The Historical Uses of Placenta Extract

The pursuit of youthful, radiant skin is a timeless endeavor. As we age, our skin undergoes natural changes, losing its elasticity, vibrancy, and resilience. While genetics play a role, external factors like sun exposure, pollution, and stress can accelerate the aging process. In the quest for effective solutions, many are turning to nature's potent offerings, and placenta extract is emerging as a powerful ally in the fight against aging and skin damage.

While the concept may seem unfamiliar to some, placenta extract has a long history of use in traditional medicine and modern medicine for its revitalizing and restorative properties. 

Traditional Medicine:

• Traditional Chinese Medicine: Placenta, known as "zi he che," has been used in TCM for over 1500 years. It was traditionally dried and consumed to treat infertility, impotence, and liver and kidney problems. It was also believed to increase energy and vitality.

• Other Cultures: While not as well-documented as in TCM, the placenta has been used in various forms by other cultures throughout history. For example, the Araucanian Indians in Argentina used dried umbilical cord powder to treat sick children. 

Modern Medicine:

• Early 1900s: The first documented uses of placental tissues in modern medicine were focused on fetal membranes for wound repair and surgical applications.   

• 1910s: Amniotic membrane was successfully used in skin grafting and for treating skin wounds and burns.   

• 1930s: Soviet ophthalmologist Filatov V.P. reported the regenerative and disease-suppressing effects of placental extracts, leading to their use in various medical applications.   

• 1950s: Placental extracts were introduced in Japan and used for aesthetic and therapeutic anti-aging purposes.   

• 1960s: Studies explored the use of amniotic membranes for various surgical applications, including preventing adhesions after head injury and treating burns.   

• 1970s & 1980s: Further research confirmed the benefits of placental extracts and amniotic membranes in wound healing, pain relief, and reducing infection.   

• Present Day: Placental extracts are used in various medical fields, including wound healing, aesthetics, and regenerative medicine.  

Modern science is now validating these traditional uses, uncovering the remarkable potential of placenta extract to support skin repair, promote collagen production, and protect against environmental damage. However, more research is needed to fully understand their efficacy and safety.

Placenta Extract: From Sourcing to Processing

The placenta is a remarkable organ that sustains life during pregnancy, providing the developing fetus with essential nutrients, oxygen, and growth factors. This temporary organ is a rich source of bioactive compounds, including proteins, amino acids, lipids, vitamins, and minerals, that play a vital role in tissue growth and repair.

Placenta extract, as used in skincare, is derived from the placenta of various mammals, most commonly sheep, pigs, or horses. These animal placentas are chosen for their similarity to human placenta in terms of growth factors and other beneficial components.

Sourcing and Processing Placenta Extract

Ethical sourcing and meticulous processing are paramount in ensuring the safety and efficacy of placenta extract for skincare. Reputable manufacturers adhere to strict quality control standards, prioritizing both the welfare of animals and the purity of the final product. You see, by adhering to these stringent sourcing and processing standards, manufacturers can ensure that placenta extract skincare products are safe, effective, and ethically produced. Not to mention, consumers can have confidence in the quality and integrity of these products, knowing that they are derived from responsibly sourced materials and processed with care to preserve their beneficial properties.

Sourcing

Placentas are typically sourced from animals raised in controlled environments, with strict adherence to animal welfare guidelines. This ensures that the animals are treated humanely and that the placentas are free from disease and contaminants. In fact, manufacturers often maintain detailed records of the origin of the placentas, allowing for traceability and transparency throughout the supply chain. This helps to ensure the quality and safety of the raw materials.

Also, many manufacturers prioritize sustainability by sourcing placentas from animals raised for the food industry. This ensures that no animals are harmed solely for the purpose of obtaining placenta extract, minimizing waste and promoting ethical practices.

Processing

Placentas are collected under sterile conditions immediately after birth to prevent contamination and preserve their bioactive components. From there, the placentas undergo thorough cleaning and sterilization processes to remove any impurities and potential pathogens. This may involve washing with sterile solutions and exposure to high temperatures or UV radiation.

There are various extraction methods employed to isolate the beneficial components of the placenta, including: 

• Hydrolysis: This process involves breaking down proteins and other complex molecules into smaller peptides and amino acids, making them more readily absorbed by the skin.

• Enzymatic Extraction: Specific enzymes are used to selectively extract desired components, such as growth factors and hyaluronic acid, while preserving their activity and integrity.

• Filtration Techniques: These are used to remove any remaining impurities and cellular debris, resulting in a clear and purified extract.

Now, throughout the processing stages, rigorous quality control measures are implemented to ensure the purity, potency, and safety of the placenta extract. This may involve testing for microbial contamination, heavy metals, and other potential toxins. Preservatives may be added to the final product to prevent microbial growth and maintain its stability and shelf life. However, reputable manufacturers often opt for natural preservatives or minimal preservative systems to minimize potential irritation.

The Science Behind Placenta Extract and Skin Rejuvenation

The remarkable skin benefits of placenta extract can be attributed to its complex composition, which includes a symphony of bioactive compounds working synergistically to promote skin health and vitality. Let’s further break this down:

• Growth Factors and Cellular Regeneration: Placenta extract is a potent source of growth factors, including epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and transforming growth factor (TGF). These growth factors are signaling molecules that play a crucial role in cellular regeneration, stimulating the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, which are essential components of the skin's extracellular matrix. By promoting cellular turnover and renewal, placenta extract helps to improve skin texture, elasticity, and firmness.

• Amino Acids and Collagen Production: Collagen is the most abundant protein in the skin, providing structural support and maintaining its youthful appearance. Placenta extract contains a wide array of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins, which are essential for collagen synthesis. By providing the necessary building blocks, placenta extract supports the skin's natural collagen production, helping to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and sagging.

• Antioxidants and Protection from Environmental Damage: Our skin is constantly exposed to environmental stressors, such as UV radiation, pollution, and smoke, which generate free radicals that damage skin cells and accelerate the aging process. Placenta extract is a rich source of antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, coenzyme Q10, and glutathione, which neutralize free radicals and protect the skin from oxidative stress.

• Hyaluronic Acid and Skin Hydration: Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, meaning it attracts and retains moisture in the skin. Placenta extract contains hyaluronic acid, which helps to replenish the skin's moisture levels, improving its suppleness, plumpness, and overall hydration. This can lead to a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as a smoother, dewier complexion.

• Vitamins and Minerals for Skin Nourishment: Placenta extract is a treasure trove of essential vitamins and minerals that nourish and support skin health. These include B vitamins, which are crucial for cell metabolism and energy production, vitamin A, which promotes cell turnover and collagen production, and zinc, which aids in wound healing and skin regeneration.

• Enzymes and their Role in Skin Renewal: Enzymes are biological catalysts that facilitate various biochemical reactions in the body, including those involved in skin renewal. Placenta extract contains enzymes that help to break down dead skin cells and promote exfoliation, revealing a brighter, smoother complexion.

What are the Benefits of Placenta Extract for Skin?

The unique combination of bioactive compounds in placenta extract translates into a wide range of benefits for the skin, making it a valuable ingredient for those seeking to improve their complexion and address various skin concerns. These main benefits include:

• Improved Skin Tone and Texture: By promoting cellular regeneration and collagen production, placenta extract can help to even out skin tone, reduce the appearance of blemishes and discoloration, and refine skin texture, resulting in a smoother, more youthful complexion.

• Reduced Appearance of Fine Lines and Wrinkles: The growth factors and amino acids in placenta extract stimulate collagen synthesis and improve skin elasticity, which helps to plump up the skin and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

• Enhanced Skin Elasticity and Firmness: As we age, our skin loses its elasticity and firmness, leading to sagging and wrinkles. Placenta extract helps to restore skin elasticity by promoting the production of elastin, a protein that gives the skin its resilience and bounce.

• Brighter, More Radiant Complexion: The antioxidants in placenta extract protect the skin from environmental damage, which can cause dullness and uneven skin tone. By neutralizing free radicals and promoting cell turnover, placenta extract helps to reveal a brighter, more radiant complexion.

• Potential Benefits for Scar Reduction: While more research is needed in this area, some studies suggest that placenta extract may help to reduce the appearance of scars by promoting tissue regeneration and collagen synthesis.

• Soothing and Calming Irritated Skin: Placenta extract has been traditionally used to soothe and calm irritated skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties may help to reduce redness and discomfort associated with various skin conditions.

How to Use Placenta Extract in Your Skincare Routine

Placenta extract can be incorporated into your skincare routine in various ways, depending on your individual needs and preferences, such as the following:

• Topical Application: Serums, Creams, and Masks: Placenta extract is available in a variety of topical skincare products, including serums, creams, and masks. These products can be applied directly to the skin to deliver the benefits of placenta extract to the targeted areas. Serums are generally lightweight and fast-absorbing, making them ideal for layering under other skincare products. Creams provide deeper hydration and nourishment, while masks offer a more intensive treatment. Take for instance our bestselling essence - Placenta Timeless Essence. This is a nutrient-rich concentrate (crafted with sheep’s placental protein, rose water, and hyaluronic acid) for illuminating dull, tired skin and promoting skin cell restoration.

• Capsules: Skincare capsules containing placental extract are small, single-use capsules filled with a serum or essence derived from animal placenta. Take for instance our Beauty Dose. This supplement contains a powerful blend of fish collagen peptides and placenta extract (from sheep) to support youthful-looking hair, skin, and nails, along with proper bone and joint health.

Tip: When selecting a placenta extract skincare product, it's important to consider your skin type, concerns, and preferences. Look for products from reputable brands that use high-quality placenta extract and are formulated with other beneficial ingredients that complement its effects.

Professional Treatments: Placenta Facials and Injections

For those seeking a more intensive and targeted approach to skin rejuvenation with placenta extract, professional treatments offer a compelling option. These treatments, performed by licensed estheticians or medical professionals, harness the power of placenta extract in concentrated forms and specialized delivery methods to maximize its benefits.

In particular, both placenta facials and injections offer a more intensive approach to harnessing the rejuvenating power of placenta extract.

Placenta Facials

Placenta facials are a luxurious and rejuvenating treatment designed to revitalize the skin and address various concerns, such as dryness, dullness, fine lines, and uneven skin tone. These facials typically involve a multi-step process that may include:

• Cleansing: The skin is thoroughly cleansed to remove makeup, impurities, and excess oil, preparing it for optimal absorption of the placenta extract.

• Exfoliation: A gentle exfoliation technique, such as enzymatic exfoliation or microdermabrasion, may be used to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover, revealing a smoother, brighter complexion.

• Placenta Extract Application: A concentrated placenta extract serum or mask is applied to the face and neck, allowing the potent ingredients to penetrate deeply into the skin.

• Massage: A relaxing facial massage may be incorporated to enhance blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, further promoting the absorption and effectiveness of the placenta extract.

• Additional Treatments: Depending on individual needs, other treatments may be included, such as LED light therapy to stimulate collagen production or microcurrent therapy to lift and tone facial muscles.

Placenta Injections

Placenta injections involve injecting a purified placenta extract solution directly into the deeper layers of the skin. This method allows for targeted delivery of the extract to specific areas of concern, such as wrinkles, scars, or areas with hyperpigmentation. Placenta injections may offer more potent and long-lasting results compared to topical application, but they also come with potential risks and side effects, which may include pain, swelling, bruising, redness, and infection. 

That’s why placenta injections should only be performed by a qualified medical professional with experience in administering injections and a thorough understanding of facial anatomy. Not to mention, the injections must be administered under sterile conditions using sterile equipment to minimize the risk of infection and complications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is placenta extract derived from human placenta?

While human placenta has been used in certain medical applications, placenta extract for skincare is typically derived from animal sources, such as sheep, pigs, or horses. These animal placentas are chosen for their similarity to human placenta in terms of growth factors and other beneficial components, and they are considered a more ethical and sustainable source.

Q: How is placenta extract different from other anti-aging ingredients?

Placenta extract stands out from other anti-aging ingredients due to its unique combination of growth factors, amino acids, antioxidants, and other bioactive compounds that work synergistically to promote skin regeneration, collagen production, and protection from environmental damage. This multi-faceted approach makes it a particularly effective ingredient for addressing various signs of aging.

Q: Can placenta extract be used in conjunction with other skincare products?

Yes, placenta extract can generally be incorporated into your existing skincare routine alongside other products. However, it's always advisable to introduce new products gradually and observe how your skin reacts.

Q: Are there any sustainability concerns associated with placenta extract?

Again, reputable manufacturers of placenta extract prioritize ethical sourcing and sustainable practices. They often source placentas from animals raised for the food industry, ensuring that no animals are harmed solely for the purpose of obtaining placenta extract. Additionally, they may implement environmentally friendly extraction and processing methods to minimize their impact on the environment.

Q: What is the difference between topical application and injections of placenta extract?

The topical application of placenta extract delivers its benefits to the surface layers of the skin, while injections deliver it directly into the deeper layers. Injections may offer more targeted and potent results, but they also come with potential risks and side effects.

Unlocking the Secrets of Ageless Beauty: Embrace the Power of Placenta Extract

Placenta extract, once a hidden gem in traditional medicine, is now taking center stage in the world of skincare. This remarkable ingredient, born from the very essence of life, holds the key to unlocking a radiant, youthful complexion. With its potent blend of growth factors, amino acids, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acid, placenta extract offers a comprehensive approach to skin rejuvenation, addressing a multitude of concerns and revealing the skin's innate beauty.

Imagine a world where fine lines and wrinkles fade into memory, where skin glows with renewed vitality, and where the passage of time is reflected not in the mirror, but in the confidence of a radiant smile. Placenta extract offers a glimpse into this world, inviting you to embrace the transformative power of nature's most potent elixir.

Whether you're seeking to prevent the signs of aging, repair past damage, or simply enhance your skin's natural radiance, placenta extract provides a compelling solution. By incorporating this remarkable ingredient into your skincare routine, you're not just applying a product; you're embarking on a journey of transformation, rediscovering the beauty that lies within.

Sources:

1. Lee, S. R., et al. (2018). The effect of placental extract on skin elasticity and wrinkles. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 17(4), 553-560.

2. Park, S. Y., et al. (2015). Placental extract promotes cutaneous wound healing in vivo. Wound Repair and Regeneration, 23(5), 704-712.

3. Finkley, W. R., et al. (2012). The role of growth factors in skin aging and rejuvenation. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 11(11), 1320-1326.

4. Bissett, D. L. (2009). Common cosmeceuticals. Clinics in Dermatology, 27(5), 435-445.

Disclaimer: **These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your doctor before use if you have a medical condition, are pregnant, or nursing. If you have specific skin concerns or sensitivities, you can also consult a licensed dermatologist for personalized advice on choosing the right natural skincare solutions. They too can help you identify potential allergens and irritants and recommend products or treatments suitable for your skin type. A thorough consultation and evaluation with a qualified practitioner is essential to determine if placenta injections or other treatments are suitable for you, while also addressing your expectations and concerns.