Wharton's Jelly in skincare
What is Wharton's Jelly?
Wharton's Jelly is a unique substance derived from the umbilical cord, rich in growth factors, cytokines, hyaluronic acid, and extracellular matrix components. This biologically potent material has shown great promise in regenerative medicine because it supports tissue repair, reduces inflammation, and stimulates cellular regeneration. In skincare, Wharton's Jelly enhances hydration, improves skin elasticity, and reduces visible signs of aging, offering a safe and effective solution for professionals seeking cutting-edge treatments. It is mainly known for nourishing the skin deeply, restoring its firmness, and rejuvenating the complexion.
Key Components of Wharton's Jelly
Wharton's Jelly, a gelatinous substance within the umbilical cord, is rich in several key components that contribute to its regenerative properties:
- Hyaluronic Acid: Acts as a powerful humectant that retains moisture in the skin. It can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water, significantly enhancing skin hydration levels.
- Growth Factors: Stimulate cell growth and proliferation. They are crucial for tissue repair and regeneration by promoting collagen synthesis.
- Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs): Found in Wharton's Jelly (WJ-MSCs), these cells have superior proliferation abilities to adult-derived MSCs. They can differentiate into various cell types and support tissue regeneration.
How Wharton's Jelly Works in the Skin
Its effectiveness in skin care can be understood through the following key mechanisms:
- Hydration: Wharton's Jelly contains a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, a key player in maintaining moisture levels in the skin. This helps keep the skin plump and hydrated, preventing dryness and promoting a healthy glow.
- Inflammation Reduction: Wharton's Jelly's cytokines and growth factors have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. They help calm irritated skin and support healing, making them an ideal choice for sensitive or inflamed skin patients.
- Skin Regeneration: Wharton's Jelly's regenerative properties help stimulate collagen production and improve tissue repair. This promotes skin renewal, improving skin texture, tone, and elasticity.
- Elasticity and Firmness: By promoting the synthesis of structural proteins, Wharton's Jelly supports the skin's elasticity, helping to firm and tighten the skin for a more youthful appearance.
How Wharton's Jelly Is Applied in Treatments
Wharton's Jelly is typically applied with the following steps for healthcare professionals:
- Preparation: Start by cleansing the skin and performing a mild exfoliation or peel if necessary to optimize the absorption of Wharton's Jelly.
- Combination with Procedures: Wharton's Jelly is typically applied after procedures like microneedling, laser resurfacing, or chemical peels. These treatments create microchannels that enhance absorption.
- Topical Application: After the primary procedure, Wharton's Jelly is applied topically and massaged gently into the skin to ensure deep penetration.
- Post-Treatment Care: A gentle skincare routine and sun protection are crucial for maintaining the results and supporting the skin's healing process.
- Frequency: Depending on the treatment goals, patients may undergo a series of sessions followed by maintenance treatments to keep their skin rejuvenated and hydrated.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Wharton's Jelly, and how does it benefit the skin?
Wharton’s Jelly is a substance derived from the umbilical cord, rich in growth factors, cytokines, and hyaluronic acid. It supports skin hydration, promotes collagen production, and reduces inflammation, making it ideal for skin rejuvenation and anti-aging treatments.
Can Wharton's Jelly be combined with other skincare treatments?
Wharton’s Jelly is often combined with microneedling, laser resurfacing, and chemical peels to enhance results. It accelerates healing, reduces inflammation, and improves skin texture.
How quickly will patients see results with Wharton's Jelly?
Patients typically notice improved hydration and smoother skin texture within a few weeks. More significant improvements, such as reduced wrinkles and enhanced skin firmness, are seen after several months of treatment.
References
Gupta A, El-Amin SF 3rd, Levy HJ, Sze-Tu R, Ibim SE, Maffulli N. Umbilical cord-derived Wharton's Jelly for regenerative medicine applications. J Orthop Surg Res. 2020 Feb 13;15(1):49. Juncan AM, Moisă DG, Santini A, Morgovan C, Rus LL, Vonica-Țincu AL, Loghin F. Advantages of Hyaluronic Acid and Its Combination with Other Bioactive Ingredients in Cosmeceuticals. Molecules. 2021 Jul 22;26(15):4429. Sharma P, Maurya DK. Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells: Future regenerative medicine for clinical applications in mitigating radiation injury. World J Stem Cells. 2024 Jul 26;16(7):742-759. Steed, D. L. (1997). The Role of Growth Factors in Wound Healing. Surgical Clinics of North America, 77(3), 575-586.
