Are Stem Cell Treatments the Future of Skin Rejuvenation?

Who’d have thought even a few years back that we’d be speaking about futuristic-sounding therapies, like a stem cell facial treatment? Well… Not just talking about them, but adding them into our clinical dermatology portfolio!

To be honest, as leaders in cutting-edge regenerative dermatology, we’ve been excitedly following the trend for ages, watching as it moved through the careful testing stages and into initial FDA-approval for certain clinical dermatology procedures from 2011 onwards. 

And today… Well, the use of stem cells for anti-aging skin therapies is truly the buzzword of the moment. So, let’s dig deep and tell you all about what to expect, both now and as further technology rolls out.

The Wonder of Stem Cells

Unless you’re a medic or really into research, your understanding of stem cells is probably limited to news articles extolling incredible results for serious medical conditions. This is brilliant, of course, but stem cell research has also been ongoing for more general use—such as using the tech for anti-aging and skin rejuvenation.

When it comes to stem cell facials (which are already a thing, in case you didn’t know), it’s all about introducing them at a deep cellular level. Because stem cells are the building blocks of all body tissues, they can go a long way to reversing many common signs of aging, such as:

Fine lines and wrinkles.

Uneven skin texture and tone.

Restoring volume.

Reversing skin damage, including sun damage and scarring.

There are different types of treatments, all of which depend on the type of stem cell used and the method of introduction. The stem cells themselves can be sourced from:

• Plants.
• Derivatives of stem cells, such as proteins or exosomes.
• From you, whereby they are harvested from your own tissues and injected into the areas being targeted.

Other types of stem cells are used for medical procedures, but these three are the most common for cosmetic use.

What to Expect When Having a Stem Cell Facial Treatment 

This relatively new and growing area of anti-aging skin therapies is currently being delivered in a small number of ways.

1. Stem cell injections: These targeted treatments often use your own stem cells, which are then injected back into the face.
2. Micro-needling: A small tool with tiny needles is used to introduce stem cells into the skin. It’s much like a regular micro-needling procedure with the added benefit of a stem cell serum being applied, and the needles delivering this to the deeper layers.
3. Plasma energy stem cell facial: No needles involved here… Instead, plasma energy is used to disrupt the skin barrier temporarily, allowing the stem cell serum to be introduced to the deeper layers.

The three treatments are all quite different, both in practical terms and how invasive they are (although all are considered minimally invasive).

Side effects include minor redness, puffiness, bruising, and even pinpoint bleeding (in the case of injections or micro-needling). All of these generally subside over the next few days.

OK, so that’s the practicalities of these treatments. But what kind of results can you expect? 

Well, the good news is that you should begin to see improvements starting as soon as a few days after treatment. Expect to see an increase in hydration, the glow of your skin, and improved texture in the short term.

But the real wizardry begins to happen over the 1–6-month mark. Remember, stem cell treatments are targeting the cells that are yet to be generated, so you need to give it a chance to reap the full benefits. These include:

• A reduction in the depth and number of fine lines and wrinkles.
• Improved firmness and elasticity as your collagen levels increase.
• A smoother texture and more even skin tone.
• Even damaged tissues (including scars and sun damage) can improve.

Top-up treatments, perhaps once or twice a year, are often advised for the best ongoing results.

This exciting phase of aesthetic dermatology is only just beginning. Research and testing are continuing at great speed, so expect to see more stem cell facial treatments becoming available over the coming months and years. As always, you should always ensure that your practitioner is highly experienced, such as those offered by the dermatology, doctor-led team at Bayou Dermatology.

If you’re really interested in the science behind stem cell treatment for skin regeneration, this National Library of Medicine article is a great read. But it is rather in-depth… Let us take all the technical jargon out of it for you with a one-to-one consultation. 

Start your journey at Services | Bayou City Dermatology and call today to book an appointment.