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Recently, fourteen participants took part in a study that set out to determine which type of laser hair removal – low fluencies or high fluencies – was superior.

Each participant received five hair removal treatments at one month intervals. The laser utilized was an 800 nm diode. For each participant, one side of the treatment area was treated with the traditional 9x9mm chilled tip and gel.

However, on the other side, a 22 x 35mm tip was used with a vacuum assisted handpiece. Fluences on the second half of the area were up to 12 J/cm2.

Of the fourteen patients tracked, just eleven were able to complete the process, including follow up appointments.

While both halves of the treated area saw significant hair removal, comparable in both sections, the low-fluence treatment (using the traditional chilled tip and gel) was reported to be more tolerable.

As a result of the study, the researchers report that the best possible results could be seen with the use of a lower fluence diode laser in vacuum conditions. This is made more tolerable with larger spot sizes.

Ultimately, the patient will be more likely to be satisfied with the results and the procedure.

For more information, continue reading about this study of laser hair removal fluence.

Photo courtesy of: Show some leg beach day / Ashley Webb / CC BY 2.0

Are you having trouble controlling your acne?

Whether you are thirteen or thirty, unsightly breakouts can be devastating.

Fortunately, scientists and dermatologists are always on the hunt for the best possible remedy and it now seems that the answer might be as close as the spice rack.

Researchers from Leeds Metropolitan University have found promising results with the use of thyme, marigold and myrrh extracts, when used to treat Propionibacterium (the bacteria that causes acne breakouts). While all three proved relatively helpful, thyme was, by far, the most promising.

Furthermore, the thyme tincture was better at treating the bacteria than concentrations of benzoyl peroxide, which is commonly found in over-the-counter solutions.

In order to get the tincture (a type of extract), the plant was soaked in alcohol for several days or weeks, which would actively draw out the active compounds within the herb. In order to account for the use of alcohol in the mixture, the scientists used an alcohol control in the study.

Of course, the hope of an herbal remedy for acne that could be as effective (or more so) than the most commonly used anti-acne creams and washes is very exciting news for millions.

As an additional benefit, the herbal concoctions were far less harsh than benzoyl peroxide, which is associated with a burning sensation.

For more information, keep reading about thyme for treating acne.

Photo courtesy of: Fresh Thyme / cookbookman17 / CC BY 2.0

With the cooperation of many cancer centers from all around the globe, there is a new information guideline for melanoma patients and their doctors that provides a generalized timeline of what one can expect to see.

The changes are based on the most recent findings of related studies and patient experiences. In fact, cancerous tumors are no longer classified with the greatest emphasis on Clark’s level (the number of cell layers impacted).

Instead of focusing on the Clark’s level, doctors are encouraged to determine the Breslow’s thickness. That is to say that they should measure the distance (in mm) between the skin’s surface and the deepest point of the tumor. Of course, the smaller the measurement, the better the chances of recovery.

Based on the findings here, the tumor is classified into one of four categories – In Situ, Thin, Intermediate, or Thick.

In Situ tumors are confined to the epidermis.

Thin tumors are less than 1 mm thick.

Intermediate tumors range from one to four millimeters on the Breslow’s depth scale.

Thick tumors are greater than 4mm.

Breslow’s depth is not the only consideration, however.

The presence of a microscopic ulceration will increase the level of severity of the tumor as well. The more serious the cancer, the greater the need for aggressive treatment plans, which is why it is so important for physicians to consider such details.

Furthermore, mitosis, which is the division of cancer cells, should be taken seriously.

One mitosis per mm2 is a sign of increased risk. After considering each of these factors, the doctor can determine which of the nine T-categories (stages I and II) the tumor falls into or if the cancer has reached a more serious level – stage III or IV.

For more information on the ranking system, set into place in 2010, continue reading at the full article here.

Photo courtesy of: 26/365 Wound / Traci Lawson / CC BY 2.0

Would you like to look even more stunning than usual this summer? Are you looking forward to soaking up the rays and enjoying the beautiful benefits on your skin?

If you love a good tan and you also want to stay healthy this year, then now is the time to pick up a carrot or slice a fresh tomato.

Published in Evolution and Human Behavior, a new study has demonstrated proof that eating the right foods could boost a person’s ability to wear a gorgeous warm brown on their skin during the summer season, without so much concern of skin cancer.

The improved skin tone is tied to the carotenoids that exist in several found in several fruits and vegetables. It is the carrot that is best known for carrying high levels of this form of antioxidant, but there are several foods that carry it as well.

Carotenoids are responsible for giving some fruits and vegetables a red or orange color, but they are also found in several of the most common leafy greens found in the produce section of any grocery store.

So, if you want the natural glow – actually preferred by surveyed individuals, to a suntan – you’ll want to boost your intake of carrots and tomatoes, as well as sweet potatoes, Kale, dark or red lettuce, turnips, butternut squash, red bell peppers, and collard greens.

For more information on the research and the potential for a great tan without sun, keep reading the full article here.

In the mid-nineteenth century, a small town sprang to life in the relatively new state of Texas.

It would be situated just twelve miles from the already established community known as Austin. Still under Native American control, the area was relatively untouched by westerners.

But, a man by the name of Dietrich Bohls had decided that Austin was a little too much and he was eager to get his family out of the town. Though the land he claimed was not yet known as Bee Cave, it would later become the village as it is known today.

A decade, or so, later, the paths were well groomed and the settlers that had trickled in had heard of ‘the Bee Caves area’, named for the honeybees that were found in the nearby banks. It was a fitting name and one that would stick.

By the 1870’s life was springing up everywhere in the form of a general store, post office, cigar factory, cotton gin, and more.

With the improved way of life, came even more interest in the Bee Caves area. This also brought interest by the governing heads in Austin to annex the small town, but the residents had no interest in doing so.

This resulted in the formation of the ‘Concerned Landowners and Citizens Organization’ (CLACO), which was developed with the purpose of ensuring that the Village of Bee Cave reach its incorporation. It did so in 1987.

The town remains relatively small and quaint; the residents have reason for their pride.

For more information of what Bee Cave has become, keep reading the full article here.

Did you know that the word ‘laser’ is actually an acronym? It’s true.

The word was derived as a result of the longer description of the concentrated light form. The elongated ‘Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation’ was a bit much, so Theodore Maiman’s 1960 focused light ray was coined the ‘laser’.

His development must also be partially credited to America’s favorite scientist, Albert Einstein, as it was his theory on the stimulated emission of radiation that brought on Maiman’s work.

Lasers are commonly used for medical purposes today, with the majority of those being lasers that are heat driven, and meant to target a specific element of the body.

For instance, some lasers are used to target areas of irregular skin pigment, while other can actually be focused on blood vessels. They can cut, vaporize, or cauterize.

They have also been used as a sort of mini, man-made shockwave to destroy gall stones and kidney stones.

This unique light form has found its way into operating rooms, ophthalmologist offices, medical spas, as well as within the operating spaces of many other industries.

It is thought that lasers will soon be a primary tool in the treatment of major medical conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and even heart disease.

For more information on the laser and how it is used today, continue reading the full article here.

There are more people in this country who have celebrated a 60th birthday than ever before. In fact, the number of individuals falling in that category has doubled in just thirty years.

That trend will continue in coming years and much of the reason for this is a better understanding of how to tackle common issues that arise later in life. On April 7th, the World Health Organization sponsors World Health Day to focus on how to maintain health during our older years.

As we continue to learn more and more about medical complications and possible solutions, it is thought that the number of Americans that will enjoy a lifespan of eighty or even ninety years will quadruple in the fifty year span, from the start of the century to 2050.

Though there are a number of health concerns that one must deal with as they turn the corner into the later years of life, the life expectancy that we enjoy today is a major improvement over that seen a century ago. A testament to this is the number of people who are acknowledged each day for living an entire century.

In order to reach the same impressive markers – 70, 80, 90, or even 100 years old – a person must be kind to his or her body.

Health in the earlier years is directly linked to a longer life span.

A medical condition that goes untreated or ignored for a long span of time in childhood or early adulthood could spell more serious trouble years down the road. This includes complications such as respiratory conditions and obesity, commonly seen in American children today.

For more information on the current trends in aging and how one can help improve their own lifespan, visit the full article.

It is the goal of all men and women who are hoping to stave off the signs of aging.

Collagen, the miracle protein in the body that keeps skin in an elastic, healthy state, decreases as we age. So anything that renews the initial levels is embraced by those who want to do away with wrinkles and sagging.

Rice University, in Texas, is winning a lot of attention with the recent announcement of a new method for creating a synthetic form of collagen.

This new variety of synthetic very closely mimics the natural protein and not only will it be applicable in the cosmetic field, it could also serve the medical community well as they make continued efforts to grow tissue in laboratories throughout the country.

There will be many studies to come on this new product, as the developers cannot say, with confidence, that it is a safe replacement for natural collagen. However, there is hope, as it has past the first of many tests, proving that it can be broken down by the same enzymes as its natural counterpart.

Clinical trials in humans are still years off, but many people are very excited by the prospect of having a replacement for the lost collagen in their later years.

For more information about this potential miracle substance, you can continue reading full article.

For some time, there have been questions around the use of parabens in cosmetic goods, widely marketed to women of all ages. These preservatives are regularly found in a wide variety of products and have been tied to an increased risk of breast cancer.

They contain oestrogenic properties, which play a significant role in the growth and progression of the cancerous cells. This explains the rational fear that some express about the continued use of the ingredients.

However a new study is giving women reason to rethink their stance on typical drug store cosmetics.

Forty women participated in the study, which involved breast tissue samples being collected and tested for paraben levels. All forty participants underwent mastectomies between 2005 and 2008 after receiving cancer diagnoses. The samples collected totaled 160, with four coming from each of the patients, each from a different area of the breast.

Nearly one hundred percent of the samples contained at least one paraben and more than half of those tested contained five or more of the preservation agents.

Many had long feared that women who chose to use commercially marketed underarm deodorants were at an increased risk of breast cancer as a result of the direct contact with parabens.

However, this study overruled that hypothesis, demonstrating that there is no direct link; both groups of women (those who regularly used deodorant and those who did not) demonstrated signs of parabens in their breast tissue. Higher levels of parabens were regularly detected in the upper-outer quadrant of the breast (that nearest to the armpit).

To read more about this study, visit the full article.

For those who have experienced the discoloration of facial skin, known as melasma, during pregnancy, it is a very problematic condition.

Similarly, for those who are stuck with tattoos that carry bad memories or are simply unwanted, there can be a great deal of frustration when looking into removing them.

Even with the big steps in dermatology in recent years, the ability to fully treat and/or remove these skin problems is limited. Fortunately, new studies are pointing to a possible solution.

Melasma is a condition that many women face during periods of increased hormone levels. It is most common in those who are a darker skin complexion and can be moderately controlled with certain topical solutions, which aim to lighten the skin in those areas.

In conjunction with regular sunscreen use, the ointments can erase the signs of the condition in some patients. However, it is not always so successful and may only temporary resolve the issue.

High-energy lasers have also been put to the task of dealing with melasma, especially in patients who experience the excess pigment at multiple skin levels. However, the lasers came with the risk of wounds or an increased sign of melasma.

New hope for this condition, and for those wishing to erase permanent ink in their skin, comes in the form of combination treatment.

Even the fractional lasers were too strong when dealing with this issue, so experts have moved on to very low-energy lasers and combined those efforts with microdermabrasion and the skin care creams and ointments previously prescribed.

Of the twenty-seven participants in the study, more than 80% saw notable improvement and nearly half reported that the melasma was erased for six months or longer.

To read more about how this process can also help with tattoos, visit the full article.