Science
Andalou’s Meyer Lemon Creamy Cleanser has been a product I have personally been using for a year now, and I must admit it’s become quite a staple in my almost non-existent skin care routine. For me a good product is simple, effective, and long lasting, which are standards this cleanser has definitely satisfied, as it softly controls my combination skin, leaving it lemony and fresh. Of course, what I am most interested in are its ingredients.
Some of the top ingredients in the cleanser include Manuka Honey, Aloe Vera juice, and sunflower oil [3]. Yet, what is most impressive about Andalou is its use of fruit stem cells, specifically that of apple, grape, and argan [3]. Like human stem cells, plant stem cells are undifferentiated, pluripotent cells, meaning they are capable of developing into multiple cell types [1]. However, plant stem cells offer the added bonus of antioxidants. In fact, research suggests that fruit stem cells, specifically that of Malus domestica (apple), play a part in reversing the aging process of fibroblast cells, the cells that maintain connetive tissues, and also in aiding the expression of an antioxidant enzyme, preventing oxidative damage at the cellular level [4]. So why is this important? Cellular aging is in part a result of DNA damage, however, antioxidants are molecules that prevent damage to DNA, proteins, and cell membranes [2]. Therefore, if longevity is your goal, having a good dose antioxidants isn’t a bad idea.
Don’t hesitate to check out the full ingredient list or browse Andalou’s ingredient glossary.
References
- Campisi, Judith. "Physiological Changes, Fibroblast Cells." Encyclopedia of Aging. Ed. David J. Ekerdt. Vol. 3. New York: Macmillan Reference USA, 2002. 1087-1091. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 24 Dec. 2014.
- Davidson, Tish. "Antioxidants." The Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine. Ed. Laurie J. Fundukian. 4th ed.Vol. 1. Detroit: Gale, 2011. 397-400. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 24 Dec. 2014.
- "Meyer Lemon Creamy Cleanser." Andalou Naturals. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Dec. 2014. <http://andalou.com/index.php/skin-care/cleansers/meyer-lemon-creamy-cleanser.html>.
- Morus, Martyna, Monika Baran, Magdalena Rost-Roszkowska, and Urszula Skotnicka-Graca. "Plant Stem Cells as Innovation in Cosmetics." Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica Drug Research 71.5 (2014): 701- 707. Print.