Researchers at cosmetics company Shiseido have studied the effects of lemon myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) on epidermal stem cells. They discovered that an extract of the plant is able to both slow down the senescence of these cells and increase their number. In Australia, the plant has been known for its antibacterial and antioxidant properties, among other things, for centuries, the company says.

Epidermal Stem Cells Keep the Skin Healthy

The skin is constantly changing, the company adds. Epidermal cells continuously regenerate and change, helping to keep the skin healthy. These cells originate from the epidermal stem cells in the basal layer of the skin. Shiseido assumed that this could be a key point of departure in its attempts to maintain the skin's beauty.

Cosmetic Ingredients Aim to Preserve Stem Cells

A team of researchers did, in fact, identify a link between the number of epidermal stem cells and skin hydration, barrier function and collagen production in the dermis. Consequently, the aim was then to maintain the highest number of these cells as possible. That is how this study came about. It focused on how the quality of epidermal stem cells can be improved using cosmetic ingredients.

Source: Shiseido