Physicists Find Clues to the Evolution of Wrinkles

Researchers at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst have been studying the evolution of wrinkles in a recent dermatological study, and have published several papers in the current issue of Physical Review Letters about their findings. Scientists are attempting to understand the formation of wrinkles in biological tissue, and looked at how wrinkles in a sheet adapt to an edge that tends to be flat.

In a related study, researchers looked at the transition from soft wrinkles to sharper folds, and proved that folds in the tissue, like the edges of a neatly made bed, strain the sheet and help to smooth out wrinkles.

Physicists are looking primarily at the superficial causes and effects of wrinkle formation, but for many years, researchers have also taken a close look at the effects of toxins in the environment, the role of antioxidants in the diet, and the effects of various skin care products in the formation of wrinkles. Many experts suggest that wrinkle formation is largely the result of genetics and lifestyle factors, such as smoking, diet and exercise.  Wrinkle treatments such as laser skin resurfacing and skin rejuvenation procedures can help to reverse many of the signs of aging.

Individuals who spend a lot of time in the sun do increase their risk of getting wrinkles because UV rays can break down collagen in the skin which makes the skin weaker. Overexposure to the sun can cause premature wrinkles around the eyes, mouth and nose, and also increase the chances of skin cancer.

Some experts suggest that a balanced diet that contains a high concentration of antioxidant-rich foods can also ward off wrinkles and improve the skin’s appearance. Foods that are high in antioxidants may help to increase the firmness of the skin and increase skin elasticity. Some foods that are high in antioxidants and also contain iron can help bring oxygen to the skin and prevent premature aging.

Lumixyl Treats Skin Discoloration without Side Effects

Many people with skin discoloration have turned to hydroquinone and other skin lightening agents to help brighten up the skin and reduce pigmentation. However, recent studies in Europe have shown that hydroquinone can be harmful to one’s health and may have some toxic side effects. Other skin lightening agents may cause hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation of the skin, resulting in an even more uneven skin tone.

Fortunately, there are now other options. At the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology this March, Keith Veseleny, Editor of American Health & Beauty, talked about the benefits of Lumixyl, a new skin lightening compound that can effectively reduce age spots, brown spots and signs of sun damage on all types of skin.

Mr. Veseleny explains, “Traditionally we have hydroquinone which is used for this purpose, but now we have something else. It’s really an exciting product…it’s exciting because it’s a natural peptide that’s used and it doesn’t have any cytotoxic properties, and it’s shown to be quite effective in helping with skin pigmentation.”

Lumixyl can be used to treat a number of pigmentation problems including post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, melasma and superficial pigmentation from the sun or scars. Dr. Ashish Bhatia, a board certified dermatologist in Chicago, reports that he is already using Lumixyl to treat sunspots and age spots, and it can even be used to treat seborrheac keratosis and lesions that are not responding to hydroquinone treatments.

Lumixyl can be used on all skin types, and is not irritating. It may be used in conjunction with a glycolic acid so that skin cells can turn over quickly, and can be delivered deeper into the skin using microdermabrasion and silk peels.

Dr. Bhatia says that Lumixyl is a “perfect compliment” to many other cosmetic procedures, and is an attractive option for patients that want to improve their skin tone and achieve results in a short period of time.

Nanotechnology Increases Effectiveness of Skin Products

Nanotechnology may have a future in cosmetic products, as researchers continue to study the effects of nano-sized particles in topical skincare solutions including sunscreens and anti-aging serums.

Several major cosmetic manufacturers are waiting for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to approve the safety of the technology, and are still researching the side effects and outcomes of certain applications.

Products that incorporate nanotechnology are being manufactured at a steady rate, and many clothing manufacturers are already making use of the nanomaterials to increase wrinkle resistance and water repellance in certain types of clothing. The cosmetic industry has begun developing products that can enhance the effects of sunscreen, lipstick, eye shadow, shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer and even certain types of perfumes.

Dermatologist Adnan Nasir, MD, PhD, FAAD, clinical assistant professor in the department of dermatology at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, presented an overview of nanotechnology and how nanoparticles may eventually be used in cosmetic products at the 68^th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology in Miami this past month. Dr. Nasir states, “Research in the area of nanotechnology has increased significantly over the years, and I think there will be considerable growth in this area in the near future…the challenge is that a standard has not been set yet to evaluate the safety and efficacy of topical products that contain nanosized particles.”

Dr. Nasir reports that nanotechnology does offer a number of benefits for use in anti-aging products, and when properly engineered, may be able to deliver topical products such as retinoids and growth factors deep into the skin’s layer for enhanced skin rejuvenation benefits. For the consumer, these products may be a little more expensive than traditional products, but may be more effective in the long-run because they can produce better results and improve the health and resilience of the skin overall.

(Source: Medical News Today)

“The Early Show” Showcases Latest Developments in Cosmetic Surgery

“The Early Show” on CBS News recently showcased some of the latest developments in cosmetic and plastic surgery in a special broadcast called “New Year, New You.”

Thousands of Americans are already making plans to update their look in 2010, and plastic surgeons are unveiling a wide range of innovative procedures including Zerona non-invasive liposuction, and minimally invasive breast lifts.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that more than 12 million plastic surgery procedures were performed in 2009 alone – despite the economy – and that Americans forked over about $10 billion to get liposuction, breast implants, facelifts, body lifts and body contouring procedures.

While plastic surgeons did experience the effects of the economic downturn, many were able to introduce minimally-invasive procedures to their practice such as Botox, injectable fillers and surgery-free body contouring procedures such as VelaShape and Thermage skin tightening treatments. These helped to increase patient traffic and also gave plastic surgeons a chance to introduce prospective patients to pricier procedures.

The Early Show’s special feature covered some of the latest developments in plastic surgery including the ongoing debate between silicone and saline implants, and also put the spotlight on SmartLipo treatments another procedure that has been making waves across the country. Dysport was also in the limelight during the segment, the latest injectable that promises results similar to Botox. Dysport works in the exact same ways as Botox, but costs about 20 percent less, according to CBSNews.com.

Another up-and-coming treatment for 2010 is the eMatrix facial rejuvenation procedure. This laser-like treatment is an innovative skin tightening procedure that promises to strengthen and tone the skin, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and rejuvenate the face and neck areas. Most people need about three treatments in order to see results, and it is currently available at select medical spas and cosmetic surgery centers across the United States.

Swiss Apple May be Anti Aging Ingredient of the Moment in 2010

While the acai berry was deemed the superfood and anti aging ingredient of the moment for 2009, 2010 may be the year of the Swiss Apple.

Scientists are speculating that the Swiss Apple is designed with a set of resilient stem cells that may help to reduce wrinkles and prevent skin cells from dying. These rare cells could be the answer for reducing the effects of aging, and beauty companies including Lancome are already producing a set of serums and beauty treatments made with Swiss apple extracts.

Research on the effects of human stem cells that can ward off the signs of aging has been underway in recent years, but new advancements in the field of vegetal stem cells may be a more attractive option for beauty product manufacturers and anti aging specialists to delve into.

Stem cells from a very rare Swiss apple tree were reportedly cultivated over 300 hundred years ago and are virtually extinct in the modern world. The trees have been found in an isolated region in the Alps and there are currently eight trees that are being used for research purposes.

According to the UK’s Independent, “Studies to investigate the effect of the ingredient, for example by Lancome or Mibelle Biochemistry, yieled encouraging results, with 80 to 100 percent of participants confirming a notable change in their appearance.” (Source: The Independent)

There are currently two products made with Swiss apple stem cells that will be available for consumers in 2010. One is the Emerge Stem Cell Swiss Apple Serum made with purified water, PhytoCellTec™ Stem Cell extracts, glycerin, phenoxyethanol collagen, squalane and dehydroacetic acid. Another is the Goldfaden Stem Cell Serum made with chondurs crispus (seaweed) extract, purified water, hyaluronic acid, malus domsetica fruit cell culture and red tea extract.

ATX-104 Light Activated Dermal Filler Under Review

Today’s most popular dermal fillers include Restylane, Juvederm and Botox, and hyaluronic acid fillers ar frequently used to correct wrinkles and fine lines, reshape and contour the face, and to create a more youthful appearance. Researchers are now reviewing an innovative dermal filler called ATX-104.

Unlike regular injectables that are simply injected into the skin to produce immediate results, the ATX-104 works only after it comes into contact with an external light source. After it is injected, the filler is shaped and polymerized transdermally with the help of external light.

The ATX-104 filler is based on KYTHERA’s proprietary photochemistry platform and has been developed at Johns Hopkins University. Scientists are studying the effects of the light reaction, and working on ways to optimize the filler so that it can create dramatic results and be used to reshape the face.

Different types of injectable fillers can produce different results based on the strength of the filler, and the person’s existing skin conditions. Hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane are commonly used to reshape the face, fill out wrinkles and lines around the mouth and nose, and to correct sagging skin. Botox is most commonly used to correct deep wrinkles on the forehead, but also has other uses including treating headaches and migraines, or stopping sweating.

So far, the ATX-104 system has been able to produce better results than many of the fillers that are readily available. It is still undergoing testing, and Kythera Biopharmaceuticals has announced that the first in-human trial of the light-activated filler was successful.

Kythera Biopharmaceuticals is a biotechnology company based out of California, and was started by former employees of Amgen. It has about $40 million in funding, and is working on the ATX-104 system, along with three other products designed specifically for the aesthetic market.

Researchers Report Acetaminophen May Be an Anti-Aging Drug

Researchers at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia have been studying the effects of acetaminophen, a common pain reliever in the United States, and its link to helping prevent muscle loss due to aging.

Study leader Dr. Eric Blough reports that, “Using a model that closely mimics many of the age-associated physiological changes observed in humans, we were able to demonstrate that chronic acetaminophen treatment in a recommended dosage is not only safe but might be beneficial for the treatment of the muscle dysfunction many people experience as they get older.” (Source: UPI.com)

Anti-aging specialists involved with the study examined how acetaminophen plays a role in the regulation of protein kinase B, an enzyme that is responsible for maintaining healthy cell functioning and also plays a role in cellular metabolism. Researchers found that acetaminophen administered to aging animals could help to restore Akt activity that would help improve muscle cell size and reduce the risk of muscle cell death – one of the key signs of aging.

Another study published in the Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews journal in March 2009 reveals that acetaminophen may also be effective at keeping high blood sugar levels under control. As a result, acetaminophen may be an effective anti-aging drug with multiple benefits, and can be used to treat many different types of conditions.

Another anti-aging drug that has been in the news lately is resveratrol, a drug that may have longevity-enhancing benefits. Scientists have been studying the role of reserveratrol and its effects on slowing down the progression of heart disease, breast cancer, Alzheimer’s and several other age-related diseases. Research funded in part by the National Institute on Aging has been published in the Nature and Cell journals, and Reserveratrol is now sold in the mainstream market.

The effects and benefits of acetaminophen have yet to be tested in humans, as the initial study was conducted only on mice.

SkinTyte Promises to Correct Sagging Skin without Surgery

The SkinTyte laser is designed to firm and tighten skin without surgery, and is starting to become available at several medical spas and aesthetic surgery centers around the country.

The SkinTyte treatment is designed by a company called Sciton and can be administered to the face, abdomen or neck area to firm up and tone loose skin – all without anesthetic or needles.

According to a recent report by The Plastic Surgery Channel, the surgeon uses the SkinTyte pulsing laser device to emit heat deep into the skin tissues which in turn, triggers collagen production. This produces a tightening and firming effect that can help to strengthen the skin tissues over time and make it more resilient. The SkinTyte operation uses both heat and a thermo-electric cooling system to prevent burning and injury to the skin tissues, and also to reduce discomfort during the procedure.

The average treatment takes just 45 minutes, and the patient can see results immediately, and over a period of a few weeks after surgery.

In addition to correcting sagging skin, SkinTyte can be used as a single treatment to reduce the appearance of acne scars, tighten up skin after face or neck lift surgery, or after Botox to enhance results of the anti-wrinkle treatment. It may also be used after microdermabrasion or chemical peels to enhance results and even out the skin tone and texture.

SkinTyte treatments have been deemed safe for all skin types and can be administered on the face, abdomen, arms and neck area. Since the procedure uses a broadband of light energy to heat up the skin, this also promotes the skin cell renewal process while increasing contraction of collagen. This helps create long-lasting, ongoing results that can be enhanced with regular treatments. Each session can be spaced out over a course of three to four weeks, and most people need at least two to five sessions to see significant results.

Massachusetts Pharmaceutical Company Begins Clinical Trials on Anti-Aging Drug

Americans spend billions of dollars every year on cosmetic surgery procedures that reverse the signs of aging, and on vitamin supplements that promote longevity and well-being. However, tapping into the ‘fountain of youth’ may soon be as easy as taking a pill.

According to a recent study by scientists at the Sirtis Pharmaceuticals center in Cambridge, Massachusetts, a class of drugs called sirtuin activators may have an anti-aging effect that increases the lifespan.  In recent years, scientists have been documenting the effects of calorie restriction and genetic modifications of single gene. Both of these strategies show that these changes can bypass the natural aging process and increase the lifespan by as much as 40 percent.

Sirtuin activators may have a similar effect, and clinical trials of the drug Resveratrol show that doses may help to slow down the aging process and protect the body from certain diseases. While the drug has yet to be proven in a large-scale clinical trial, scientists are hopeful that this could be the ‘miracle pill’ that we’ve been looking for.

According to a recent article in OneMedPlace.com, other companies are making attempts to replicate the effects of Resveratrol and produce supplements and drugs that may also slow down aging and the onset of age-related disorders. Drugs such as Juvenon, a cellular health supplement, is being developed at the University of California, Berkeley and will be marketed as a dietary supplement. This will prevent it from being subject to pre-market clearance that is required of standard drugs on the market.

BioMarker Pharmaceuticals is another company that is diving into the anti-aging research market. BioMarker is focusing its efforts on translating the discovery of genes responsible for age-ralted diseases and for triggering the aging process, and are working on wellness products that may slow down the aging process.

Dr. Perricone Introduces Anti-Aging Perfume

Dr. Nicholas Perricone, one of the industry’s leading anti-aging specialists, has recently introduced a new fragrance that promises to improve memory and mental clarity, reduce stress and boost self-confidence. The Neuropeptide Synergy elixir is now available on the market for $5 a drop, or $250 for a 25 ml bottle. Smaller quantities priced at $75 are also available, and it’s the first of its kind to promise the effects of a youthful state of mind with just a sniff.

The ‘magic’ behind this elixir is the mix of fragrances that deliver pheromones to the brain, causing several changes in the mental state and improving overall well-being. It’s been deemed an ‘anti aging perrfume’ because it uses the power of neuropeptides to increase the level of pheromones circulating in the body. The product just needs to be dabbed on the wrists or the nape of the neck, and results can be experienced within a few minutes.

Dr. Perricone’s prescription and message for fighting the signs of aging is to reduce stress and strengthen the immune system in several different ways.

Dr. Perricone encourages everyone to eat a well-balanced diet that contains an abundance of fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and to take supplements such as Omega-3 fatty acids and a vitamin complex to maintain good health. He specializes in skin care and skin health, and sells several anti-aging skincare products over the counter.

The Neuropeptide Synergy elixir is the latest addition to the anti-aging lineup, and it is designed to reduce stress and eliminate unpleasant feelings or negative energy that can lead to anxiety, depression and excessive fatigue. It acts primarily as a stress relieving perfume that may help many people calm down naturally, thereby reducing excess stress on the immune system and protecting the cells.