ActiStem® dermal is a natural, cosmetic solution applied topically (on or just under the top layer of the skin) to the face, neck and back of hands through the use of a dermal roller, through mesotherapy using mesogun or microinjection, or before/after the application of a Fraxel® laser.

ActiStem® dermal is a fractionated protein complex which has been shown to enhance collagen and elastin production in the skin. It contains a protein extract derived from ovine placenta (OPFPE). This protein extract contains cytokines, small peptides and growth factor peptides, which activate stem cells and other cells of the dermis to generate new skin.

How does ActiStem® dermal work?
With a unique combination of cytokines, small peptides and growth factor peptides (such as EGF, FGF, HGF, PDGF) ActiStem® dermal activates and awakens dormant stem cells and fibroblasts inherent to the skin of the face and neck. Following the administration of ActiStem® dermal, the skin will increase its collagen and elastin content over 2-3 weeks following the treatment. At the same time, both men and women will notice within just a few days a lifting and tightening of their skin, while also seeing an improvement in skin tone, radiance or glow, and a visible reduction in fine wrinkles.

What are stem cells and fibroblasts?
Stem cells are the body’s repair mechanism. They do this through their ability to divide into new cells and hence replenish old cells. This helps to maintain the normal turnover of cells in the blood, skin, organs and tissues.

Fibroblasts are also a type of cell, which provide the structural framework for tissues and are not only responsible for the production of the collagen and elastin found in the extracellular matrix but are also important in wound healing.

What is mesotherapy?
Mesotherapy is a blanket term used to cover different modes of delivery of a substance or solution into the mesodermal layer of the skin. This includes microinjections and injections using a mesogun. The injections penetrate the top-most layers of the skin only.

Is the treatment painful?
There is some discomfort when undergoing the treatment, but little or no pain during or after the treatment. Patients can choose to have a topical anaesthetic cream applied to their face before undergoing the microinjection or mesogun modes of delivery.

Who administers the treatment?
ActiStem® dermal should be administered by experienced, qualified cosmetic and aesthetic practitioners only.

Can anyone get this treatment?
Anyone who seeks improvement in the skin texture of their face, neck and back of hands is eligible for the treatment provided:

- They do not have a known hypersensitivity to ovine products
- They do not have existing skin allergies, dermatologic lesions, eczema, psoriasis and/or skin eruptions
- There is no infection at the proposed injection sites
- They do not have skin cancer.

How long does a treatment take?
Treatment by mesogun takes about 15-30 minutes, while microinjections take 30-60 minutes and treatment using a dermal roller takes 30-45 minutes.

Are there any side effects?
Some bruising, redness, bumpiness on the skin, itching and a little pain may occur at the injection sites that may last for a few days. Other possible adverse effects that have not yet been reported in clinical trials to date include skin rashes and allergic reactions.

How long before any results are seen on the skin?
Unlike “blockers” and “fillers”, ActiStem® dermal is an “activator”. After it is introduced into the mesoderm layer of the skin, the stem cells are activated to revitalize the skin cells. Results begin to show in about 48 hours, and continue to improve, peaking at about 3 weeks and lasting up to six months.

How often should one get ActiStem® dermal treatments?
Treatments with ActiStem® dermal are recommended 3-6 months apart. However, as the results can vary with age and sex, patients should consult first with their cosmetic or aesthetic practitioner before repeating treatment.