. Be civil. Stay on topic. We reserve the right to remove comments that violate the aforementioned guidelines. One more thing: comments are moderated, so it may take a little while for your comment to be posted. Thanks.

what is this?

A 'Nature Top 50' science blog by the editors, staff and friends of The American Journal of Bioethics. Science writes: "To follow the latest twists in ... science stories with social impact, dive into this Web log"

The original story behind this blog

What people are saying about blog.bioethics.net

recently on blog.bioethics.net

March Issue of AJOB is Now Online!

Trans fat bans, peer recruitment for human subjects research, and the clash of culture versus the rights of physicians are the featured issues in this... (more)

Trans Fats Today. Hot Dogs Tomorrow?

Will banning artificial trans fats today effect your ability to have a hot dog tomorrow? On the The Bioethics Channel, Lorell LaBoube seeks an answer... (more)

Looking for Dr. Right? Get Yours via Speed Date!

Want to find your "Dr. Right"? Now, you can! You can meet your next doctor on a "speed date." Dne Texas hospital is trying its... (more)

End of Life-ology

William King is dying from MS. His two twenty-something sons, Ennis and Malcolm, already lost their mother to cancer 15 years earlier and now must... (more)

If You Are STILL Wondering Why Health Care Reform Is Important...

Check out this statistic from the Chicago Tribune today: "Illinois consumers to pay up to 60% more [for health insurance premiums], data show." When do... (more)

this blog's feed

  • Subscribe
    • XML
    • Google Reader or Homepage
    • Add to My Yahoo!
    • Subscribe with Bloglines
    • Subscribe in NewsGator Online
    • Add to My AOL
    • Convert RSS to PDF
    • Add to Technorati Favorites!
    • Add to your phone
    • Get RSS Buttons

info

archives

tags