Articles

Busting the Myths About Laser Hair Removal

Mon, 07 Oct 2013 13:00:00 GMT

If you are sick of shaving and waxing, laser hair removal is a wonderful option. By exposing the hair to a laser beam, it destroys the hair follicle, so you stay hairless for so much longer. Heard a few things about laser and want to find out more? The Health Blog busted the top five myths about modern hair removal treatment for more informed decision-making:

1. Laser hair removal treatment gets rid of hair in one go: While you can reduce the hair in unwanted areas, the hair won’t go away entirely. To be able to reduce the hair growth you need to have multiple sessions.

2. All beauticians and salons can do laser hair removal: Laser hair removal requires a fully trained professional who knows what they’re doing. This isn’t something you want anyone trying on you.

3. It’s painful: Laser hair removal is much less painful than waxing or using tweezers. There’s a cooling gel that’s applied to the area before and after the treatment, plus a numbing cream to make the experience as comfortable as possible.

4. It works for everyone: Darker hair works best with laser hair removal. White or grey hair is difficult to remove because the laser rays can’t easily identify the pigments.

5. Lasers are all the same: There are so many different types of lasers used for different treatments. When it comes to hair removal the type of laser used for the procedure can have a real impact on the comfort level of the treatment.

Source: http://www.thehealthblog.net/skin-care/five-myths-about-laser-hair-removal/

What Ancient Women Used to Remove Hair

Mon, 30 Sep 2013 14:11:00 GMT

While they may not have had the sophisticated laser hair removal machines we have today, women from years past have always been concerned with their body hair. Elle magazine looked at some of the hair removal methods used in ancient times:

Ancient Egypt

Ancient Egypt’s women were big into body hair removal, including the hair on their heads. They used beeswax and sugar based waxes, pumice stones and tweezers made from seashells to remove the hair.

Roman Empire

During the time of the Roman Empire a lack of body hair was a display of wealth and class. Pubic hair was even seen as uncivilised, which is the reason why you’ll notice that many statues of people from this time are hairless. Wealthy women and men used creams, stones, flints and tweezers to remove their body hair.

Middle Ages

Queen Elizabeth I set the trend for women’s hair removal in the Middle Ages. The hair removal fashion of the time had women removing the hair from their eyebrows and forehead using walnut oil, bandages soaked in ammonia and vinegar.

1700s

By the time the late 18th century hit, the approaches to hair removal became a little more civil. In fact, it was a French barber by the name of Jean Jacques Perret that designed the very first straight razor in 1760, encouraging better hair-care amongst men.

Source: http://www.elle.com/beauty/makeup-skin-care/history-of-hair-removal#slide-1

Ageism Pushes Women to Have Plastic Surgery

Sun, 29 Sep 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Statistics show that almost a third of workers over the age of 45 believe they have faced discrimination in the workplace due to their age. There’s no doubt about it, ageism is running rampant.

For many women this means they want to stop the clock or at least slow it down by investing in their skin through laser, Botox and dermal filler treatments. Some women will even go under the knife to preserve themselves in the workplace.

It’s important to note that these women aren’t trying to look like 20-somethings once again. Instead it’s about looking like they’re in their late 30’s for longer.

43-year-old Debbie works as an educator for a skincare manufacturer. She constantly feels the pressure to look vibrant and have plump skin forty hours a week. Her regime includes regular Botox and annual laser peels as well.

Kaye Scott of The Clinic in Bondi said that she is seeing more patients wanting to look younger and fresher. This is as younger 25-year-olds are becoming more qualified, and then competing with older, more experienced women for the same position.

Source: http://www.watoday.com.au/lifestyle/beauty/botox-gets-me-ahead-at-work-20130819-2s5w8.html

The Different Laser Skin Treatments Explained

Sun, 29 Sep 2013 14:00:00 GMT

There are so many topical creams on the market, but nothing can make your skin glow like a laser treatment. They aren’t always cheap, and there are some risks on occasion so we’ve put together a list of the important points to consider when it comes to laser skin treatments.

V-Beam

This is a pulsed dye laser treatment which is ideal for correcting anything pink or red. This includes everything from rosacea to scars and broken capillaries. The only real side effect here is if your scar is pink it will appear purple for a few days. It will also require more than one visit.

Prices start from around $300 a treatment.

Fraxel

This laser, sporting a 1550 wavelength, is a standard resurfacing wavelength. It’s perfect for pore size, fine lines, brown spots and skin texture. You need to stay out of the sun after this treatment for four or five days so it’s not recommended during the summer months. The effects are cumulative, so you should start with monthly treatments for five months to begin with.

Thermage

This is actually a radio frequency tightening device, not a laser. It’s most commonly used on the lower abdomen and the jowls. The major side effects of this are swelling and pink pigmentation. There could also be some slight tingling in the treated area. The price is approximately $3,500 per treatment, with lasting effects for around three years.

Source: http://fashionista.com/2013/09/everything-you-need-to-know-about-laser-skin-treatments/

Katy Perry Loves Laser Skin Treatment

Sun, 29 Sep 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Katy Perry would have to be one of Hollywood’s hottest celebrities. And we know now it’s partly due to her skin care regime, which she says includes a laser treatment twice a year.

The glamorous pop star claims she avoids any needle-based skin treatments and she’s also not a fan of facials, which can often cause irritation of the skin. Instead she prefers getting treatments that aren’t invasive.

"I don't do needles,” Perry was quoted on femalefirst.co.uk. “I go for treatment when I can, but I like things that aren't invasive.”

“I don't even like facials, as they irritate my skin."

Another thing Perry does each night before bed is removing all makeup from her face. Perry said that this is the very first thing she does when she gets back from a show. Doing this means she always steps out with clean, blemish free skin.

Katy Perry uses Caudalie Beauty Elixir each night before bed. The spray has grape seed extract and other ingredients that help soothe the skin.

Source: http://ibnlive.in.com/news/katy-perry-about-twice-a-year-i-go-for-a-laser-treatment/419103-45-75.html

Food Allergies Start in the Skin not the Gut

Fri, 30 Aug 2013 14:00:00 GMT

It seems food allergies may be the effect, rather than the cause, of eczema.

Scientists have long believed that food allergies in the gut trigger eczema in the skin. However, a new analysis in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology suggests that eczema is allowing food allergens to enter the body via broken skin and triggering food allergies, thus reversing the cause-and-effect chain.

Children with eczema are six times more likely to develop a food allergy than children free of the troublesome skin condition. Egg whites, peanuts and cow’s milk are the most common offenders.

The skin surface protects the body from bacteria, chemicals and allergens. It is becoming increasingly understood that it is important to keep eczema-affected skin protected from penetration by bacteria and other substances. Allergens that penetrate the skin can alert immune cells in the skin, which then set off various allergic reactions.

A proprietary product, Silver Serum, has been developed to overlay weak and broken eczema-affected skin with an antibacterial film. It is suitable for both adults and children.

Source: http://www.skinmagazine.co.uk/food-allergies-triggered-from-eczema-on-the-skin-not-from-the-gut

Tattoo Regret A Growing Trend

Fri, 30 Aug 2013 14:00:00 GMT

As tattoo regret rises in popularity alongside tattoos themselves, many people are getting their tattoos removed.

Tattoo removal uses laser equipment which ‘shatters’ the tattoo’s ink. The body’s lymph system then carries it away gradually. Heavy smokers will need more treatments due to their poor circulation which removes the ink less effectively.

Skin colour, skin type, any scarring, medical history and the tattoo site are all discussed in a 30-minute consultation.

Reasons for removal vary, according to Sue Salmon of Wollongong Tattoo Removal Service. Most of her clients are women between 25 and 40. Some want to join the army, she said. Others have moved on from a relationship. Others have simply outgrown their tattoos and say they are no longer that person anymore.

Salmon recommended using a medical laser clinic. Practitioners should be trained to use the laser equipment, or be a nurse or doctor. Only WA and QLD currently regulate tattoo removal practitioners.

Source: http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/tattoo-regret-becomes-the-latest-trend/story-fneszs56-1226684253823

Organic and Natural Skincare: Is There is Difference?

Thu, 29 Aug 2013 14:00:00 GMT

It is important to understand the difference between ‘natural’ and ‘organic’ skincare products.

Organic ranges consist of ingredients that have been subject to stringent growing, harvesting and processing techniques overseen by an independent certification organisation.

Ingredients are grown without pesticides or chemical fertilisers. That not only makes them good for the environment, but more likely to contain anti-oxidants which head off the ageing process in your skin. Actress Gwyneth Paltrow has long been a fan of organic skincare.

Luckily for Australian consumers, Australia has come of the world’s strictest certification regimes. Looking for the Australian Certified Organic (ACO) logo will ensure you are buying a genuinely organic product.

A product can be ‘natural’ without being ‘organic’, however. As more manufacturers try to ride the wave of environmental and health awareness among consumers, products labelled ‘natural’ may still carry ingredients grown outside the organic certification process using chemical fertilisers or pesticides.

Source: http://www.dailylife.com.au/dl-beauty/skincare-and-anti-aging/natural-wonders-20130614-2o85z.html

A Cure for Sunburn Pain and Itchy Skin

Thu, 29 Aug 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Scientists have isolated the chemical process that causes that painful, itchy feeling after a bout of sunburn.

In a study published in August in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), researchers said they had identified a molecule, TRPV4, which seems to be the root cause of sunburn-related pain.

In moderation, ultraviolet B (UVB) works to form Vitamin D, which has various health benefits like improved mood and stronger bones. However, UVB over-exposure activates TRPV4, which then sets in motion a chain reaction that causes an inflow of calcium ions and another molecule, endothelin, which is known to be responsible for the itching and pain of sunburn.

When researchers blocked TRPV4 with a topical solution, the itching vanished.

Although more research is needed to examine TRPV4’s side-effects, the scientists concluded that the process shows promise as a treatment for the itching associated with eczema and psoriasis.

Source: http://www.skinmagazine.co.uk/new-discovery-finds-possible-cure-for-sunburn-and-other-inflamed-and-itchy-skin-conditions

Fast Track to Fixing Age-Damaged Skin

Thu, 29 Aug 2013 07:46:00 GMT

Some skin damage is extrinsic - think sunlight, poor diet and smoking - while other damage is intrinsic as skin cell turnover naturally winds down. However, there are plenty of quick fixes!

For line-free skin, use moisturisers or purpose treatments containing retinol to boost collagen production which fills out lines, and sun-filters that keep line-causing UVA rays at bay. An alternative to the well-known Botox is Fraxel lasering, which evens out fine lines.

For well-hydrated skin, exfoliate to allow moisturisers to penetrate, and then choose products containing glycerine, dimethicone or hyaluronic acid to boost moisture retention. Your dermatologist can recommend prescription creams containing ceramides for really dry skin.

To banish mid-age break-outs, choose anti-acne products designed for mature skin. Your dermatologist can prescribe antibiotics, the contraceptive pill, or the drug spironolactone, and apply laser treatment or phototherapy.

To lighten age spots and freckles which are all caused by sun damage, specific beauty products are available that lighten them. Continue to keep spots at bay with a 30 SPF sunscreen.

One dermatologist claims there is no better treatment for age spots than the Q-switch Ruby laser. One treatment is all it takes to rid your skin of these unwanted marks.

Source: http://www.health.com/health/article/0,,20708021_4,00.html

Light Treatments: Where Science and Beauty Meet

Thu, 29 Aug 2013 07:45:00 GMT

A range of hi-tech, non-invasive light therapies are now treating skin conditions like hyper-pigmentation, fine lines and acne scarring.

Among the most often-used therapies are lasers, a beam of intense single-wavelength light purer than the multi-wavelength lights found in sunlight or an electric globe.

One of the most popular of the many laser treatments available is Fraxel laser, especially effective for pitted acne scars. It combines the best of ablative lasers which vaporise pits at high temperatures but require months of healing and come with substantial side-effects, and non-ablative treatments with few side-effects and no healing period, but which take months of repeated treatments.

Other methods like the CO2 laser treat deep wrinkles and strong sun damage. A pulsed dye laser

treats port-wine stains.

Unlike lasers’ single light wavelength, intense pulsed light (IPL) uses a range of light wavelengths to treat less serious skin conditions like freckles, spider veins, rosacea, mottling and broken capillaries.

Yet another treatment is Omnilux, a handheld LED emitter that targets the cells that rejuvenate the skin’s supportive tissue.

When having any treatment that affects the skin, eat zinc. This mineral aids in the healing process by forming collagen. Also eat lots of anti-inflammatory foods, such as those which are high in Omega-3s. Arnica, a herb, can also speed up healing time.

Source: http://www.wellbeing.com.au/article/Features/Beauty/Cosmetic-treatments:-Beauty-meets-science_1185?page=1

Contribution of Light Therapy to Acne Treatment

Tue, 30 Jul 2013 14:00:00 GMT

The treatment of acne vulgaris is advancing rapidly thanks to laser therapies and high-intensity light sources.

Several varieties of lasers can be used to treat acne and address the skin damage and scarring that is commonly associated with acne. New research has revealed that red and blue light therapies can inhibit bacterial growth and encourage healthy tissue to regenerate.

High intensity light within the red spectrum can reduce inflammation and promote the healing process. It encourages cells to proliferate and collagen to re-form. The research suggests that particular wavelengths of red light may be absorbed by important molecules that, once stimulated, induce cell growth and contribute to wound healing.

The same high intensity light in the blue spectrum is effective at killing the main bacteria that causes acne. According to clinical research, when blue light therapy is administered bi-weekly or daily, it can markedly reduce both the number and severity of acne lesions.

Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are commonly used to administer both light therapies, but lasers are used occasionally. Blue and red light therapy can be combined in photodynamic therapy (PDT) or intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment.

Source: http://thescienceofacne.com/light-therapy/

New Technology Reduces Laser Hair Removal Risks

Sun, 28 Jul 2013 14:00:00 GMT

The popularity of laser hair removal has grown in the last two years to become the third most requested non-surgical treatment. However, the quality of laser hair removal treatments has not caught up with the demand.

Sabrina Kozak, spa director of New York’s Sensitive Touch Medical Spa, warned that most laser treatment centres are not investing in the latest technology, which could result in less effective treatment and a higher risk of side-effects. Clients blinded by competitive online deals are not taking their time to research the best treatment options available with the latest advances in laser hair removal technology, she said.

Some of the undesirable side effects of laser hair removal include pigmentation, burns, and scars.

However, the Elite MPX laser by Cynosure is completely revolutionising the laser hair removal industry by reducing side-effects and delivering better results for many skin types. The technology makes it possible for an operator to fire multiple wavelengths at one time.

For the most effective treatment, Kozak recommends that clients search for providers who use this kind of cutting-edge laser technology.

Source: http://www.prweb.com/releases/laser-hair-removal/nyc-manhattan-new-york/prweb10173594.htm

Medical Laser Systems Market Remains Strong

Sat, 27 Jul 2013 14:00:00 GMT

A new report published by a US market research firm has revealed that the global market for medical laser systems is projected to reach an estimated value of US$ 2.0 billion by 2018.

The meteoric growth of the global medical laser systems market is largely due to an aging global population and a rise in age-related eye disorders. However, it can also be attributed to broader social and economic factors.

Advanced laser treatments are now more accessible to patients around the world and there is a growing emphasis on aesthetics. People living in countries with emerging economies, including Brazil, Russia, India, and China, have higher levels of disposable income and can more easily afford costly laser treatments.

The diode lasers market held the largest share of the market in 2011 and this is expected to continue throughout the forecast period. These lasers are widely used by medical practitioners in photodynamic therapy and a range of aesthetic treatments.

The solid state laser segment is predicted to experience the strongest growth between now and 2018. This segment has several variants and each has specific applications relating to medical treatments, including tattoo removal, periodontology, vein removal, and skin treatment.

Source: http://www.heraldonline.com/2013/07/02/4992387/medical-laser-systems-market-is.html

Software Reduces Risk of Permanent Skin Damage from Laser Therapy

Thu, 25 Jul 2013 14:13:00 GMT

Australian James Bartholomeusz is spearheading the design of new software that minimizes the risk of permanent damage from skin laser therapy performed by dermatologists and plastic surgeons.

30-year-old Bartholomeusz is the global vice-president of product development for US medical device maker Syneron Candela, an organisation that manufactures laser, light, and radio frequency technology used for aesthetic purposes. He attributes the breakthrough development of his software to a ‘wildcard’ strategy, designed to encourage innovation.

The new software provides feedback to the operators of lasers already purchased from the company, via a simple upload. A feedback system of bright lights and beeps provides information about the precise amount of energy being delivered and its impact on the skin.

The algorithm of the software samples the skin at a rate of 1000 times per second. Information is taken from millions of data points and then cross-referenced in real time against records of patients from around the world.

Although the feedback system is mainly used for the treatment of acne scars and wrinkles, it has also proven to be an effective treatment for stretch marks. According to Bartholomeusz, his software can be used for anything to do with improving the skin.

Source: http://www.afr.com/p/technology/skin_in_the_game_gls3aFbzHoudswcCdXqr0O