Secret Weapon For Sublime Lashes

Long, luscious, thick eyelashes are always in style. Most of us, however, were not fortunate enough to be born with such beautiful eyelashes. Thankfully, the cosmeceutical industry is here to help! 

AminoGenesis LashGenesis

Sebum Selective Laser Wavelengths To Treat Acne

Acne has been around for decades and modern medicine is still looking for an appropriate cure. Answer may yet lie in the optical fields after all. 

A laser approach that selectively targets the sebaceous glands may prove to be an effective future therapy for acne. A paper was presented by Fernanda H. Sakamoto, M.D., Ph.D., at the 2012 annual meeting of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery.

Dr. Sakamoto is currently researching the concept of selective photothermolysis of sebaceous glands which could be a bona fide target in terms of an effective approach in treating acne. She and her team at Wellman Center for Photomedicine, department of dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston are studying different wavelengths and working on developing a laser that can selectively target and destroy the sebaceous glands.

To determine the wavelengths that could potentially target the sebaceous glands, Dr. Sakamoto studied the absorption spectra of natural and artificially prepared sebum ranging from 200 nm to 3,000 nm. In preliminary in vitro experiments, she used the Jefferson National Accelerator superconducting free electron laser (FEL) to measure photothermal excitation of aqueous gels and artificial sebum, and the sebaceous sites of pigskin, human scalp and forehead skin.

The in vitro skin samples were exposed to FEL pulses ranging from 1,620 nm to 1,720 nm, spot diameter 7 mm to 9.5 mm, with exposure through a cold 4 degrees Celsius sapphire window in contact with the skin.

Study Results 

Results of the study showed that both the artificial and natural sebum had absorption peaks near 1,210 nm, 1,728 nm, 1,760 nm, 2,306 nm and 2,346 nm. The laser-induced heating of the artificial sebum was found to be approximately twice that of water at 1,710 nm and 1,720 nm, and approximately one and a half times higher in human sebaceous glands compared to water.

Based on the results from this preliminary study, selective photothermolysis targeting the sebaceous glands looks promising, and though more research needs to be done, an effective laser treatment for acne does look feasible.

In the study, those skin samples exposed approximately to 1,700 nm with around 100 to 125 millisecond pulses demonstrated selective thermal damage to the sebaceous glands. In addition, none of the samples showed any epidermal trauma, underscoring the selectivity of the wavelength and the potential safety of the treatment approach.

In continued research, Dr. Sakamoto is studying three prototype diode lasers with three different wavelengths: 1,700 nm, 1,720 nm and 1,726 nm. Of these, the 1,726 nm wavelength appears to be the more effective option for targeting the sebaceous glands.

According to Dr. Sakamoto, the prototype laser can particularly target the sebaceous glands, whereas other currently available lasers used for acne treatment target water and vessels.

Conclusion:  The sebaceous glands are primarily composed of lipids and water. We hope that this new laser will be more efficient as well as more selective for those targets, offering a new, long lasting and more efficient treatment of acne.

Laser Assisted Liposuction

Laser assisted liposuction is a European technology designed to reduce the pain, swelling and bruising often associated with conventional liposuction methods. Its been also approved by FDA in USA for lipo-aspiration and skin tightening. What is Liposuction? Liposuction is the removal of excess fat bulges from areas of the body using suction tubes that are inserted into the body through small incisions. A vacuum pump is then attached to the hoses to remove the fatty cells. How Laser Liposuction Works? Laser liposuction works by focusing a laser’s low-energy waves onto the part of the body where the work is required. The waves penetrate the skin and weaken the membrane of the cells that hold the fat. The fat contained in these cells literally oozes out of the cells’ perimeter. Then a small incision in made and a tinny surgical instrument known as a cannula is inserted, which sucks the fat out of the area as in the conventional liposuction but without a major incision. The low-level energy laser is then reset for optimal pain management relief. For the final procedure of laser liposuction the laser is then reset again for anti-inflammatory, anti-swelling. This dramatically reduces the postoperative discomfort. The following day the patient usually returns for a second follow up session of pain management. Which areas can laser assisted liposuction be used? The areas that laser liposuction are most commonly used on women are the abdomen, hips, thighs and knees. On men it is common on the abdomen, love handles, enlarged breast, arms, and neck. Laser liposuction can also be used to remove the sweat glands from armpit area to reduce sweating without any danger of interfering with the body process of cooling itself. The Advantage Of Laser Liposuction Over Regular Liposuction The advantages of laser assisted liposuction become clear when compared to the conventional tumescent and ultrasonic-assisted. These two methods usually require a large period of recovery time compared to the short recovery time associated with laser assisted liposuction. When compared to conventional methods of liposuction laser assisted liposuction has greatly reduced swelling and bruising. Another advantage of laser-assisted liposuction is that most patients do not require any type of postoperative prescribed pain medication. Also, the time taken for safe laser liposuction is no longer than conventional liposuction and it is usually done under local anesthesia and sedative are the only medication that the patient will require for the duration of the procedure. If the patient wishes, the fat that is taken from the designated areas can be used to fill in other areas of the patient’s body that are lacking fat. The most common of these areas are the lips. Most of the patients that have laser liposuction can usually return to normal activities in just a few days.

Sports Drinks: Separating the Health from the Hype

It's almost summer time! We all know it’s important to stay hydrated before, during, and after exercise, but what is the best way to do that? Is water sufficient or do you need one of the many colorful sports drinks that line the shelves of grocery stores?

Electrolytes are substances that are present in the human body that are essential to the normal function of our cells and organs. They help maintain proper fluid balance and nerve and muscle functioning. The most commonly measured electrolytes are sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate. We lose electrolytes when we sweat. Maintaining a health balance of these electrolytes in the body is critical, which is why some experts recommend electrolyte replacement during and after exercise.

According to the American College of Sports Medicine, it’s important to drink approximately 17 ounces of fluid about two hours before exercise. This not only promotes adequate hydration, but also allows time for the body to excrete any excess water. They also recommend consuming fluids at regular intervals during exercise—prior to growing thirsty—in order to replace fluids lost as a result of sweating.

Most people hydrate with water, which is usually sufficient for hydration needs during moderate exercise. Fluid replacement needs vary depending on several factors: duration of exercise; intensity level of exercise; size; climate; and the type and degree of sweating.

Individuals who exercise at higher intensity levels, are heavier, and/or exercise in warmer climates may need more fluids than their counterparts who are smaller or live in cooler climates; however, it is unclear whether these individuals also need more electrolytes.

There is a big difference between the professional endurance athlete and the average weekend warrior. Professional athletes have hydration and replenishment down to a science—it’s their job. Typically professional athletes exercise for longer periods of time and at higher intensity levels than the average exerciser. As a result, their electrolyte replacement needs can be vastly different from yours.

The general rule of thumb is that if you are exercising for three hours or more, you may need an electrolyte replacement; less than that and water is probably sufficient. That said, individual bodies react differently to exertion. There are several questions to consider when choosing a fluid replacement:

• Are you well hydrated prior to exercise?
• How much do you sweat?
• What is the outdoor temperature?
• How long and at what intensity level do you plan to exercise?

More often than not, the average exerciser really only needs water. However, if you’re training for a marathon or other endurance event and your workouts start growing longer (3 hours or more) and/or you’re exercising in warm temperatures, you may want to consider adding an electrolyte replacement drink to the mix.

The Pros and Cons of Electrolyte Drinks

Electrolyte drinks sound like a good idea on paper—they contain sodium, potassium, and other essential electrolytes that we lose when we sweat. However, most sports drinks or electrolyte drinks are also loaded with sugar and slurping down these sugary concoctions may do more harm than good. Furthermore, they contain unhealthy additives and food colorings.

However, one benefit to sports drinks is that they do encourage people to stay hydrated. Many exercisers won’t drink plain water, so the sports drink is a way of encouraging hydration—electrolytes or not. In addition, many of these sports drinks contain carbohydrates, which act as fuel for the body and can delay the onset of fatigue.

Choose a Drink Wisely

Not all sports drinks are created equally—in fact, some would be better classified as sugar water. If you choose to use a sports or electrolyte drink during or after exercise, examine the ingredient label carefully.

Several companies are now bottling young coconut water, which is considered by many to be nature’s electrolyte replacement drink. Young coconut water contains a perfect blend of electrolytes and has a very mild taste.

Finally, you can make your own sports drink:

In the blender, combine:

32 ounces water

1 Tablespoon lemon juice

1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar

¼ teaspoon baking soda

1/8 teaspoon high quality sea salt

1-2 cups of fresh fruit

Sweetener of your choice (optional) (maple syrup, honey, agave)

Happy Exercising!