Laser | Beauty and Fashion Tech

Dec 21, 2011

What Will Be The Next Big Thing In Beauty?

December 21, 2011 By Carleenp 4 Comments

Beauty technology has come a long way, particularly over the past few decades. Women now use pulsed light and lasers to treat skin conditions and prevent wrinkles, hair color no longer leaves hair looking fake and frizzy, and gel nails can be cured under UV light for weeks of chip free wear. What is next? Several dermatologists and professionals in the beauty industry gave their opinion on the next big thing beauty. Here are the top five responses:

Non-Invasive Fat Removal

The ability to freeze fat with a painless and non-invasive procedure already exists, and multiple dermatologists predicted that it will become the next big beauty fad, with advances toward home fat removal machines. Using Coolsculpting by Zeltiq, patients spend one to four hours with a non-invasive cooling device on an area of fat that they want to eliminate. A few months following the treatment, the fat disappears. Debra Jaliman, a New York Board Certified Dermatologist and author of the upcoming book, Skin Rules: Trade Secrets From a Top New York Dermatologist, notes that the product is expected to be available in a hand piece soon, with the ability to treat the arms and thighs, while Kathleen Stegman, Founder of Midwest Medical Aesthetics, predicts that home machines will be developed to accomplish the same effect.

Collagen Renewal With Radiofrequency

Jailman predicts that the next big development in skin care will be from Thermage CPT, which uses radiofrequency to stimulate the body’s natural renewal of collagen. According to Jailman, it can work to tighten any area, such as the face, eyes, arms and legs. It is safe, effective, has no downtime, and patients can expect to see up to 10% tightening within 6 months.

Additional Increases in Needleless Technology

Aside from noninvsive fat removal and the use of radiofrequency devices, Dermatologists on the whole tend to predict large increases in other forms of non-invasive needleless technology. Dr. Shirely Madhere, of Soho Aesthetics and Plastic Surgery expects to see increases in light based technology and the use of stem cells to develop various non-invasive treatments that will produce surgical results without the surgery. Stegman also predicts that stem cell technology will continue to rise in importance.

Affordable Injections and Fillers

Multiple Dermatologists and beauty professionals observed that injections and fillers such as Botox, Juvederm, and Artfill have become more and more affordable. But products with multiple uses that will both relax wrinkles and fill lines are just around the corner and are expected to be rather affordable. What were once products reserved for those with extra money to spend will become standard for many women.

Healthy Hair Care

Mikayla DeSomer, a hair stylist in Naperville, IL, observes that hair care has entered a "green era” in which products have become increasingly healthier. For example, there now are products that are vegan and gluten free, as well as low ammonia, and organic products. Straighteners have evolved from relaxers that contain lye, to silky keratin treatments. Even in the short time that keratin treatments have been around, they have evolved from controversial unhealthy services, to formaldehyde free.

With respect to the next big thing in the beauty industry, De Somer feels that the clients dictate the future of hair and beauty. She notes that the upper class will always have access to more expensive, exclusive treatments, which sends companies into a frenzy to come up with a less expensive way to do the same thing. More often than not, that process cheapens the product and gives less of a perfect result. However, De Somer believes that this process is about to change with low maintenance, green products and services as the wave of the future. She notes, “as glam gets bigger, we want it faster and cheaper. If we can create a keratin treatment that will do the job, and have no trace of formaldehyde, etc., that will boost these treatments into being just as popular as the perm in the 80's.”

As beauty technology evolves, we have much to look forward to. The future of beauty looks brighter than ever!

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Filed Under: Beauty Tech, Hair Care, Lasers, LED Light Therapy, Skin Care Tagged With: Beauty Tech, Coolsculpting, Laser, LED Light Therapy, Skin Care

Dec 12, 2011

Chemical Peels v. Laser Peels, Which Is Right for You?

December 12, 2011 By Carleenp 1 Comment

There is no question that peels, whether chemical or laser, can do wonders for the skin. For people battling acne or melasma, peels can be especially beneficial, while for those with general anti-aging concerns, peels can leave the skin looking brighter, smoother, and firmer. But with so many chemical and laser treatment options, which is right for you? Read below for information on choosing the right peel to meet your needs.

Chemical Peels

Chemical Peels typically use an acid to slough off dead skin and reveal the new skin underneath. As Dr. Neal Schultz, a board certified dermatologist in New York, explains, there are three types of chemical peels, superficial, medium and deep.

Superficial chemical peels

Superficial peels are the most popular and most common peels and also are the most affordable. They work using glycolic or salicylic acid to dissolving dead skin cells on the surface of the skin which restore sheens and luster, and makes the skin smoother. These are what are often referred to as “lunchtime peels,” because they can be done easily over a lunch hour, are painless, and have no recovery time. In order to get meaningful and visible results, Dr. Shultz recommends a series of 4-6 superficial chemical peels every week or every other week.

Often superficial peels are available not just in a dermatologist’s office, but at spas or even at home. For a great home peel, try the Brazilian Peel, a peel of 10% glycolic acid that tends to show noticeable results after 4 weekly home treatments. for something a bit stronger, look to local spas an dermatologists.

Medium and Deep Chemical Peels

Medium and Deep peels work to address deeper problems in the skin and, according to Dr. Glenn Kolansky, a Board Certified Dermatologist in New Jersey, are often the next step for people who seek greater results than a glycolic or other superficial peel can give. These peels also often work better at addressing pigmentation problems and acne. TCA (Trichloroacetic Acid) peels are one of The older and most common forms of medium peels, and the depth of the peel is determined by the strength of the acid or the time it is left on the skin.

Greater effects might be seen from a medium or deeper peel, but Dr. Kolansky cautions that the key to remember is that while more skin damage from the peel can show greater skin improvement, it also can have more side effects and down time. One prime example of this is the VI peel.

As a newer peel, the VI peel, is also getting quite a bit of attention for its ability to address pigmentation issues, such as melasma, and acne. The VI peel works by using high concentrations of glycolic acid, azaelic acid, retinol and vitamin C, and causes actual “peeling.” Many women report excellent results, but also report heavy redness akin to a sun burn, followed by a peeling of the dead skin, again similar to the effects of sun damage. A red appearance and peeling can last for up to a week. But a majority of women also tend to report excellent later results and highly recommend the peel.

Laser Peels

Laser peels go even further than chemical peels and often are ideal for those with significant melasma, acne, and deep acne scarring. Dr Shultz particularly recommends laser peels, stating:

“I love laser resurfacing. It will take away the browns, but nothing to take away the reds on your skin. It certainly take away fine lines, some medium lines, and makes the skin tighter-it just makes it look a lot better.”

Older lasers are “ablative,” meaning that they will take off the top layer of skin. The result is heavy downtime with a week or two of raw skin that requires the application of compresses, and month or more of redness afterward. However, newer technology focuses on non-ablative, fractional technology, which does not remove the full top layer of skin. Dr Schultz explains that these types of laser have little downtime-perhaps a day or two of redness, but in order to be effective multiple treatments are needed and the final result isn’t quite as good as what is seen from an ablative laser.

Laser peels can be done alone, or in combination with chemical peels. Kathleen Stegman, Founder of Midwest Medical Aesthetics, reports that she thinks combination treatments work best, stating that “a chemical peel done before any other procedure will help reduce the dead skin layer and allow the laser to perform better.”

Stegman prefers the non-burning lasers, such as the Portrait PSR, over other lasers such as Fraxel, CO2, and Erbium, because it does not burn skin. Instead, it uses a nitrogen plasma that goes under the skin while leaving the top layer intact to act a a wound dressing.

In the end, Laser peels offer the greatest result, but that comes with much greater expense. Downtime with a laser peel is often greater than that of chemical peels, and lasers are expensive, with treatments often running well over $1,000.

Recommendations

When considering peels, start with some light chemical peels. This will help you determine how sensitive your skin is to the process and also get you accustomed to it. Over time, if you want greater results, it is easy to move up to deeper peels or to laser technology. Those who simply seek brighter smoother skin will likely never have a need to go to the expense and downtime of a laser, while those with serious melasma, acne scarring, or those who seek serious treatment of fine and medium lines, will mostly likely find the best overall results from laser peels.

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Filed Under: Beauty Tech, Lasers, Skin Care Tagged With: Acne Treatment, Chemical Peels, Laser, Melasma Treatment, Peels, Skin Care

Nov 28, 2011

The Evolution of Beauty Products

November 28, 2011 By Carleenp 1 Comment

Beauty products have come a long way through the ages. Back in the times of ancient Egypt, women in power used milk to treat their skin and pigments to stain their nails, while today women perform home glycolic peels and sport chip proof shellac. Products such as these continue to improve and evolve. The future may see truly chip proof nail polish that is also healthy for the nails and promotes growth, while a non-invasive fat freezing machine is likely to be one of the next big things in beauty.

Below are 6 common beauty products and procedures that have come a long way through the ages and will continue to evolve well into the future. In many cases, such as in the case of increasingly natural and gentle hair color, the evolution is of benefit to beauty lovers. But in some cases, such as in the formulation of hair spray, evolution of the product may result in something less desirable for the consumer, but will be more beneficial for the environment.

Nail Polish

Nail polish dates back to ancient Egypt where women of rank colored their nails with dark red pigments. Women of lower rank were limited to use of pale shades. The Chinese developed a colored lacquer that was left on the nails for several hours and then removed, leaving a stain behind. Nail color later evolved into easier to use tints and stains, and women took to buffing tinted nails to also make them shiny. But it was the advent of the automobile and the technology of the paint for it that led to the nail polishes that we see today.

In recent years, nail polish technology has grown immensely. Now standard polish is seen in holographic, glitter, and matte shades. Magnetic polish that is applied and then altered with a magnet in the cap is also available for an interesting look. But the largest evolution is in gel polish and shellacs which, as Linda Massey of Rick and Company Salon and Spa in Sioux City, IA, notes, can last for two weeks without chipping. However, they are a bit hard on the nails and are not the easiest of products to remove. With shellac being in its early stages, one can expect the technology to continue to evolve to the point where chip proof polish that is also healthy and easy to change will become the norm.

Exfoliation and Peels

The use of substances to keep skin soft and blemish free also dates back to ancient Egypt, when women of power discovered the power of lactic acid in milk for skin care. Over the years, women have used all sorts of substances to exfoliate the skin, many being rather abrasive. But the past 20 years have seen an increase in the ability to exfoliate gently, yet effectively. Devices such as the Clarisonic, now use sonic technology to clean and exfoliate skin, while more gentle glycolic peels, such as the Brazillian Peel, can now be performed at home. Microdermabrasion is no longer limited to the dermatologist’s office, with devices no available for microdermabrasion at home. In the future, expect to see less and less invasive ways to obtain clear skin through the use of light therapy, sonic therapy, and increasingly gentle, yet powerful chemical peels.

Shaving and Hair Removal

Women began shaving around 1915, when an ad campaign targeting underarm hair as unsightly appeared in Harper’s Bazaar and was coupled with the rise in popularity of sleeveless dresses. Over time, women also moved to shaving their legs and various other forms of hair removal, such as through the use of depilatories. In the 1980’s the painful epilady was introduced and waxing started to come into fashion. Since then, epilation and waxing, while still uncomfortable, have been improved, but the biggest development has been laser hair removal.

Laser hair removal is effective for those with lighter skin and preferably darker hair. People with dark skin cannot use it, as the laser targets pigment and is not safe for use on darker skin. The past 5 years have seen a rise in popularity of effective home laser hair removal devices, such as the Tria Laser, with many reporting permanent hair removal after six to nine months of regular use. In the future, watch for developments in permanent hair removal for people of color, either through new developments in laser technology or through improvements to alternate devices, such as the Verseo eGlide, which purports to permanently remove hair through the use of a galvanic current, making it safe for people with darker skin.

Fat Loss

One of the most interesting advancements that may be just around the corner is in the area of fat reduction. Over the years, numerous weight loss methods targeting fat have been developed and, with the exception of normal dieting and liposuction, have generally failed. It is generally understood that fat cannot be vibrated or rolled away, despite the popularity of machines in the 60s,70s, and 80 that promised to do so. Liposuction, which became popular in the past 25 years, does work to remove fat, but it is painful and invasive. However, a new evolution may be just around the corner.

According to Debra Jaliman, a New York Board Certified Dermatologist and author of the upcoming book, Skin Rules: Trade Secrets From a Top New York Dermatologist, Coolsculpting by Zeltiq is a non-invasive way of freezing fat in order to slim and contour the belly, love handles, and back. Patients spend one to four hours with a cooling device on the area of fat that they want to eliminate and the fat disappears two to four months later. The product is expected to be available in a hand piece soon to treat the arms and thighs. Kathleen Stegman, Founder of Midwest Medical Aesthetics, predicts that similar home machines will be developed and become popular, given that obesity is a growing issue.

Hair Color

Synthetic hair color came about in 1907 from the French chemist Eugene Schueller. His commercial hair dye went on to become the well known name of L’Oreal. Hair color evolved from there to dyes that penetrated the hair shaft for longer lasting results, leading to the formation of the Clairol company. But early hair color products often appeared false and were harsh on the hair.

Over time, hair color has evolved into products that are more gentle and less damaging to the hair and skin, while also providing more realistic color. Organic products, and even gluten free products, have become available for those who desire them. According to Mark Kuzma, owner and educator of Laboratory Hair Studio in Morristown, NJ, we can expect to see further developments in the area of gentle, yet long lasting and vibrant hair color.

Hair Spray

Developed in the 1940s, hair spray used to be anything by soft and manageable. Originally called resin, it consisted of a substance similar to shellac, which created a sticky film when dry. “Helmet head” was the norm with older styles of spray.

In the 1970s, chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) aerosols were phased out to protect the ozone layer, and Alberto VO5 went on to become the first brand to provide a CFC free aerosol. During recent years, hair spray has become softer and more manageable, with many products focusing on light hold so that the hair retains a natural look and movement.

Very recent developments, however, don’t bode as well for the favorite sprays of some stylists. Hairspray normally contains alcohol and sometimes other ingredients that are known as Volatile Organic Carbons (VOCs), which are implicated in the formation of ozone and affect global warming. As a result, restrictions on the use of VOCs have increased over the years. As Kuzma explains, new VOC limits effective in January 2012 will require hairspray manufacturers to change their formulas to increase the amount of water in the formula, leading to a wetter spray. He states that “some of us will be losing our favorite sprays because that will not work in some cases.” So in this case, evolution of the product is beneficial for the environment, but perhaps not so beneficial for consumers who use the products.

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