Stem cell serums are at the cutting edge of anti-aging skincare. How should they be used and how often? ReLuma, whose Skin Illuminating Serum ($145-$220 in the shop) has many serious fans in the Truth In Aging community, recently sent me detailed instructions for usage. It is very enlightening and I am posting it in full here:

"Because ReLuma works by replacing the concentration of natural skin growth factors (SGF) that have been lost in the skin, the method of usage could be different for each individual. It is specifically according to each individual’s own speed of cell renewal coupled with the amount of sun-damage accumulated, among other factors that need to be considered.

During the first and second month with ReLuma, the skin goes through a very quick recovery. According to the condition of the skin this recovery process could last two to three months (we’ll say three months to be more thorough). During these first few months the treatment with ReLuma should be more intense, applying it twice daily, morning and night. After this initial phase it is only required to use ReLuma once a day for the following three months to maintain results.  By the 6th month, application of ReLuma can be cut down anywhere from twice to three times per week.

Anytime that your skin has been aggressed (or aggravated) by sunburns, peels, illness, heavy medication, plastic surgery etc., it would once again be necessary to increase the usage to twice daily for a month or two until the skin once again reaches its perfect balance and healthy glow.

Ideally it is best to perform two intense treatments a year; once after the summer to replenish the SGF lost with the overexposure to the sun, and the other in winter to strengthen the skin and protect it from aggressors such as the cold temperature and wind burn.

Younger skin


In general terms, younger skin with little sun-damage would use as follows:

For first 3 to 4 weeks: ReLuma is applied twice daily.  After this initial time, apply only once a day.

After the 3 months: Apply 2 to 3 times per week, in the evenings only to maintain results.

Older, sun damaged skin


For the first 3 months: Apply Reluma twice daily (morning and night).

After the 3rd month: Apply once daily in the evenings.

After 6 months: Apply 2 or 3 times per week at night.