AT A GLANCE:

• Biobanking is the process of collecting and cryopreserving your own cells for future medical, regenerative, and aesthetic use.

• Advances in cryopreservation now allow cells to be stored safely for years while maintaining their integrity, and non-invasive collection methods are making the process more painless and accessible than ever.

• Banking your cells earlier is rapidly emerging as a strategy to preserve your youngest, most regenerative biology.

For a long time, many of us probably associated the term biobanking with large research institutions and hospitals. But as we look to the future of longevity, stem cell therapies have made their way to our local aesthetics practices, effectively becoming more accessible than ever—and more personal.

Today, stem cell therapies are rapidly emerging as the next wave of regenerative aesthetic treatments—in addition to advancements in medical care, of course. From fertility preservation and hair loss prevention to collagen stimulation, biobanking is shifting from a strictly clinical research tool to a proactive health decision.

So, how do you know if you’re a good candidate for biobanking your stem cells? Let’s take a closer look at the reasons why you might consider it—and how to get started.

First Things First: What Is Biobanking?

Biobanking is the process of collecting, cryopreserving, and storing biological material—such as cells, tissue, or DNA—for future use.

Cryopreservation involves freezing cells at ultra-low temperatures, effectively pausing biological aging and preserving their structure and function. Once stored, these cells can later be used for medical, regenerative, or aesthetic applications as technologies advance. (Think of it like a biological insurance policy—an investment you make to “lock in” your healthiest cells now, so you can leverage them later.)

Historically, biobanking focused on research. Today, this is rapidly expanding into personalized, preventative care: giving individuals access to their own biological resources later in life.

5 Reasons You Might Biobank Your Cells

1. You want to preserve your healthiest cells… before they change.

Your cells aren’t static. Over time, they’re shaped by aging, stress, illness, environmental exposure, and inflammation. Biobanking allows you to preserve cells at their current biological age, effectively pausing the clock on their regenerative potential.

For many people, this is the biggest draw: locking in younger, more resilient biology now, rather than trying to reverse damage later. (As we like to say at Acorn: Your cells will never be younger than they are right now.)

2. You want to enhance other skin treatments.

Many of today’s most popular skin treatments (like microneedling, lasers, and energy-based devices) work best when the skin’s repair systems are supported from within. Biobanking gives you access to your own regenerative biology, which can be used to amplify healing, recovery, and long-term results.

Your cells contain a soup of bioactive molecules like peptides, proteins, and growth factors. Collectively, this is called the “secretome”—it effectively coordinates your body’s internal repair system. That’s why harvesting the secretome specifically (which is what we do at Acorn) is so valuable for your future self—and why it can be particularly effective when combined with skincare treatments to speed and enhance healing, collagen production, and more.

We captured this impact in an observational study: Many patients saw improvements in their skin health as early as 7 days after treatment, and 84% of subjects showed clear aesthetic improvement by Day 30.

3. You’re thinking ahead about hair health.

Hair thinning often begins quietly, years before it becomes noticeable. By the time visible loss appears, follicles may already be less responsive to treatment.

Biobanking allows you to preserve regenerative cells early—before changes set in—creating future options to support follicle health, density, and growth. As secretome-based hair applications continue to expand, having your own banked cells may offer a more personalized approach to maintaining hair health over time. (And FWIW, secretome boasts 34x the growth factors of PRP.)

Exhibit A: In a study of subjects who underwent treatment with Acorn’s secretome, participants saw visible improvements in hair density and hair quality in 90 days.*

4. You want access to your own biology—not donor-derived products.

As regenerative treatments become more mainstream, many rely on donor-derived cells or signals. While these approaches can be effective, they’re inherently generalized.

Biobanking allows you to preserve your own cells, creating future options that are fully personalized to your biology. Using your own preserved cells—or the secretome they produce—also reduces the risk of immune reactions and ensures treatments are aligned with how your body naturally repairs itself. (Psst: We do it painlessly at Acorn by collecting your hair follicles at your local practitioner’s office, and building your personalized secretome serum in our lab.)

5. You’re keeping your anti-aging options open.

Most anti-aging decisions happen reactively: something changes, then you scramble to address it. Biobanking offers a different path—one that lets you prepare early without committing to a specific procedure or outcome.

With non-invasive collection methods becoming more widely available, banking your cells is a low-effort, one-time step that keeps future options open. It fits a preventative, maintenance-minded approach to aging while giving you flexibility as regenerative treatments continue to evolve.

6. You’re curious about longevity beyond aesthetics.

Stem cell therapies aren’t just about skincare and hair loss prevention. Secretome shows promise for medical applications as well, from joint and tissue repair to easing inflammation, and beyond.

The beauty of banking your cells at their youngest state (read: right now) is that you’re opening up a world of possibilities as the science continues to evolve. It’s the ultimate investment in your future self: a longevity insurance policy.

The Bottom Line

Biobanking is no longer just a research concept or a fertility tool—it’s becoming part of a proactive approach to aging, health, and longevity. By preserving your own cells while they’re at their healthiest, you’re giving yourself access to future regenerative and medical options as science continues to advance.

And the coolest part? You don’t need to know exactly how you’ll use your banked cells to see the value. Biobanking is about flexibility, personalization, and staying ahead—on your own terms.

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FAQ

Q: Is biobanking only for people with health issues?

A: No. Many people choose biobanking as a preventative step, long before any medical or aesthetic concern arises.

Q: What’s the difference between stem cells and secretome?

A: Stem cells are the source; secretome is the collection of regenerative signals they produce. And unlike exosome-focused treatments, secretome contains the full spectrum of cellular bioactives—including exosomes.

Q: Is it better to bank cells earlier in life?

A: Generally, yes. Banking earlier preserves cells before age-related and environmental damage accumulates. That said, it is possible to bank your stem cells at any age.

Q: How invasive is the biobanking process?

A: That depends on the method. Newer approaches, like Acorn’s hair follicle collection, can be quick, painless, and non-invasive.