FYI Cosmetics

There has been much discussion over which hair removal treatments work more efficiently, intense pulsed light (IPL) or laser. IPL is often confused as a laser, however it is not. It is a non coherent light source which uses every wavelength of light in the visible spectrum and a little into the infrared spectrum, from 550nm to up to 1200nm. Laser light is coherent and uses a specific wavelength depending on the medium used (for example an Alexandrite laser has a wavelength of 755nm). The differences between IPL and Laser for hair removal are specific to the kind of light used and the size and shape of the spot.

The IPL is sometimes also called flash lamp therapy. The light emitted is filtered to settings for its indicated use, in this case hair removal. This filtered light is flashed from a rectangular hand piece onto the skin, targeting the pigment in the hair. The light is intended to cause thermal and mechanical damage to the hair follicles without affecting the surrounding tissue. The filtered light of the IPL cannot always successfully block out the wavelengths of light. Inconsistent energies emitted can cause the IPL to become confused and attracted to numerous targets at the same time. This includes pigmented lesions, skin color, and hair follicles. Deeper wavelengths within this broad spectrum are attracted to water in the skin and increase the chances of hyper pigmentation (brown or dark spots). While IPL is used for permanent hair reduction, its main function is to treat sun damage, poilkerderma, rosacea, broken capillaries, and vascular pigmented birth marks. For this reason the learning curve is very high when using an IPL, increasing the chances of untoward side effects and unhappy clients.

Laser light uses a specific wavelength of light enabling it to emit consistent reproducible energy every time. In the case of hair removal, it causes thermal and mechanical damage to the hair cells and it is attracted to the pigment. The Alexandrite lasers, often considered to be the “gold standard” for permanent hair reduction for skin types I-III use wavelength of 755nm. Darker skin types ranging in the Fitzpatrick scale of IV-V benefit from ND:Yag at 1064nm. This wavelength goes below the surface of the skin to the skin pigment and attracts to the chromospheres in the hair. The spot sizes for lasers are generally round and can be adjusted for custom treatments. Using smaller of larger spot sizes depending on the area of the body being treated.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer that afflicts individuals today; over the past year alone over one million cases were reported just in the United States. Detecting skin cancer early on is imperative to maintaining your overall health which is why it is more important now than ever before to be aware of the different warning signs of skin cancer. Because there are different types of skin cancer, there are different warning signs that one should look for. Consulting with your physician or dermatologist will allow you to learn about the various signs of skin cancer so that, if you ever experience them, you can catch them early on in order to reduce the damage they may cause.

The five most common signs of skin cancer include:

Changes in Skin Texture: We live with our skin each and every day, so without really being fully aware of it, we know the exact texture of our skin. One of the five signs of skin cancer involves changes to the texture of your skin. Those with skin cancer will often find lumps or bumps on the skin that weren’t always there; these can commonly be accompanied by discoloration as well. Screen your skin regularly for any skin texture abnormalities.

Change in Pigmented Areas: Freckles, moles, pigmented lesions, brown spots, age spots—all of these are considered pigmented areas of the body. Natural freckles and moles form, for the most part, very early in life, but excessive sun exposure can often cause additional pigmented areas to form. For the most part, these pigmented areas will remain completely harmless, but it is still important to keep a watchful eye in case any sudden changes occur. Look for changes in the color, size, consistency and texture—any of these signs could point to skin cancer. In addition pay attention to any growth irregularities such as pain, itchiness, scabbing, crusting, ulcerations, bleeding or erosion, persisting symptoms requires attention.

Sudden, Unusual Growth: Any unusual growths that suddenly appear on the skin should be suspect. Growths can vary in size, shape, texture and color; they may appear pearly, translucent, brown, black, tan or multicolored. In addition, their size can rapidly alter—if this is experienced it should be screened right away.

Sudden Skin Pigmentation: Most pigmentation growths, such as freckles or moles, happen when we are young. As we age, sun exposure and exposure to other daily elements can cause additional pigmentation changes, but most of these are gradual changes. Those who experience sudden skin pigmentation, such as brown spots or red spots, in areas that were once clear should consider that this might be a sign of skin cancer.

Open Wound That Doesn’t Heal: An open wound or sore that doesn’t seem to heal is another of the five signs of skin cancer. Our skin is designed to heal when inflicted with sores or wounds, so ailments of this nature that don’t heal should be considered suspect. If you experience a wound or sore that continually bleeds and/or pusses, or causes pain and/or irritation, have it screened immediately.

Continually monitoring your facial and body skin for all signs of skin cancer will ensure that you catch skin cancer in the earliest stages possible.

We all know from experience that Eliminating Cellulite is a very difficult task. Why is that so? Before I answer that let us see how cellulite is formed.

Formation of cellulite:

Cellulite is the name given to the dimpled appearance of skin that many women have on their thighs, hips and buttocks. Beneath the outer layers of skin, we all have subcutaneous layers of skin that are held together by connective tissue. Fat cells retained in the body (due to several different factors) become lodged in this connective tissue causing it to expand. The connective tissue eventually hardens and the fat cells and toxins trapped in these layers of skin cause the surface of the skin to take on the lumpy, dimpled appearance.

Factors that make eliminating cellulite difficult:

• Hereditary: Tendency to cellulite formation is one of the most important factors in Eliminating Cellulite. In such cases, cellulite formation even reaches up to stage four where it is easily visible.
• Hormonal: Cellulite formation is more often seen in women. The reason for this could be the fluid retaining capacity of the female hormone estrogen. This leads to the puffy appearance of the skin. The difficulty in removing the influence of the hormone itself makes cellulite elimination difficult.
• Stress: A stressful pattern of lifestyle that leaves no time for exercise and physical activity only helps cellulite accumulation. In addition, consumption of refined and processed food only adds to the above.
• Circulation: Poor circulation of lymph, which is responsible for the elimination of waste products formed by the metabolism, is another contributory factor, which makes the process of eliminating cellulite difficult.

Each of these needs to be identified and tackled accordingly, to help with Eliminating Cellulite. Any gross abnormalities in the hormonal patterns must be corrected with expert advice. Regular exercises including cardiovascular exercises and weight training go a long way in helping elimination of cellulite. Dietary modifications to include fresh fruits, vegetables and plenty of fluids also help. Though the genetic tendency cannot really be dealt with, the above-mentioned methods are sufficient to eliminating stubborn cellulite.

Electrolysis is a method of hair removal where a fine electric probe is injected into the hair follicle which is then damaged by the electric current passed through the probe. This results in the permanent destruction of the hair cell. The method is slow because each follicle has to be individually destroyed. The FDA and the AMA have certified the treatment as an effective permanent hair removal treatment.  Electrolysis must be done by a trained electrologist and each state regulates the process of electrolysis and the licensing of electrologists.

Electrolysis has the advantages of permanently getting rid of unwanted hair for men and women alike. Electrolysis can be done on all skin and all hair colors. The treatment can last anywhere from about 15 minutes to about 2 hours and depending on the amount of hair growth may require several visits to the electrologist. The main disadvantage of electrolysis is that many patients are skeptical of using this method because it can take years to fully complete. Electrolysis is painful and has to be treated follicle by follicle. While electrolysis is cheaper upfront than laser hair removal, the number of hours spent by the patient for completing electrolysis makes it a costlier option than laser hair removal.

Electrolysis has after effects of possible scarring and reddening of the skin and undergoing the treatment can be tedious. Further, if the procedure is not done by a competent electrologist the after effects could be extremely damaging to the skin.  Laser hair removal is fast replacing Electrolysis for the removal of unwanted hair. This is because lasers are painless and the skin around the hair follicle is not damaged because the laser wand at first sprays a cooling agent on the skin before the laser wand fires the light pulse. Laser hair removal sessions are shorter than electrolysis for the same amount of hair. For these reasons, those who elected electrolysis for hair removal in the past are now selecting laser hair removal.

Brazillian Waxing is a term primarily used for the removal of hair in the bikini area using wax.  While women can get a bikini line wax, most opt to get the full Brazillian. The bikini line area, when exposed by a bathing suit, includes the top of the legs, the area below the naval and the pubic hair visible beyond the boundaries of the typical bikini style panty for women, but the Brazillian covers all of the hair that is not exposed as well.  The twentieth century found drastic changes in fashions and styles, as bathing suit designs progressed, they covered less and less. Nowadays, in order to wear a bikini, women have to remove unwanted bikini area hair so that they exude a fresh, clean appearance.

Waxing vs. Other Hair Removal Methods

There are several forms of hair removal, both temporary and permanent, that can be utilized to remove hair in the bikini area.  While they all have their pros and cons, waxing, in one way or another holds a certain advantage over all of them.

Shaving: shaving is the first and oldest hair removal method used to remove hair from the bikini area, and while shaving is convenient, it doesn’t compare to waxing.  Shaving merely removes hair from the surface of the skin, therefore hair only remains gone for a day or two, waxing leaves the bikini area smooth and hair free for weeks.

Tweezing: tweezing is another form of hair removal that can be used to temporarily remove unwanted hair, but it is rarely used for an area as large as the bikini area.  Tweezing is great method for cleaning up errant strands of hair, but having to remove each hair in the bikini area one at a time can be very time consuming and very painful.  Brazillian Waxing is definitely a method that can save men and women time.

Electrolysis: electrolysis is a safe, effective, permanent method of bikini area hair removal but is viewed with some skepticism because of the sensitivity of the skin in the pubic area and the amount of time the procedure takes to complete.  Electrolysis is a permanent form of hair removal, but like tweezing, with electrolysis each follicle is treated individually.  This means that treatments are very extensive, very painful and can take years to complete.

Laser Hair Removal: laser hair removal is a fast and easy way to remove unwanted hair in the bikini area with permanent results, but the price is something that not all individuals can afford.  For those looking for a relatively inexpensive way to remove unwanted hair, Brazillian Waxing is a great method because hair is removed for an extended period of time without hurting your wallet.

The Benefits

Brazillian Waxing helps to remove large amounts of hair in a short amount of time.  During treatment, wax is spread over the bikini area and cloth strips are then applied.  When the warm wax cools and the cloth strip is removed, all of the hair in the area is taken with it.  Getting a bikini wax takes mere minutes yet provides men and women with lasting hair free results.  While this method is only temporary, it is the temporary method that will give you the longest lasting results.  Instead of worrying about stubble and hair re-growth, men and women can enjoy their hair free skin for weeks.