Anti Aging Skin Care Mag

GentleWaves LED Photomodulation system, a light-based skin rejuvenation treatment, has been given the green light by the FDA, adding to a growing number of home treatments in this category. GentleWaves uses light-emitting diodes for nonablative skin resurfacing and skin rejuvenation treatment.

Light based skin care has been available in beauty parlors and through qualified dermatologists for some years. With the launch of GentleWaves LED Photomodulation system, light based skin care treatment can be brought into the home, a move that could make it more widespread.

GentleWaves has been scientifically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles through the use of a patented system of pulsating amber-colored LEDs. These LEDs are specifically coded to increase collagen production while slowing down collagen breakdown. The device has initial FDA clearance for treating periorbital wrinkles, but the company is amassing clinical data about its effectiveness in several other aesthetic, and some non-aesthetic, indications.

GentleWaves LED Photomodulation technology is a novel approach to provide skin rejuvenation treatment in a rapid, safe and truly painless manner. GentleWaves is non-thermal, non-ablative and has no pain, side effects, or downtime. Quick and convenient for today’s fast-paced world, GentleWaves has been clinically proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles without pain, redness, peeling or downtime. Users spend less than one minute sitting in front of a cascading array of amber colored pulsating lights. As LED Photomodulation is a non-thermal, photo-biochemical process, it is one of the only technologies now available to safely treat all skin types resulting in noticeably softer, smoother and healthier-looking skin.

This technology is currently used by physicians around the world for both home and medical light therapies but many new applications for the GentleWaves technology can be expected in the future. The ability to extend this therapy for use in the home without a reduction in benefits is a significant advancement in treating aging skin. Physicians and scientists worldwide are now exploring how very low energy light interacts with not just skin, but all living cells in the body.

Source: FDA clears new light-based anti-wrinkle treatment

A new type of laser that goes deeper into the skin to help reduce wrinkles, tighten surface structures and treat pigmentation differences is now available. The technology potentially could be one of the last decade’s biggest advancements in laser skin firming and laser wrinkle treatment.

A scientific approach is taken to investigate this new type of laser as with all other new laser devices. The lasers are evaluated on tissue that has either been removed from patients or that are planned on removing so that its effect can be determined before using them to treating patients clinically.

The new carbon dioxide-based fractional laser, combines minute focused columns of laser-induced injury with heat deposition for less skin damage and quicker recovery time. Fractional lasers are like aerating your lawn, but you have normal lawn in between. This allows for more rapid healing because intact, normal skin bridges the gap between the laser-induced injured skin. Varying the distance between the holes, has an effect on the amount of tissues treated. The treatment parameters are determined by what is to be accomplished for each patient. What’s appealing about carbon dioxide lasers is that not only can you get surface and deeper skin changes, but you get heat that’s deposited into the skin resulting in improvement in wrinkles and skin tightening,

The new laser treatments are office-based procedures done on an out-patient basis, but may require some local or regional anesthetic, with recovery time related to the type of procedure. In most instances recovery is between three and five days. Depending on what’s required, procedure costs can range from $500 to $3,000 and are usually considered cosmetic. The popularity of out-patient, office-based laser procedures, have been rising as lasers have improved.

Americans spent more than $12 billion last year on cosmetic procedures, involving 11.5 million surgical and non-surgical procedures. Non-surgical procedures, which include laser treatments, accounted for about 83 percent of those procedures.

Source: New laser for wrinkle removal, acne scarring and tattoo removal

As long as people are young, their skin remains elastic, soft and fresh. But as they grow old, their skin tends to lose its freshness and youth and there comes the need to take measures when they notice the first signs of cellulite in their body. Building up of cellulite under the skin of a woman is an ugly phenomenon, but is not quite life threatening.

Although it can be easily and simply written off as a mere cosmetic problem, it signifies that there is an imbalance in the natural system of the body and that the body mechanism is not able to dissolve the fats into the blood stream.

The fact that how people live their lives, how they eat and how often or how little they exercise are the major contributory factors for building up of chemicals, fats and toxins in the body that help in the formation of cellulite.

Many of the experts have pointed out that leading a healthier way of living can reduce the levels of unhealthy and unsightly burden, and can prove to be a barrier for a pleasing aesthetic body.

What so ever, cellulite is something that nobody likes or wants. As years pass on, people play with the different methods to find out which one is the best solution to get rid of it. One of the most popular ways to get rid of the unwanted cellulite is laser treatment for cellulite. The process of the treatment is quite simple and relatively painless, producing remarkable results.

During this treatment, some tiny incisions in the skin are made round the affected area, tiny laser cyber optics probes are then gently inserted into the incisions. Then they get operated for breaking up the large pouches of fats, toxins and chemicals that are the part of the cellulite. The tiny cellulite particles then flow with the digestive system of the body and get out of it. In comparison to other mechanical ways of breaking up cellulite, laser treatment for cellulite has proved to be more swift and efficient method of doing so.

Laser is already a reputable and trustworthy solution for successfully treating stretch marks, eye circles, plus acne as well as fine wrinkles. Body massage, exercise and diet can also be successfully combined with laser treatment for cellulite. After this treatment, the skin becomes smooth, no matter which part of the body it is.

The biggest advantage of cellulite laser treatment is its effectiveness. A majority of persons who have gone through this procedure have noticed 95% reduction of cellulite, signifying that even if a little of cellulite is left over after the treatment, it is barely noticeable. In addition to that, it is a very quick method, and typically, only one session is required to achieve the desired results.

People who are really seriously about breaking up the cellulite in their body must consider about going with laser treatment for cellulite. But at the same time, it should not be forgotten that it is an expensive procedure, and as it is a cosmetic course of action, it is not likely to be covered by the insurance company.

About the Author

Catherine Tyler is the professional freelance writer and also the webmaster of http://www.dietslender.com , where you can find Diet Plans and Weight Loss Programs, and also which diet is right for you.

IPL therapy … OUCH! Have you ever stretched a rubber band to its limits then proceeded to snap it repeatedly all over your face? OUCH! The very first thing you need to know about an IPL therapy treatment it that it can HURT! It is highly recommended that you use the numbing cream prior to any ILP therapy or ~WARNING~ each zap is going to hurt.

So what is an IPL therapy treatment` intensive pulse light` like?

A small rectangular shaped wand, rather like an ingenious flashlight with a small vacuum cleaner type hose attached to a big huge machine which hums merrily in the back ground, zaps the targeted area of the skin when a button is pushed. You get to wear little dark opaque goggles to protect your eyes before a nice thick layer of cold gel is applied to the skin as protection prior to any zapping.

The zapping is immediately followed by a bright flash of light and a snapping sensation to the skin. Depending on your tolerance to pain and if you decided to used the numbing cream, the snapping can feel like a big rubber band stretched to its’ limit then released against your skin, YEOW!

If your skin has been numbed, the zap feels like a teeny little flick of a finger. The discomfort is tolerable, but trust me on this one, numbing cream is the way to go… why be uncomfortable?

Do IPL treatments work?

Intensive pulse light treatments are used for a variety of skin conditions, skin firming and hair removal depending on the wave length of the laser.

For photorejuvenation, IPL therapy is used to correct damaged areas of the skin as a result of hyperpigmentation. IPL therapy is extremely effective in getting rid of age spots as well as red, splotchy skin, even rosacea.

Professional facial laser treatments offer instant gratification in improving skin tone although there are new options for home facial laser treatments that are quite promising. Did you know that three to four home laser treatments are widely considered to equal one professional treatment?

After an IPL therapy treatment, your face might be a little swollen in spots and you will most likely notice some discoloration ranging from minor redness to small brownish splotches. Rather than be horrified, rejoice! That is evidence that the treatment is working effectively.

You will notice that the areas on your skin that discolor the most are the areas where you will see the most improvement once the discoloration fades in a week or so. The discoloration can be significant enough that if you look at your skin in a magnifying mirror, it will appear like your face was splattered with tiny little flecks of mud. This is an excellent sign that all those age spots and damaged areas of your skin will disappear when the skin recovers from the treatment.

It is also recommended by some IPL therapy treatment specialists that a facial peel a week or so after the treatment is helpful to get rid of that discoloration.

Are IPL treatments effective “In Perfecting Looks?”

Although results are immediately noticeable after the first treatment, several IPL therapy treatments, (which aren’t cheap by the way), are usually necessary to eradicate all age spots, sun damaged skin, spider veins and rosacea.

However, the end results are simply amazing! Age spots, GONE! Spider veins across the bridge of your nose, GONE! Ruddy cheeks, GONE! Under eye discoloration, GONE! It truly is awesome to see all those stubborn skin damaged areas literally vanish.

Did you know that IPL therapy treatments also reduce the size of enlarged pores, and stimulates collagen so that the skin becomes firmer with plumper with healthier skin cells? It all contributes to your skin looking so good and feeling great!

The very best feature of IPL therapy is that it DOES WORK… marvelously in fact! (And it you use the numbing cream, it isn’t even uncomfortable.)

And remember, there is no need to be peeled off the ceiling after the IPL zaps you, just slather on the numbing cream and you’ll be fine. Reclaiming a vision of loveliness is just zaps away.

Sue is a researcher and instructor on for The Skin Care e-Learning and Resource Center which provides education on Anti-Aging Skin Care and Facial Rejuvenation while focusing on skin rejuvenation strategies, techniques, and treatment options.

The introduction of fractionated laser technology now offers a treatment option which treats uneven pigmentation, lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and loose skin with results that last up 5 to 10 years.In a recent ASAPS study, chemical peels and microdermabrasions were among the most popular non-surgical cosmetic enhancement procedures.

Unfortunately, these procedures must be repeated several times a year to maintain their results. Chemical peels will help even skin pigmentation and improve the texture of the skin. Microdermabrasions remove the outer most layer of dead cells, which with multiple treatments reduces lentigenes or brown spots and makes the skin appear refreshed.

However, even when combined, chemical peels and microdermabrasions simply cannot effectively treat lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and loose skin.

Reliant Technologies, the originator of fractional laser skin resurfacing, offers a way to treat pigmentation and texture like chemical peels and microdermabrasion but also effectively treats lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and loose skin, often with a single treatment, that lasts for years.

Fraxel lasers are separated by two classes- Erbium and CO2, or non-ablative and ablative. The Fraxel Re:store is an Erbium non-ablative class laser. By employing a continuous scanning pattern, the practioner can control the density with which the laser treats the skin.

The laser coagulates microscopic pixels which penetrate 1.5 millimeters into the skin, called microthermal zones, which stimulate collagen synthesis for removal of lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and tightening the skin. This fractionated treatment also evens skin pigmentation and texture. Because this is a non-ablative laser, multiple treatments may be required to achieve optimal results.

The Fraxel Re:pair is a fractional ablative CO2 class laser, and is the only fractioned CO2 that has been clinically proven and received FDA clearance for treatment of lines, wrinkles, irregular pigmentation, textural abnormalities, and vascular dyschromia (redness). The Fraxel Re:pair has also been clinically proven to be effective in the treatment of acne and atrophic scars.

Utilizing the same continuous scanning technique as the Fraxel Re:store, a microscopic treatment zone is penetrated, removing old skin and causing an instantaneous contraction from untreated skin, producing a tightening effect. With minimal downtime and the risks associated with surgery removed, the Fraxel Re:pair treatment offers a preventative measure to someone who is considering a facelift in their future. Since this laser is ablative, a single treatment will produce significant results.

With the popularity of cosmetic procedures on the rise, it is important to know the effectiveness and implications of a procedure in order to determine what will work best for you. If you have enjoyed the benefits of facials and microdermabrasions, consider laser resurfacing as a means to acheive more significant and permanent results.

About the Author
Karl Swanson, M.D., is a graduate of the University of Illinois Medical School. He served as a Flight Surgeon in the United States Air Force and is currently the Medical Director of Ultimate Image Cosmetic Medical Center located in Clearwater, Florida.

Dr. Lorrie Klein answers some common questions regarding Fraxel Laser Treatments.

1. What is Fraxel™ Laser Treatment (FLT) and what does it do?

The Fraxel laser treatment is a revolutionary way to reverse the signs of aging. It is the most powerful and effective no-down-time anti-aging laser ever developed.

This non-surgical procedure smoothes wrinkles and erases scars brown spots, and stimulates the production of smoother, healthier looking skin with minimal to no down time. Skin tone, color and elasticity also improve. Any area of the body can be treated: face, chest, neck, hands and arms, even legs! Best of all, results can be seen immediately!

2. How is it different than other anti-aging treatments and how does it work?

Fraxel is unlike any other rejuvenating skin treatment. Unlike old ablative lasers that remove the top layer of skin, the FLT procedure produces tiny microscopic wounds separated by areas of unaffected, healthy tissue. The spared healthy tissue between treatment zones contains living cells that promote rapid healing of the outer skin layers.

At the same time, energy penetrates deep into the dermis to remodel collagen. Thus, FLT results approach the improvements obtained with CO2 laser resurfacing but without the associated side effects or downtime.

3. What is the difference between ablative and non-ablative treatments?

Ablative techniques, such as CO2 laser resurfacing and deep chemical peels regenerate skin with dramatic results, but are associated with significant side effects, risks and prolonged healing and recovery times.

Non-ablative techniques such as CoolTouch laser, carry fewer risks but require numerous treatments over several months, with results appearing slowly over time.

FLT combines the benefits of an ablative procedure with the low risks and minimal to no down time of a non-ablative treatment.

4. How long does a treatment take and what will I look like afterwards? When will I see results?

Treatments last 20-80 minutes. Side effects are minimal and typically involve mild-to-moderate swelling and redness which usually subsides within several days. Skin may also appear to have a bronzed appearance for several days. Routine activities can be resumed immediately after treatment.

Many patients return to work the next day. Make-up can be worn the next day if desired. Results may be seen as early as one week, although additional improvement through collagen remodeling will continue for several months. Older models of the Fraxel laser require a blue dye to be used which discolored the face for 1-2 days. The newer, upgraded models no longer require blue dye. Make sure to ask if your doctor is using the newer upgrade.

5. How many treatments are needed and how often can I be treated?

Although some results may be seen after just 1 treatment, at least 3 treatments are usually needed for optimal results. Four to five treatments may be needed for patients with significant sun damage. Treatments are usually performed 4 weeks apart. This helps achieve results much faster than with non-ablative treatments.

6. How can I maintain my results?

Since your skin will continue to age naturally, we recommend maintaining your results. This helps slow down aging and keeps your skin younger looking, longer. Maintenance can be achieved using physician-strength rejuvenation products at home and having periodic non-ablative treatments in our office.

Microdermabrasion, Vibradermabrasion and Vbeam treatments can be used individually or in combination to maintain your investment. Annual or semi-annual FLT’s also helps maintain your results. And of course, always wear your hat and sunscreen when outdoors.

7. Are there any risks or side effects?

Scabbing, blisters, and changes in skin color can occasionally occur. Scarring is extremely rare (less than 1%.) These side effects are unlikely to occur when treated in an experienced dermatology or plastic surgery office. Make sure the physician or nurse doing your treatment is very experienced. For example, we have performed over 1400 Fraxel treatments in our office over the last 2 years.

8. Can Fraxel treatments be combined with other rejuvenation treatments?

Absolutely, V-Beam Laser can be used to remove redness and dilated blood vessels. Botox can be combined with FLT to relax deep wrinkles. Juvederm, Restylane and other fillers can be injected into deep furrows and used to plump lips.

Dr. Klein, a board-certified dermatologist, founder of Euro Day Spa, LK Dermatology & Laser, a trainer for Botox, Juvederm, Radiesse and Artefill and is one of the top BOTOX injectors in the US.