Stem cells and molecular advances in the treatment of facial skin.

Overview

Stem cell technology has been discussed chiefly in terms of organ replacement in end-stage diseases. However, improved understanding of adult stem cells and a more nuanced appreciation of aging skin as a disease state has focused greater attention on the potential for truly regenerative and rejuvenative skin therapy with autologous cells. Through enhanced understanding of the normal processes of wound healing, systems of treatment and avenues of therapy are emerging based on modulation and amplification of the natural processes of wound healing. This article presents skin-specific developments in stem cell and growth factor science and suggests further avenues of investigation.