Myths & Facts of IPL & Laser

When new-age light-based hair removal methods were introduced to consumers, the media greatly exaggerated the results that could be achieved. Flash-forward to 2012 and you will find that many of the manufacturers providing light-based technologies have changed their tune to a more accurate promise of permanent hair reduction, leaving many of us wondering why…? Perhaps it’s the inconsistency of the results achieved, based on inappropriate choice of treatment type, or even lack of knowledge about the technology. Until the light-based hair removal industry matures enough to require federal regulations in Canada, people must learn to ask more questions from cosmetic service providers so they can make informed decisions. In the meantime, let’s get the basics out of the way:

Three Types of Hair Removal

No light-based hair removal treatments can be considered absolutely permanent in removing hair. Permanent results are false promises because occurrences like hormonal changes or medications have strong potential to alter any “permanent” results. Both Laser and IPL hair removal are considered methods of permanent hair reduction. All of the available hair removal options can be separated into three categories, Depilation (removal of hair above the skins surface), Epilation (Removing the entire hair from the root) and Permanent Reduction (long-term growth reduction).

• Depilation – Considered temporary, lasts a few hours to a few days
• Epilation – Considered temporary, lasts several days
• Permanent Reduction – Considered permanent, lasts from months to years

What Does Permanent Hair Reduction Mean?

There are several imperfect hair removal options under the “permanent” hair reduction category. These options include light-based hair removal, prescription oral medications and various topical solutions. Continued use of these options can give users hair re-growth that appears lighter in color and thinner in texture. The continued use of these treatments also delivers re-growth that grows back slower over time.

IPL is effective at eliminating hair growth only in hair follicles in the Anagen, or growth phase. This is when the hair is still growing and attached to the root, allowing the IPL light to effectively target the melanin with its rays and disable the growth via thermal heat. The perceived value in this, is that one does not have to remove unwanted hair on a daily, weekly or monthly basis anymore. With repeated treatments, most of the hairs become disabled, resulting in thinner and lighter re-growth that requires minimal touchups to maintain.

References & Research Material

Laser Hair Removal Information
Welcome to your hair removal forum!
Canadian Dermatology Association

LUMINANTE Ultra Soothing and Moisturizing After Treatment Lotion

LUMINANTE Ultra Soothing and Moisturizing After Treatment Lotion is designed with your skin’s best interests in mind. This all-natural formula will leave your skin silky smooth to the touch and deliciously hydrated. Nature’s best herbal extracts and most nourishing tea leaves will improve the look and feel of your skin by infusing tons of natural goodness.

There are four main extracts that make up evoDerma’s signature LUMINANTE Ultra Soothing and Moisturizing Lotion. Each unique ingredient makes LUMINANTE the perfect after-treatment lotion to follow LUMI’s effective Intense Pulsed Light hair removal treatments. LUMINANTE will help to restore and rehydrate your skin after LUMI’s Intense Pulsed Light hair removal treatments:

• GREEN TEA is one of the main extracts in LUMI’s after-treatment soothing lotion. They interact with skin cells in such a way that prevents sunburns, heals cracked or dry skin, keeping skin smooth and glowing. Used properly, green tea can very effectively reduce the damage UV rays do to your skin.

• ALOE VERA is useful for preventing the aging of the skin. It nourishes the skin and tissues with body-loving nutrients such as vitamin E and C. Aloe Vera is used in many skin care products because of its ability to stimulate healthy cell growth and repair damaged tissues. Most people think of using Aloe only on their skin because that is all they know about.

• Witch Hazel is an astringent produced from the leaves and bark of the North American Witch-hazel shrub (also called Hamamelis virginiana), which grows naturally in North America. This plant was widely used for medicinal purposes by American Indians and its benefits are now available in many cosmetic products.

• EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) The discovery of EGF won Stanley Cohen of Vanderbilt University a Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine in 1986. EGF is one of the important growth factors in the human body because it can accelerate the growth of the epidermal cells and epithelial cells.  EGF is an important ingredient of soaps and cosmetics for anti-wrinkle and anti-aging benefits because it accelerates DNA replication and cell division. EGF is mainly composed of 53 amino acids, which are naturally found in the body.

evoDerma’s skin care experts have carefully selected each ingredient with your skin’s health in mind. You can rest assured that there are no harmful Parabens in this all-natural product. It is not tested on animals, This signature LUMINANTE lotion compliments the results achieved by the LUMI IPL hair removal system, by moisturizing and rebuilding the lipid barrier of your skin.

You can rest assured that there are no harmful Parabens in this all-natural product. For further piece of mind, the after treatment soothing and moisturizing lotion is also not tested on animals. The ingredients in evoDerma’s LUMINANTE lotion effectively compliment the results achieved by LUMI, by moisturizing and rebuilding the lipid barrier of your skin after Intense Pulsed Light hair removal treatments.

References & Research Material

Cosmetic Dermatology: Products and Procedures By Zoe Diana Draelos
“The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 1986 – Presentation Speech”. The Nobel Foundation. Retrieved 2009-04-24. Hall K (1986).

Protect Yourself Against UVA & UVB Rays

Spring is here, which means summer is right around the corner! Slathering on the right sunscreen will help to protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet radiation and in-turn keep your skin glowing (rather than peeling…) under the suns’ warm rays. Going without sunblock results in overexposure to UV, which is linked to un-pleasantries such as sunburns, premature skin aging, eye problems (cataracts) and the weakening of the immune system.

Choosing the right sunscreen is a delicate task; with some many choices one should probably do some research beforehand. There are three things to be aware of:

• You should buy a high quality product with The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation which guarantees that the product meets the highest standards for safety and effectiveness.

• Try to choose a minimum of SPF 30 or more and FYI:
  SPF 15 blocks 93% of all incoming UVB rays
  SPF 30 blocks 97% of all incoming UVB rays
  SPF 50 blocks 98% of all incoming UVB rays
• Always choose a broad spectrum product that protects your skin from both UVA & UVB rays
• Re-apply often
• Choose a spray canister for complete coverage

After sun exposure, re-hydrate your skin with Aloe Vera gel, a natural remedy for sunburns or moisture-deprived skin, which will help repair any damage from the suns’ rays. There is no such thing as 100% protection from the sun, using combining prevention methods (sunscreen) and after-care (Aloe), along with hats and sunglasses will give you the best overall protection from the sun this summer. Find out more using the following links:

References & Research Material

Q&A: The Truth About SPFs, Sunscreen Types, Protection
Basic Information About Ultraviolet (UV) Light
Sunscreens Explained

Skin Care Benefits of Vitamin E

A recent article on WebMD proclaims Vitamin E is among the most important new dermatologic discoveries in the power of vitamins to counteract the effects of sun exposure. Discovery Health also goes into detail about this vitamin’s high levels of antioxidants, which are now commonly known to have a fantastic effect on your skin. Not only can you enjoy the benefits through enhanced skin-care products, you can also reap them by consuming natural foods with high contents of Vitamin E.

Antioxidants neutralize the oxidant effect of free radicals. Free radicals come from pollution, absorb into your skin, and then travel through your body. Detoxifying your body is a great way to get rid of these harmful toxins and metals that (without flushing) tend to build-up inside your body and cause harm to your tissues and cell walls. Free radicals are believed to play an important role in premature skin aging and therefore antioxidant activity is quite valuable for this skin problem. Not only can this vitamin help fight free radicals, check out all these other skin-care benefits you can find in Vitamin E:

• Regulates Vitamin A
• Sun Protection
• Treat Skin Problems; Stretch Marks, Psoriasis, erythema, Scars, Age Spots

Skip the supplements and eat right, shop where you can buy natural foods and fresh, organic, local produce. Try to consume more of the foods that provide multiple health benefits, ones that are packed full of antioxidants, vitamins and of course minerals. Here’s some healthy ideas you can easily incorporate into your diet, that are packed full of Vitamin E:

• Fruits: Blueberries, Apples, Mangoes & Avocadoes
• Veggies: Sweet Potatoes, Asparagus, Spinach & Tomatoes
• Oils: Almond Oil, Sunflower Oil & Wheat Germ Oil
• Other: Fortified Cereals, Olives, Pasta, Eggs & Nuts

These foods will help your skin fight off premature fine lines and wrinkles. They will also help to even out your complexion (dark spots included) and increase the youthfulness and vitality of your skin through eliminating harmful toxins from your body. A healthy body means healthy skin, so treat your body right from the inside out!

References & Research Material

BENEFITS OF VITAMIN E
How does vitamin E benefit skin?
FOODS CONTAINING VITAMIN E
Detox Your Body by Eating Only Fruits and Veggies Over a Specific Amount of Time?

Pregnancy & IPL Hair Removal: Is it safe?

What’s the Big Idea?

Many health care professionals suggest avoiding light-based hair removal during pregnancy due to the lack of information about the effects on the fetus. There has not yet been a single study regarding pregnant women (for obvious reasons) and the potential side effects of modern hair removal methods since the birth of the technology.

What’s the Issue?

Many pregnant women have similar complaints with regards to hair growth. Raging hormones play a huge role in the growth of new hair in un-wanted places and those places are often hard to reach with a bulging belly. Something many non-mothers certainly take for granted is the ability to shave one’s legs, by oneself.

Women often struggle with hair removal during pregnancy because there aren’t many safe options available. Women who are either pregnant or nursing should not be using permanent hair removal methods like laser, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and electrolysis for hair removal. Shaving is often out of the question, especially during the last trimester, as getting in and out of the bath can be quite difficult without help.

What’s a Safe Alternative?

Sugaring is a temporary hair removal solution for hair removal similar to (albeit much less painful) than waxing. It is an ancient Egyptian hair removal method that’s all natural and totally safe! Try following this all natural sugaring recipe, compliments of renowned non-toxic and green living expert, Annie B.Bond:

Ingredients

• 2 cups sugar
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• ¼ cup water

The only equipment you will need is a candy thermometer, a Popsicle stick, clean, loosely woven, cotton fabric strips and perhaps a really nice friend or family member! This temporary solution is a safe way to carry you through your pregnancy, until you can finally resume much more permanent IPL treatments with evoDerma’s LUMI™.

References & Research Material

Should You Get IPL Hair Removal During Pregnancy?
Safe skin care during pregnancy
Ancient Egyptian Art of Body Sugaring
Common pregnancy complaints

The Rise of the Metrosexual

Gone are the days of prickly stubble and raggedy old tees. Many men these days are taking a much more detailed approach to their hair, hygiene and beauty regimens, adding new routines like moisturizing, exfoliating and body hair removal to the roster. These hotties (having been encouraged by women) have developed a strong esthetic sense along with an interest in enhancing their personal appearance. The urban definition of metro describes a man who carefully grooms himself, chooses quality products and impeccably fashionable clothes. This modern and sexy look is creating quite the stir, as many people explore the reasoning behind this shift in personal perception and awareness.

A Metro Identity

Think Brad Pitt, Ryan Goseling, Justin Bieber. These ‘pretty boys’ are a new specimen of man that closely resembles a Calvin Klein model. He regularly works out, tans and maybe even professionally trims his eyebrows. He’s not scared to get a pedicure and he prefers to remove his unwanted body hair To top it off, this hottie also has an innate fashion sense and expensive tastes in clothing and he smells amazing! Now, this may come as a complete surprise to some people, but there’s a reason why some of the most popular celebs in Hollywood are a part of this growing crowd; the ladies really dig the look!

A Media driven, Sociocultural Influence?

In a most recent publication of the popular women’s magazine Cosmopolitan, one article discussed the sudden rise of the metrosexual male. The big idea was centered on metrosexual celebrities like David Beckham, who are dominating advertising campaigns everywhere. He’s actually had such success with modeling underwear; he’s now come out with his own body wear line for H&M. It is certainly no secret that Hollywood is a breading ground for metro sexuality, with stars like David leading the pack. The media instantly picked-up on the popularity of these metrosexual men and heavily marketed the look to consumers, much like they did with women decades ago. Men didn’t mind then and women certainly aren’t complaining now!

References & Research Material

The Metrosexual: Fashion-conscious heterosexual or JGE (Just Gay Enough)?
David Beckham Underwear Line by H&M
evoDerma LUMI the Ultimate Personal IPL Hair Removal System designed for men and Women

The History Of Hair Removal

Brief History of Hair Removal

What type of image do you typically like to project to others? You most likely aim to project a clean, well groomed, and put-together appearance. Is this just a personal preference or slow shift in societies’ perception of what is beautiful? It’s funny to think that just a few hundred years ago, most people hadn’t yet adapted to modern hair removal methods, or even hair removal in general. Many theorists would profess American culture, the rise of the media and even technology advancements amongst the many culprits responsible for the hair-less revolution.

Ancient Hairless Societies

The ancients had it right. Egyptians, Greeks and Romans all developed an early fancy for hair-less-ness and their hair-less statues and paintings attest to that. In fact, these hair removal pioneers formed the basis for most modern day hair removal methods, with many still being used today. These various civilizations were effective at creating innovative solutions given their limited resources. They used tools like pumice stones, threads, sandpaper-like mitts and sugar-based pastes to remove unwanted hair. Native Americans would even resort to clam-shell tweezing to remove unwanted hair, however the 1900’s would bring new advancements to the world of modern day hair removal.

Modern Day Hair-Less Revolution…

Since the beginning of history, the links between ancient beauty rituals and class privilege are quite evident. Both men’s facial hair removal and women’s body hair removal often served as an indicator of class. Perhaps this is why modern-day businessmen maintain a closely shaved beard, or why hair-free skin on women is often considered attractive. These days, it seems as though total hair removal is the name of the game, with both men and women opting for an overall smoother look.

…Fueled by the Media?

A 1920’s publication of Harper’s Bazaar featured an advertisement for a razor manufacturer, which promoted attractive women with smooth underarms (a relatively new look for the times) and many believe this probably started a hairless trend in North American women for both esthetic and hygienic reasons. US Razor blade sales actually doubled within the first two years of this ad’s release, which is a clear indicator of the media’s broad reach. Nowadays, it is no longer acceptable for North American women or men to have unruly hair growth thanks to the media and the continued contributions of ancient hair removal methods.

References & Research Material

http://hellonhairylegs.wordpress.com/2008/08/14/a-hairy-history-the-removal-of-body-hair
http://history.barnard.edu/sites/default/files/inline/kirstenhansenthesis.pdf
http://www.historyundressed.com/2008/03/ladies-have-you-ever-forgotten-to-shave.html
http://www.totalbeautyexp.com/blog/index.php/2009/07/history-of-hair-removal/

IPL: Unisex Hair Removal

Not only is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) a great hair reduction method for women, it also works just as well for men. A recent article regarding popular hair removal methods on AskMen.com suggests that the modern-day man is now just as motivated as the everyday female to reduce unwanted hair. Whether it is eyebrow shaping, chest hair trimming or waxing that annoying neck and back hair, men have certainly warmed up to the idea of smooth skin on their own bodies as well as their ladies’.

It makes no difference what ethnic background, sexual orientation or age of the individual, the desire to be smooth is not just for women anymore! Just because a man wants to reduce the amount of hair he has, doesn’t mean he should have to resort to old-school techniques that are painful or unreliable like waxing, electrolysis or epilation. Even expensive laser treatments can be an intimidating, painful and often lengthy process. Men have finally found a better solution: in affordable and easy to use IPL technology, which is now conveniently available as home-based systems.

Home-based IPL systems like evoDerma’s LUMI™ allow men to successfully reduce unwanted hair and eliminate that prickly stubble which causes irritations such as in-grown hairs, anywhere between 50-70% after just one year of treatments. Both men and women feel comfortable with this clinically approved technology and appreciate the fact that it’s a relatively painless and quick procedure. Regular IPL treatments safely offer both men and women hair that gets lighter in color and thinner in texture, until finally eliminated.

Vitamin A, Be Good To Your Skin

Vitamin A – What is Vitamin A good for?

A fantastic new study has recently made headlines by revealing some previously unnoticed details about Vitamin A and its’ superb effects on our skin. There are quite compelling health properties present in Vitamin A and the list only seems to grow with each new study. Not only is this vitamin an essential nutrient for our largest organ; it also keeps one of our smallest organs functioning healthy too, our eyes. Vitamin A plays a vital role in a variety of other important functions throughout our bodies also, such as:

• Promotes Skin & Cellular Health
• Enhances Immune System
• Decreases risk of Cancers, Strokes & Heart Disease
• Major Antioxidant

What’s the latest news about Vitamin A?

This latest study conducted on Vitamin A on MSNBC claims to have established a strong connection between the vitamin’s nutrients and the deadliest of skin cancers, Melanoma. The results showed that women taking Vitamin A regularly were 60 % less likely to develop the highly fatal skin cancer in their lifetime. This news is especially relevant given the recent increase in skin-cancers, mostly due to increasingly high UVA-UVB rays emitted from the sun, harmful rays from tanning beds and insane lack of sunscreen use amongst many North Americans.

Where can I find Vitamin A?

Vitamin A is known to maintain healthy skin, which is the primary reason for the development of capsule supplements, although unfortunately in a synthesized and unnatural form, which isn’t very good for you. Natural forms of Vitamin A are always better, and there are many carotenoids (fat-soluble pigments widely distributed in plants and animals) rich foods that deliver the same, if not better results than many of the synthetic versions currently available, which are more likely to be toxic to our bodies’ soft tissues.

You can find foods rich in Vitamin A everywhere, from meats to veggies to fruit. Liver, cantaloupe, beef, squash, chicken, kale and even fish all have high enough doses of Vitamin A to keep not only your skin, but your whole body in top notch shape. To start reaping the extensive list of benefits from Vitamin A, try consuming more of these 100% natural foods rich in Vitamin A on a daily basis and increase your chances for a long, healthy life:

• Orange foods such as Sweet Potatoes and Carrots
• Leafy Greens such as Spinach, Broccoli and Romaine Lettuce

References & Research Material

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitamin_A
http://www.nutrition-health-supplements.com/vitamin-a.html
http://www.myhealthnewsdaily.com/225-uv-rays-increase-melanoma-skin-cancer-risk.html
http://vitals.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/01/10548491-vitamin-a-may-slash-melanoma-risk
http://www.raysahelian.com/carotenoids.html
http://www.myacnereview.com/2008/01/17/natural-vitamin-a-the-safe-alternative-to-accutane/