One of the goals of stem cell research is to find ways to repair damaged parts of the human body. So naturally, it was only a matter of time before stem cell technology extended to the skincare industry.
Launched in the spring of 2007, Amatokin is a revolutionary product that claims to harness the power of epidermal stem cells to generate fresh, brand new skin cells, untouched by age, pollution, sunlight or other environmental stresses.
Development and details
Voss Laboratories, the company that first introduced Amatokin to consumers, has spent 15 years researching this product. Developed in Russia at the Research and Production Center for Medical Biotechnology, the key ingredient in this high-tech emulsion, polypeptides #153, was initially designed to help heal the scarred skin of burn victims.
Polypeptide #153 takes advantage of underutilized adult stem cells and stimulates them to create new skin cells. So, it uses the body's stem cell reservoirs to actually replace aged and damaged skin with younger and healthier skin.
Exactly how does Amatokin translate stems cells into glowing, youthful skin? Every cell in the body is derived from stem cells. When a stem cell divides, it can produce several other types of cells, including muscle cells, bone cells, brain cells or skin cells. The purpose of polypeptide #153 is to make stem cells divide into skin cells. If Amatokin's claims are accurate, your dormant stem cells can be activated to completely rejuvenate your skin and yield remarkable results—a radiant, wrinkle-free complexion.
What to expect
Some products and procedures are very specific —and limited — in the skincare problems they treat. For example, a product might treat lines but not age spots; a procedure might treat discoloration, but not wrinkles. Amatokin, however, aims to address multiple skincare concerns. According to Voss Laboratories, the topical product significantly reduces fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration and other unpleasant signs of aging.
Specifically, Amatokin minimizes the look of lines for smoother skin and a more youthful appearance; it treats both fine and deep lines — unlike some products or cosmetic procedures that only work on fine lines. Also, according to researcher Nathalie Chevreau, Ph.D., who works for Basic Research, which markets Amatokin, the product also lightens pigmentation to help with dark spots.
A controversy
When it first premiered in Paris, Amatokin caused quite a stir and continues to create controversy among researchers who believe that the use of stem cell technology in cosmetics may minimize important medical research in this field. But many consumers eager to fight off unwelcome wrinkles are fascinated by the extraordinary possibilities that Amatokin offers.
Further research
Though years of past research have provided us with data on stem cells and regeneration, experts say that future studies are necessary to learn more about stem cell technology and its impact on us. Certain questions remain unanswered at this point.
We already know that stem cells can affect skin, but we don't yet know if skin cream has an influence on stem cells, Mt. Sinai dermatologist Ellen Marmur tells CBS.
Additionally, stem cells' ability to divide and form new cells is a concern. Like the expression "too much of a good thing," can cells over-divide? And what could happen to us if they do? After several divisions, one cell can become many cells. Such cell division run amok is basically the concept behind cancer, cautions Dr. Marmur.
Despite the controversy surrounding the product, Amatokin is certainly one of the first to use stem cell technology in pursuit of every woman's skincare goal—younger skin.
See also:
Idebenol and Idebenone
The Route to Younger Hair