PRODUCTS I 🖤 AND BELIEVE IN : Catherine Jinn Stem Cell Swiss Apple Serum 🍏
I've been fascinated by the concept of stem cells — and the science behind them — for years. They've always been kinda mysterious to me, just beyond my comprehension. Like quantum physics, dark matter, and the space-time continuum. But things really got interesting in August 2001 when President Bush signed an executive order that restricted federally funded stem cell research on embryonic stem cells. I was like, huh? I don't think I was really paying much attention to the science of stem cells, or what the hell they even were, until that moment. It's then that I started paying attention, and began to understand their potential. Still, they lingered under the radar for years. And then, stem cells (and stem cell research) started making its way into skin care. Things started getting more interesting, tangible, and more importantly, relatable.
US researchers have rewired mouse stem cells to fight inflammation caused by arthritis.
What the hell are stem cells?
According to the NIH, the very government that banned their study and then overturned the ban under President Obama, stem cells are specialized cells that "have the remarkable potential to develop into many different cell types in the body during early life and growth. In addition, in many tissues they serve as a sort of internal repair system, dividing essentially without limit to replenish other cells as long as the person or animal is still alive."
These miraculous stem cells aren't only found in the human body; they're found in plants and other animals, too. They're vital to the process all organisms rely on to repair themselves when damaged. So imagine the potential in a skin care formula which employs stem cells to help skin repair itself — to correct skin damage and the visible signs of skin aging. A wrinkle is, after all, an indicator of wounded skin — a sign that the skin has somehow been compromised in its deeper layers, causing the skin to fold on itself, visible on the surface as a wrinkle.
But here's the thing. While the science of stem cells in skin care is trending and becoming increasingly prevalent, the research — the proof, if you will — hasn't quite caught up. My skincare guru, Paula Begoun, has an outstanding article here. In it, she explains that "stem cells must be alive to function as stem cells, and by the time these delicate cells are processed and added to skincare products, they’re long since dead and unable to work as they once did." While stem cells can't necessarily function in the way we'd all love them to — that is, for them to magically repair damaged skin by replacing compromised cells — they have been proven to function as potent antioxidants. Plant stem cells — particularly from apples, grapes, melons, even lilacs — have the ability to help skin remain healthy and youthful by boosting its natural defensive mechanisms against environmental aggressors, similar to how antioxidants perform.
And you know I heart antioxidants in all their glorious forms! Whether vitamin or plant-derived, antioxidants are a powerful anti-aging source for maintaining skin health at an optimal level.
With the excitement and potential around stem cells, I was honored to have the opportunity to test out the Stem Cell Swiss Apple serum from niche, new skincare brand Catherine Jinn. What makes Catherine Jinn uniquely positioned to be a force in skin care is that the company's founder, Clara Song, also leads product development. In my years in skin care, where I have played a vital role in the development of hundreds of skincare formulas, I know that when a founder or company leader is the main driver of formula development, a formulation philosophy can be adhered to over the long run. Brands like Drunk Elephant, Tata Harper and Catherine Jinn are proof of that. A solid, enduring formulation philosophy means excellent, well-formulated skin care that's pro-skin health. The Stem Cell Swiss Apple serum is just that. It's simply a well-rounded, great-for-skin treatment. The proof, of course, is in the ingredient list.
Ingredients in the Catherine Jinn Stem Cell Swiss Apple serum:
Aqua (water), Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract, Chondrus Crispus (Seaweed) Extract, Citric Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan Gum, Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethenol, Lecithin.
It's a tightly formulated, replenishing, hydrating and protective serum that has found its place in my daily skincare regimen. I've been using it every day, twice a day, for nearly 2 months now and I am confident that the Stem Cell Swiss Apple formula helps promote healthy skin. In fact, it's so well formulated, I didn't need the proof. The ingredients say it all. But, the proof is indeed in the fact that my skin looks and feels plumper, smoother, hydrated and really healthy. In addition to antioxidant apple stem cells, the lightweight, gel-like serum contains humectant glycerin, hydrating sodium hyaluronate (a super skin-compatible salt form of hyaluronic acid), smoothing and exfoliating AHA citric acid, and skin-replenishing seaweed extract.
If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, consider this an excellent treatment in between visits to the derm!
🖤 SKINCARMA
Special offer for Skincarma followers:
Catherine Jinn was gracious enough to extend to me, and to my Skincarma followers, an exclusive offer of 23% off ($10) the purchase of Stem Cell Swiss Apple serum. Purchase through Amazon with code 23Skincarma. The offer is valid until 8/10/18 11:59 PM PDT.
Simply follow the link here. Enjoy!
