Facial skin oxygenation

Facial skin oxygenation from within, also known as an ‘oxygen facial’, is one of the most effective beauty treatments. The present standard of beauty is healthy, clear and smooth looking facial skin. Over the last decade many new home-based beauty treatments designed to improve and maintain healthy skin have been developed. These include home-use devices for daily facial cleansing and high-end cosmetic skin care products.

The home-based treatments can be used as a standalone treatment routine or to compliment treatments performed in a spa. A spa facial beauty treatment usually includes facial skin exfoliation followed by infusion of various skin enhancing ingredients.  It typically ends with the application of a facial skin protection cream. In recent years many cosmeticians have added an oxygen facial stage to improve the skin’s quality, health and smoothness.  This has created a demand for home use-devices that perform facial skin oxygenation.

Our journey to uncover the optimal facial skin oxygenation treatment that would make beautiful facial skin a reality took us back to the year 1846. In this year a jet of salty bubbling water erupted in small city in Germany called Nauheim. This started the era of Nauheim bath treatments. The term “Nauheim bath” refers to a cold salty bath that has high concentrations of up to 3.9% of free carbon dioxide gases.

The influence of the Nauheim bath treatments on the skin is well documented [1-3]. The various scientific explanations described a “sensation of warmth in CO2 baths and reddening of the skin in the bathed areas of the body”. The scientists explained that the flushing of the skin was due to the additional CO2 absorbed by the skin during the spa bath. This additional CO2 was rapidly exhaled, so no changes were apparent in the CO2 concentration in the blood. The local pH changes that occurred in the region of the capillaries that absorbed the CO2, resulted in hemoglobin dissociation and the increased transfer of oxygen to the skin tissue [4].  This latter phenomenon was later coined the Bohr effect.

This strong scientific evidence about the influence of CO2 bubbles on the skin led us to develop the NowMi facial skin oxygenation treatment.

The NowMi treatment uses an effervescent tablet combined with lubricant gel to create a chemical reaction that results in the formation of CO2 micro-bubbles on the skin’s surface.  The NowMi effervescent tablet contains high concentration vitamin C as well as citric acid and sodium bicarbonate. When the tablet starts dissolving in the lubricant gel, the following reaction begins which releases salt, CO2 and water:

The released CO2 creates the scientifically proven Bohr Effect on the facial skin. As a result of the Bohr effect, there is an increase in the capillary blood flow and a release of oxygen from the hemoglobin, which create a facial skin oxygenation from within.

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Watch a review of Oxygen Facial Device at home by Victoria Lyn

NowMi Facial Skin Oxygenation Results

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A wise man once said: “A picture is worth a 1,000 words”. So instead of telling you how good the NowMi treatments are, we will show you real results from customers.

NowMi PRO clinical results

Skin rejuvenation and acne scar reduction: rejuvenation of the facial skin of a young female suffering from severe acne scars and hyperpigmentation. Following the NowMi treatment there is a clear reduction of the acne scars and an improved skin tone.

References:

  1. Amelung W, Evers A (1962) (Hrsg) Handbuch der Bäderund Klimaheikunde, Friedrich Karl Schattauer, Stuttgart.
  2. Arnelung W, Hildebrandt G (1985) (Hrsg) Balneologie und Medizische Klimatologie, Bd 2, Balneologie, Springer, Wien Heidelberg New York Tokyo.
  3. Bühring M, Jungmann E, Noormalal R, Rasche S, Wiesner J (1987) Plasmatische Reninaktivität und Aldosteronspiegel bei Patienten mit Hypertonie im Kohlensäurebad. Z phys Med Baln Med Klim 16: 277.
  4. Pratzel H (1984) Aufnahme, Abgabe und Stoffwechsel von CO2 beim Kohlensäurebad. Z phys Med Blan Med Klim 13: 25-32.

NowMi PRO: The Next-Generation Anti-Aging Facial Treatment

Aging is a part of life.  We all age.  But fortunately, anti-aging facial treatments can protect our facial skin and slow down the signs of aging.

The skin’s aging process occurs in two different ways – intrinsic and extrinsic aging. Intrinsic aging is related to the DNA we inherit from our parents, and it is inevitable and pre-determined.  As a result of intrinsic aging, the skin becomes thinner, less elastic and essentially dryer.  This is a direct result of a reduction in the overall production of collagen. This decrease, combined with gravitation, leads to the sagging of the skin.  The skin becomes dryer because with age the dermis is stripped of its ability to retain moisture. In addition, the aging process leads to a substantial reduction in the sweat glands and sebaceous glands which naturally provide moisture to the skin and help it look plump.  Extrinsic aging is associated with exposure to various toxins and environmental elements. The foremost and most detrimental element is the sun. UV sun rays cause an effect known as ‘photo-aging’ which results in the premature appearance of facial fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, freckles, enlarged pores, broken capillaries and rough, uneven skin tone.

The signs of aging that come with age

As we age, the changes listed below naturally occur:

  • Skin becomes coarser.
  • Skin becomes loose (the loss of the collagen and elastin causes the skin to hang loosely)
  • Skin becomes more translucent and thinner.
  • Skin becomes more brittle.

The NowMi Pro facial anti-aging Treatment

The NowMi Pro is an advanced, anti-aging facial treatment that consists of two parts.  The first is the NowMi Pro Daily sonic cleansing which cleanses and moisturizes the skin on a daily basis, and the second is the NowMi Pro Weekly sonic facial anti-aging treatment which provides a spa-quality anti-aging facial that slows down the formation of wrinkles and fine lines, reinvigorates the skin and protects it from damaging extrinsic factors such as UV rays, smoke and pollution.

The NowMi Pro package

NowMi Pro Treatment Benefits

  • A home-use treatment that includes a daily and a weekly facial anti-aging routine
  • A spa-quality anti-aging treatment adjusted to a home-use device, which delivers exceptional anti-aging and skin revitalization results:
    1. Reduces fine lines and textural imperfections.
    2. Hydrates skin and restores volume.
    3. Renews glow and revitalizes dull complexion.
  • Fast treatment performed in only 5 minutes
  • Treatment costs a fraction of the price compared to its spa based alternative.
  • Immediate and long-term results.
  • Compact, portable and lightweight.
  • Effective on all skin types.
  • Painless and pleasant.

The NowMi Pro Daily

Healthy facial skin starts with clean skin.  Sonic facial cleansing is much more effective than hand washing. With the NowMi Pro Daily, you can deeply cleanse the skin and get rid of all makeup, dirt, oil and the like.

The NowMi Pro sonic device is equipped with delicate silicone micro-fingers.   The NowMi cleansing formula is placed onto the micro-fingers and then massaged into the face.

The cleansing action is exponentially improved by sonic energy.  The NowMi Pro device issues 6,000 sonic pulsations per minute which help the cleansing gel penetrate and deeply cleanse all of the pores.  While the treatment is extremely effective, it is also very gentle on the skin and doesn’t cause irritation.

The cleansing gel does much more than just clean the skin.  It infuses it with vitamins B3, B5, E and Dead Sea minerals!  These essential vitamins and minerals rejuvinate and strengthen the skin as well as protect it from extrinsic factors.  Specifically:

  • Vitamin E: A powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from free radicals caused by UV exposure, pollution, smoke, unhealthy food and more.   Vitamin E is known for:
    1. Anti-aging: As a result of damaging extrinsic factors such as UV light and pollution, the skin creates free-radicals. These molecules damage the collagen and the skin cells.  As a result, wrinkles and brown spots appear.  Vitamin E plays a critical role in neutralizing the free radicals and thus preventing premature aging of the skin.
    2. Skin hydration: Vitamin E keeps the skin moisturized and supple, and it is also known to reduce inflammation.
    3. Scar reduction: Vitamin E neutralizes the free radicals which slow down the facial skin healing process and helps to prevent permanent scarring.
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  • Vitamin B3: Vitamin B3 is effective on all skin types and has a wide variety of skin benefits. Specifically,
    1. Skin protection: Vitamin B3 is an antioxidant that protects the skin from infrared, UV and visible light. Vitamin B3 also protects the skin from heat, an important factor for those with hormonal related pigmentation since the heat can cause the overproduction of pigment.
    2. Hyper-pigmentation reduction: Vitamin B3 reduces hyper-pigmentation by reducing pigment production and its penetration into the skin. As a result, the skin has a more even complexion.  In addition, the vitamin has been shown to brighten the skin.
    3. Anti-aging: Niacinamide has been proven to reduce wrinkles, pigmented spots, yellowing and red blotchiness. It also stimulates the production of collagen and elastin which are responsible for the skin’s firmness and elasticity.
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  • Vitamin B5: Also known as Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin B5 is deeply hydrating and helps the skin absorb moisture from the air.  It is also important in keeping the skin looking healthy and contributes to its softness and smoothness.   Its key advantages include:
    1. Natural hydrator: Vitamin B5 is a natural hydrator known as a humectant. Its function is to stabilize the skin’s barrier function.  As a result, the skin is able to retain greater quantities of water.
    2. Skin rejuvenation: The alcohol analog of Vitamin B5 is known as panthenol.  Panthenol has been proven to sooth and soften the skin and to slow down the signs of aging.   It also plumps and moisturizes the outer layer of the skin which helps it looks fuller and younger.
    3. Skin repair: Vitamin B5 is used to treat a variety of skin conditions- from minor skin irritation to major scar damage.  In addition, it has anti-inflammatory benefits and is used to reduce discomfort related to conditions such as eczema.
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  • Dead Sea minerals: The Dead Sea is known as the richest source of healing minerals in the world.   The most prevalent minerals used to are:
    1. Zinc- regulates natural cell growth and regeneration. It enables cell renewal and stimulates the production of collagen and elastin. It is also an antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals.  Zink also has anti-acne properties and is used as an anti-inflammatory agent.
    2. Calcium: Strengthens the skin’s cell membranes and cleanses the pores. It also soothes and relives the skin.
    3. Chloride- Corrects the balance of alkaline and acid in the skin’s cells which is critical for the metabolism of the cell.
    4. Sodium Chloride- hydrates and nourishes the skin’s cells and eliminates toxic waste which improves their permeability.

Another important action that the NowMi Pro Daily device performs that of a facial massage.  The sonic face brush massages the facial muscles which and boosts blood circulation. As a result, the body increases the production of collagen and elastin- key proteins that restore the skin’s elasticity and firmness.

The NowMi Pro sonic device is also highly hygienic since it is made of nonporous silicone which is resistant to bacteria buildup.  The device is also completely waterproof, so users can use it in the shower or bath.   Designed to keep up with today’s busy lifestyle, in a single charge, the device has enough energy to supply a month’s worth of treatments.

Watch the daily treatment 

NowMi Pro Weekly Treatment

With the NowMi Pro Weekly, you can enjoy a spa-quality anti-aging facial at home.   The treatment simultaneously performs 4 actions – sonic skin exfoliation, sonic nourishment, sonic oxygenation and sonic protection.

1.  Sonic exfoliation:  The exfoliation is performed using the NowMi vitamin C effervescent tablet.  The tablet is mixed together with the NowMi Lubricant gel and massaged into the face.  The tablet has a slightly coarse surface that removes the outermost layer of the skin.  The exfoliation is further enhanced by the sonic energy which emits 6,000 sonic pulsations per minute.  As a result of the exfoliation, the skin looks glowing and revitalized.  Best of all, the exfoliation opens up the pores and enables the active ingredients to best penetrate the skin.

The NowMi Pro device exfoliates the skin. The sonic energy enhances the results.

2.  Sonic nourishment:  The NowMi effervescent tablet contains virtually pure vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid.  Ascorbic acid is highly sensitive and loses its potency if exposed to light or air.  For this reason, the NowMi effervescent tablet is vacuum-sealed until use, assuring the most effective form of vitamin C.
The NowMi lubricant gel is rich in vitamin E and Hyaluronic Acid.

The main benefits of these ingredients are:

  • Vitamin C: Vitamin C is hailed as the magic vitamin for skincare.  It has been clinically proven to revitalize the skin and help it repair itself.  Vitamin C is also an antioxidant that curbs the damaging effects of free-radicals which cause the skin to age prematurely.

Primary advantages of the vitamin include:

  1. Anti-aging effect: As we age, our skin has less and less collagen which causes it to sag and wrinkles to appear.  Vitamin C plays a vital role in helping the skin to produce new collagen.  With the new collagen, the aging process is slowed down and the skin looks plumper and more supple.
  2. Anti-inflammatory effect: Vitamin C reduces skin inflammation. This helps to prevent post-inflammatory hyper-pigmentation and age-related inflammatory skin conditions such as Rosacea.
  3. Anti-pigmentary effect: Vitamin C curbs the formation of melanin, the pigment that gives our skin its color.  It helps to repair pigmentation damage and provides the skin with a more even tone.  It also helps in lightening the skin.
  4. Skin protection: Vitamin C protects the skin from damaging UV rays.  The UV rays stimulate the formation of free radicals that harm the skin and cause premature aging, known as photoaging. Clinical studies have shown that vitamin C creates a photo-protective effect against photoaging  – it limits collagen disintegration and damage to the pigment,  helps to stabilize the collagen fibers, and produces new collagen.
  • Vitamin E:  Discussed above
  • Hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid plays a critical role in skin hydration.  It is capable of holding 1,000 times its weight in water and helps tissues stay moist and lubricated.  Its key benefits are:
    1. Anti-aging:  When the skin is well hydrated, this slows down the formation of wrinkles and fine lines.
    2. Supple skin:  The hydration helps the skin to have a soft and supple appearance.
    3. Wound healing:  Hyaluronic acid accelerates the wound healing process by balancing inflammation levels and signaling the body to create more blood vessels in the treatment area.

The active ingredients are infused into the skin.  The infusion is improved by the sonic energy which helps them to penetrate deeper and faster into the skin.   Once the skin’s supply of vitamin C, E and Hyaluronic acid are restored, the skin starts to repair itself and turn back the signs of aging.

The NowMi Pro treatment nourishes the skin with vitamin C, E and hyaluronic acid.

  1. Sonic Oxygenation: The NowMi treatment is unique since it stimulates the body to “oxygenate itself from within”.  During treatment, a chemical reaction occurs when the NowMi effervescent tablet comes into contact with the lubricant gel. The reaction creates a C02 rich environment on the skin’s surface.  The body responds to this by sending 02 infused blood cells to the treatment area.  This natural oxygenation process helps the skin cells to best absorb the active ingredients.   Furthermore, the NowMi Pro device emits 6,000 sonic pulsations per minute which degas the C02  microbubbles, and as a result, the oxygenation effect is increased exponentially.

The NowMi Pro treatment oxygenates the skin from within

  1. Sonic Protection:  Vitamin C is the most common antioxidant in the skin. Unfortunately, with age, its levels dramatically reduce, and aged skin has about 70% fewer antioxidants than young skin. With the deciline in Vitamin C, the skin becomes more vulnerable to extrinsic factors such as UV rays, pollution and smoke.
    The NowMi Pro treatment restores the skin’s vitamin C supply which helps it to protect and heal itself from damaging extrinsic factors.The sonic energy plays an important role in the protection of the skin.  The NowMi Pro device emits 6,000 sonic pulsations per minute which exponentially increases the infusion of the vitamin C, ensuring that it reaches deep into the skin.

The NowMi Pro treatment protects the skin from harmful extrinsic factors

Watch the NowMi Oxygen Facial treatment

The benefits of vitamin C on facial skin

Our skin is the largest organ in the body and its primary function is to protect our internal organs from the hostile environment. It protects us from pathogens, UV radiation, mechanical impacts, pollution, dangerous chemicals and dehydration.

The two main layers of the skin are the epidermis and dermis. The external layer, the epidermis, is the cellular layer that protects our internal organs. The dermis is the internal layer of the facial skin which provides elasticity and strength, as well as nutrition to the epidermal layer. The dermis is mainly composed of collagen fibers and has a complex network of vascular, lymphatic and neurons.

Facial skin contains high concentrations of vitamin C. The highest concentration is in the epidermis -about 60 (mg/100 g Wet Weight) compared with 10 (mg/100 g Wet Weight) in the dermis.  Unfortunately with age, facial skin rapidly loses this essential and protecting nutrient. Clinical studies shown that aged skin loses 70% of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) concentrations compared with young skin. As the concentrations of vitamin C decrease, facial skin becomes more vulnerable to the external environment and starts to age. Regretfully, human beings are unable to synthesize vitamin C in their bodies and must rely on oral intake of ascorbic acid or topical application of vitamin C.


How does vitamin C help the skin?

Anti-aging benefits: The dermis provides elasticity and strength to the facial skin.  Its main structure is collagen fibers and clinical studies have shown that from the age of about 20 we lose about 1% of collagen fibers in the skin every year, primarily due to sun exposure. In simple words, without any treatment, at age of 35, we have already lost approximately 15% the collagen fibers in our facial skin. This results in thinner skin and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Therefore, vitamin C is essential for the production of new collagen fibers and its decrease results in collagen degradation.

Anti-inflammatory benefits: Vitamin C is an anti-inflammatory nutrient that helps to counter age-related inflammatory skin conditions such as Rosacea.  It also promotes wound healing and prevents post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Skin whitening benefits: Vitamin C decreases the formation of melanin.  It therefore aids in skin lightening, helps the skin maintain an even tone and repairs pigmentation damage.

Protects skin from sun damage: UV rays from the sun cause photodamage which decreases the production of collagen.  This results connective tissue disruptions, damage to blood vessels, and impairment of the wound healing process.  Vitamin C is a powerful anti-oxidant capable of neutralizing the free radicals caused by the UV rays.  In addition, ascorbic acid increases the collagen synthesis and cross-linking and helps the skin repair itself, therefore reversing the UV-induced photodamage.

The biologically active form of vitamin C is ascorbic acid. Unfortunately, ascorbic acid is a very unstable molecule, yet this is actually the condition that makes it a powerful anti-oxidant. When ascorbic acid degrades (as a result of exposure to light and oxygen) it loses its benefits to the facial skin, and its color turns from white to yellow-brown.

In order for your skin to benefit the most from vitamin C you need to use pure and un-degraded ascorbic acid.  If you are using a topical product like vitamin C serum or vit C cream, and its color is already yellow, it most likely contains a degraded form of vitamin C and is useless.

The NowMi Treatment:

Facial treatments typically involve multiple steps that cleanse, exfoliate and nourish the skin in order to provide a clearer, more rejuvenated, and well-hydrated complexion.  Oxygen facial treatments in particular are known for their skin revitalization and anti-aging attributes.

The NowMi facial treatment is the latest advancement in oxygen facial treatments. The treatment consists of 4 simultaneous actions – exfoliation of the outer layer of the skin, infusion of essential nutrients and oxygenation of the treatment area from within the skin for optimal absorption and efficacy of the infused nutrients. In addition to these three steps which are performed in most professional facial treatments, the NowMi treatment adds a critical fourth step of skin protection.  The protection is achieved by infusing the skin with pure vitamin C, vitamin E and hyaluronic acid.

The vitamin C in the NowMi treatment is in the form of ascorbic acid.  It comes in an effervescent tablet which is sealed by a protective sachet from light and humidity.  This ensures that the purest and most potent levels of ascorbic acid penetrate the skin.

How does the NowMi treatment work?

The NowMi treatment performs 4 skin actions simultaneously:

  1. Exfoliation – The exfoliation is performed using the vitamin C effervescent tablet.  The tablet has a slightly coarse surface which gently removes the most external layer of the skin.  The exfoliation deeply cleanses the skin and removes all dead skin cells, dirt and oil.  It also opens up the pores so that they optimally absorb the active ingredients.
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  2. Nourishment – The interaction between the effervescent tablet and the gel creates micro CO2 bubbles which deliver vitamin C, vitamin E and hyaluronic acid into the skin and restore its depleted reserves. Research has shown that when taken orally, the absorption levels of vitamin C are very low, and only a fraction of the quantity taken is used by the body and active in the skin. Therefore, in order to effectively nourish the skin, the vitamin C is best applied topically.  The ascorbic acid contained in the NowMi tablet is of the highest level of purity. This makes the tablet incredibly effective since unlike any other product on the market, the vitamin C isn’t exposed to air and light, factors which dramatically degrade its quality. By adding vitamin C, the skin is nourished with effective anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and anti- pigmentary agents.  The vitamin E and Hyaluronic acid help the skin maintain its moisture and firmness, and the vitamin E further enhances the effectiveness of the vitamin C.
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  3. Oxygenation – The interaction between the gel and tablet creates micro CO2 bubbles that penetrate the skin’s surface. In response to the increase in CO2 levels, a physiological response called the Bohr Effect is triggered, and the body sends oxygen rich blood to the target area.  This increases the capillary flow and the skin’s metabolism which results in the optimal absorption of the active ingredients and more rapid cell turnover.
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  4. Protection – Vitamin C is the most prevalent antioxidant in the human skin and can be found in large concentrations in the dermal and epidermal skin layers.  Unfortunately, the body is unable to produce vitamin C and serious deficiencies can even lead to disease.

As we age, the concentration of the antioxidants, including vitamin C decreases, and aged skin is said to have 70% less antioxidant concentrations compared to younger skin.  As the concentrations decrease, the skin becomes more vulnerable to damaging extrinsic factors such as solar UV radiation, pollution and smoking.  These factors are known to cause ‘oxidative stress’ which rapidly accelerates damage caused to the skin. While the antioxidants shield against the oxidative stress, excessive exposure can overwhelm the defense mechanism and result in photoaging, immunosuppression and photocarcinogenesis.  Clinical studies have shown that vitamin C creates a photoprotective effect against photoaging.   The vitamin curbs collagen disintegration and pigment damage.  Most importantly, vitamin C helps to stabilize the collagen fibers and produces new collagen.

Facial skin after weight loss

Facial skin after weight loss

It is very common that after losing significant amounts of weight, the skin begins to sag, and often the change is most apparent on facial skin.  The amount of sagging depends on multiple factors such as the amount of weight lost, a person’s age and genetics, and of course lifestyle choices.  In general, the older you are the less elastic your facial skin becomes and your DNA influences how much firmness your skin retains as you age.  Cigarette smoke and UV rays are known to prematurely age facial skin and it is best to avoid them as much as possible.

Sagging skin is never welcomed especially if you have turned your life upside down to lose unwanted fat deposits. It can take a long time to get into a good exercise routine and a healthy diet and it is frustrating that after you have succeeded in reaching your goals you have to deal with sagging facial skin.

If you have lost a significant amount of weight you may experience  sagging jowls, neck and cheeks.  This is because the facial skin cannot conform to the new shape since its elasticity has been damaged.

The elasticity of the skin depends primarily on how long a person has been overweight.  Contrary to popular belief, the time it takes to lose the weight doesn’t play such a major role.  What matters most is how long the person was overweight and for how much time the facial skin was stretched. The longer it was stretched the less likely it is to regain its previous texture and smoothness.

Dr. Marie Jhin M.D., a San-Francisco based dermatologist offers this helpful analogy- “It’s like a balloon. When you first blow up a balloon, it’s really small and tight but when it’s deflated, it doesn’t return to its original shape”[1].

Here are a few tips that limit the amount of sagging facial skin after weight loss:

  1. Facial skin exfoliation: exfoliate your skin at least once a week to remove dead skin cells. The exfoliation increases the blood circulation which stimulates the production of new collagen fibers.  The collagen fibers increase your skin’s elasticity and firmness.
  2. Build muscle- find the time to build muscle tone. Your body will place healthy and toned muscles where the fat tissue once was. Furthermore, by building strong and sturdy muscles, the facial skin has a firm foundation to lie on.
  3. Limit exposure to UV rays- the sun’s rays destroy the collagen in the facial skin and cause it to age prematurely. Skin that has been overexposed to the sun is often more wrinkled and pigmented. Therefore, use sunscreen whenever you go out in the sun and don’t forget to reapply it every two hours.
  4. Produce: include in your diet as many fruits and vegetables as possible. These contain vitamins and minerals which your skin needs to strengthen itself and become firmer.  Vitamin’s A and C for skin are especially important since they help to build collagen.
  5. Eliminate cigarette smoke- the chemicals in the cigarette smoke cause the skin to be less resilient and reduce the collagen levels in the skin. As a result, deep wrinkles appear and the skin loses much of its elasticity.
  6. Stay hydrated- it is important that your skin cells are well hydrated since the dehydration affects the  cells and leaves them shriveled and inflexible.

 

The NowMi facial treatment at home is also an excellent way to limit sagging facial skin.  The facial treatment contains an effervescent tablet with pure vitamin C, and perform 4 actions simultaneously: exfoliation, nutrition, oxygenation and facial skin protection.  Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects the facial skin from harmful UV rays and helps the skin to repair itself and rebuild new tissue.  In addition, the treatment also infuses the skin with vitamin E and hyaluronic acid which restore its firmness.  Finally, using the NowMi facial treatment you provide your skin with a superior exfoliation mechanism that deeply cleanses all of the pores, increases the blood’s circulation and stimulates collagen production.

Click here for more information on the NowMi treatment.

 

[1] https://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/features/you-lost-weight-what-about-extra-skin#1

Vaginal rejuvenation – is it safe?

Retro bikini bottom

The increased popularity of vaginal rejuvenation treatments, as described in my blog “VAGINAL REJUVENATION: ARE WE GOING TO SEE HOME-USE DEVICES IN THE MARKET?”, has stimulated quite a few companies to market energy based (laser or RF) vaginal rejuvenation devices. The term “Vaginal rejuvenation” is a controversial one, often used to describe non-invasive treatment of symptoms such as vaginal laxity, vaginal atrophy, dryness, itching, pain during sexual intercourse, pain during urination and decreased sexual sensation.

While the treatment has gained a lot of popularity, recently, FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., issued a warning letter stating: “We’ve recently become aware of a growing number of manufacturers marketing “vaginal rejuvenation” devices to women and claiming these procedures will treat conditions and symptoms related to menopause, urinary incontinence or sexual function. The procedures use lasers and other energy-based devices to destroy or reshape vaginal tissue. These products have serious risks and don’t have adequate evidence to support their use for these purposes. We are deeply concerned women are being harmed.”

The FDA’s statements specifically raise concerns regarding adverse side effect of the products – “In reviewing adverse event reports and published literature, we have found numerous cases of vaginal burns, scarring, pain during sexual intercourse, and recurring or chronic pain.”

The FDA encourages women who have undergone treatment for vaginal “rejuvenation” and experienced a complication to file a report through MedWatch, the FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting program.

Women considering vaginal rejuvenation procedure are strongly advised to carefully read summary results of published clinical studies in order to ensure that they are making an educated decision. Here are two such studies.

Recommended reading NowMi vitamin C oxygen facial
1. “Vaginal rejuvenation using energy-based devices” authored by Cheryl Karcher, MD and Neil Sadick, MD
2. “Review and clinical experience exploring evidence, clinical efficacy, and safety regarding nonsurgical treatment of feminine rejuvenation” authored by Michael Gold MD et al.

Active Ingredients used for Facial Skin Whitening

The ingredients used for facial skin whitening activate biological processes that are intended to reduce or eliminate the production of melanin.

There are several means of achieving this reduction:

  • Inhibit tyrosinase synthesis
  • Use complex copper that inhibits tyrosinase function
  • Eliminate oxidation reactions that lead to the formation of melanin
  • Slow down the transfer of melanosomes to keratinocytes
  • Act upstream on the hormone that stimulates melanogenesis (MSH)

Most of the depigmenting agents currently on the market decrease melanogenesis by inhibiting tyrosinase activity in the melanocytes as well as by inhibiting melanosome maturation using one of the mechanisms described in the blog ‘Facial Skin Whitening’.

Hydroquinone

In the past hydroquinone was the main active ingredient used in facial skin whitening treatments, and it was thought to be safe and effective for skin lightening. However, several clinical studies concluded that there may be side effects associated with the long-term use of hydroquinone- there were reports of possible carcinogenicity and a link to ochronosis. As a result, the FDA withdrew the 1982 TFM for OTC skin bleaching drug products containing hydroquinone.  Since the banning of hydroquinone from the OTC market, there has been a growing demand for an alternative natural, safe, and efficacious de-pigmenting treatment.

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C)

Vitamin C can be found in a few different forms, but ascorbic acid is the most biologically active and effective form.

Ascorbic acid is a key ingredient in many physiological functions in the human body.  It is a powerful antioxidant since it donates electrons and prevents oxidation by keeping iron and copper atoms in their reduced states.

The physiological functions of Ascorbic acid include the synthesis of:

  • Collagen
  • Carnitine
  • Neurotransmitters
  • Tyrosine

Collagen production is crucial for repairing damaged facial tissue.  Clinical studies have shown that the skin heals faster and scars less when it is infused with vitamin C. Thus, Ascorbic acid is used to stimulate collagen production which results in smoother and more supple skin.

Ascorbic acid whitens facial skin by inhibiting the production of tyrosinase, which reduces the production of melanin. It also protects the skin from harmful damage caused by sun exposure.  Excessive exposure to sunlight, especially UV rays, creates reactive oxygen species in the skin that provoke skin damage. Vitamin C significantly reduces the impact of these reactive oxygen species by donating electrons which neutralize them.

With so many facial skin benefits, it is not surprising that there is an abundance of topical products (creams, gels, serums) containing vitamin C on the market. The products claim to treat a wide variety of skin conditions- from facial skin whitening to fine line and wrinkle reduction . However, it is critical to know that when applied topically, the efficacy of ascorbic acid is very small and often non-existent.  This is due to the fact that vitamin C (C6H8O6) is a very unstable molecule which degrades once it is exposed to light, and as soon as it degrades, it loses all of the benefits described above.

It is easy to detect the degradation of the vitamin C since it turns a yellow-brown color upon degradation. Cosmetic products that claim to have vitamin C as an active ingredient, and which are colored yellow-brown, are misleading consumers since in actual fact the vitamin C in these products has lost its skin rejuvenation properties and is an inactive, degraded, vitamin C.

The structure of the skin is another factor which greatly reduces the effectiveness of cosmetics containing vitamin C. The upper layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, protects the deeper layers of the skin by rejecting materials that attempt to penetrate it. Vitamin C is a hydrophilic molecule which easily dissolves in water, while the stratum corneum is hydrophilic, meaning it is water resistant. Therefore, to effectively penetrate vitamin C into the skin, it is essential to first exfoliate the stratum corneum.

Kojic acid

For over 30 years, Kojic acid has been used as a facial skin whitening agent. Kojic acid, like hydroquinone, prevents the formation of dopachrome – an intermediate stage in the biosynthesis of melanin. Kojic acid is obtained by the fermentation of a strain of Aspergillus orizae.

Since hydroquinone and its esters have been banned in several countries, Kojic acid has been used to replace it. Kojic acid at 1% concentration has bleaching properties,  but when it is used, it immediately turns the cosmetic emulsion yellow and within four to six weeks it turns it brown.  Furthermore, its acidity is very weak since it is linked only to the presence of a hydroxyl function in the molecule. Additionally, it is unstable since it is very sensitive to heat (above 40°C) and oxidizes easily.  Therefore, it must be added into emulsions when they are cooled and needs to be combined with antioxidants such as ascorbic acid (vitamin C).

Although relatively safe and effective, recent studies have shown that it is responsible for skin irritation, sensitization and in rare cases where it has been frequently used, it has been related to contact dermatitis.

In Japan, the country where Kojic acid was first used for skin bleaching, the product isn’t banned, but the authorities have stated that they don’t want new formulations to include the acid.

Niacinamide or nicotinamide or vitamin B3

Another way to achieve skin lightening is to limit the transfer of pigment into the skin cells. Niacinamide (vitamin B3) and Soy are primary nutrients which affect the transfer of melanosome and thus pigmentation.

Niacinamide (nicotinamide) is an effective skin lightener, especially for skin conditions in which hyperpigmentation may occur on the face or other visible parts of the body. Niacinamide has been found to reduce hyperpigmentation in a pigmented reconstructed epidermal (PREP) model by inhibiting 35-68% of melanosome transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes. It inhibits melanosome transfer without affecting tyrosinase activity, melanin production, melanocyte number or cell viability. The melanosome transfer is modulated by protease-activated receptor 2 activation (PAR-2) leading to disrupted keratinocyte phagocytosis. Most importantly, Niacinamide inhibits the transfer of melanosomes to keratinocytes without affecting the activity of tyrosinase.

Alpha-Hydroxy Acids

A very popular method for lightening the skin uses alpha hydroxyl acids (AHA).  AHA is a natural ingredient that effectively exfoliates the skin and also helps with hyperpigmentation by speeding up skin’s natural cell turnover – known as Skin Turnover Acceleration

L(+) lactic acid is part of the alpha hydroxyl acids (AHA) group. It is known to stimulate the desquamation process which increases the skin’s cell renewal rate. This not only results in smoother skin and the disappearance of fine lines, but also causes melanogenic suppression or skin whitening activity (as a result of the suppression of the formation of tyrosinase). The product needs to be formulated at lower pH levels to speed up the cell renewal.

The use of lactic acid and other lactates in skin lightening products has multiple benefits such as moisturization, increase of the skin’s ceramide level and skin lightening.

B&A of a woman after a facelift

Facial Skin Whitening

Woman wearing fur hat similingIntroduction

More than ever before, there is a huge emphasis in the beauty market on skin tone.  Customers the world over are seeking effective products that will even out their skin tone, and many individuals with darker skin are looking for skin whitening products.

The desire to use skin whitening products varies considerably between cultures. Hyperpigmentation is the most common and distressing condition afflicting people in Western countries.  These individuals often seek to eliminate localized hyperpigmentation as well as to lighten their skin tone in general.  In Asian countries, skin whitening products are mainly used to achieve a whiter and brighter facial skin tone.

The main purpose of facial skin whitening products is to lighten the skin as well as even out the skin tone.  It is also used to treat pigmentation disorders such as blemishes, pregnancy marks and age spots.

The active ingredients in the facial skin whitening creams work in two ways:

  • By absorbing the UV rays, thus preventing the sun damaging and darkening the facial skin.
  • By reducing the production of melanin, the pigment found in the skin which is responsible for skin color and darkening.

Facial Skin Pigmentation

Dermal melanin is produced by melanocytes, cells that are located at the bottom layer of the skin. The type and amount of melanin synthesized by the melanocyte and its distribution pattern in the epidermis determines the actual color of the facial skin.

Melanin comes in two forms: pheomelanin and eumelanin. These two forms are found in facial skin and hair. Eumelanin is the form which mostly determines the skin color due to its high concentrations (i.e. the higher the concentration of eumelanin, the darker the skin tone).

All skin types also have pheomelanin in the skin and hair. Pheomelanin is responsible for creating pink to red hues in the skin and is found in high concentrations in red hair as well as in lips, nipples, glans of the penis and vagina.

Some research has stated that pheomelanin may become carcinogenic if exposed to UV light.

Facial Skin Pigmentation Mechanism

Melanin in melanocytes form due to a series of oxidative reactions involving tyrosine and the enzyme tyrosinase.

Eumelanin is formed from the amino acid tyrosine, when it is acted upon by the enzyme tyrosinase, which itself is dependent on its co-enzyme copper. A succession of oxidation reactions leads to the formation of indole-5,6-quinone, and then the colored polymer. This synthesis takes place in the melanosomes, cellular organelles that extend from the melanocytes, which are transferred to keratinocytes that migrate from the basal layer of the epidermis to the stratum corneum.

Melanin forms through a series of oxidative reactions involving the amino acid tyrosine and the enzyme tyrosinase.

Tyrosinase catalyzes three different reactions in the biosynthetic pathway of melanin in melanocytes: the hydroxylation of tyrosine to l-DOPA and the oxidation of l-DOPA to dopaquinone; furthermore, in humans, dopaquinone is converted by a series of complex reactions to melanin.

The first step is the most critical because the remainder of the reaction sequence can proceed spontaneously at physiological pH. Here, tyrosinase converts tyrosine to dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) and then to dopaquinone. Subsequently, dopaquinone is converted to dopachrome through auto-oxidation, and finally to dihydroxyindole or dihydroxyindole-2-carboxylic acid (DHICA) to form eumelanin (black-brown pigment). The latter reaction occurs in the presence of dopachrome tautomerase and DHICA oxidase. In the presence of cysteine or glutathione, dopaquinone is converted to cysteinyl DOPA or glutathione DOPA. Subsequently, pheomelanin, a yellow-red pigment, is formed.

There are several means of reducing or eliminating melanin formation:

  • Inhibit tyrosinase synthesis
  • Complex copper to inhibit tyrosinase function
  • Eliminate oxidation reactions that lead to the polymer formation
  • Slow down the transfer of melanosomes to keratinocytes
  • Act upstream on the hormone that stimulates melanogenesis

Most of the depigmenting agents presently on the market decrease melanogenesis by inhibiting tyrosinase activity in melanocytes as well as by inhibiting melanosome maturation by one or other of the mechanisms described.

In the next blog some of the most popular active ingredient for facial skin whitening will be presented.

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What happens to your facial skin after you quit smoking?

Here is one more reason to quit smoking- it makes you look much older than you are.  Dr. Flora Levin, an oculoplastic surgeon specializing in cosmetic eyelid surgery and non-surgical facial skin rejuvenation, provides this succinct description: “The facial skin of a 40-year-old heavy smoker resembles that on a non-smoking 70-year-old. The facial skin is dry and coarse with deep facial wrinkles and furrows, a slack jawline, discoloration and an uneven tone. The eyelids are often baggy with creped facial skin. The neck is saggy with loose skin and the blood vessels are dilated and prominent. The term ‘smoker’s face’ is used to describe these facial skin characteristics, which are all caused by smoking.[1]

Why does this happen?  It happens because the tobacco smoke contains thousands of chemicals and carcinogens that cause serious damage (we won’t talk about cancer and heart disease now, just about damage to the facial skin).  Primarily, cigarette smoke is detrimental to blood circulation and just one cigarettes can limit blood flow for up to and hour and a half.  Therefore, the facial skin is starved of oxygen for long periods of time which results in the breakdown of collagen and elastin- proteins that are essential for firm and healthy facial skin.

The list goes on.  Since the blood flow is hindered, there is an increase in broken capillaries and veins which cause dark scarring on the face.  Also, the nicotine slows down the healing process so the skin is less able to repair itself from intrinsic and extrinsic damage.  Lastly, distinct furrows and wrinkles are formed from smoking- the act of sucking on the cigarette causes lines around your mouth and brows, and since the action is repeated, the lines become more pronounced.

Bottom line- smoking causes premature facial skin aging, slows down wound healing and increases the rate of infection.  Smokers often suffer from discoloration of the teeth and tongue, wrinkles and fine lines, bags under the eyes, slack in the jawline and dry, coarse skin.  And unfortunately, smokers experience higher rates of facial skin disorders such as: skin cancer, psoriasis, Hidradenitis suppurativa (chronic boils in the groin and armpits area), lupus and acne.

Okay. Enough with all the gloom and doom. This post is about your facial skin after you quit.  So here is the good news.  Our bodies are the most wondrous machines, and if you give your body a chance, it will do its best to reverse the damage.  So once you quit smoking your blood circulation will improve and your facial skin will begin to heal itself.  This means that it will start to produce more collagen and elastin which will restore your skin’s firmness and elasticity.  Also, once you quit smoking, the coloration of your facial skin will dramatically improve since the skin won’t be infused with chemicals that suppress it.

Regarding the wrinkles, they may not go away  at once, but they won’t get worse.  There are however many things you can do to reduce wrinkles and fine lines. First, you can start by infusing your skin with vitamin C and E which help the skin to revitalize itself.  The NowMi treatment is excellent in this respect since it oxygenate your facial skin restoring the needed oxygen to your face. It infuses the skin with 50% concentration of pure vitamin C, vitamin E and hyaluronic acid.  The ingredients help the facial skin regain its firmness and elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles as proved by clinical study. Best of all it is a personal skin oxygenation device and the NowMi vitamin C oxygen facial treatment can be done anywhere and anytime. It takes only 5 minutes to restore your glow and revitalized facial skin.

NowMi Pro is now on sale with Special Offer: Buy now a NowMi Pro Kit from the inventor of OxyGeneo and receive Free of Charge a NowMi refill kit (valued at $99) that will give you 3 extra months vitamin C oxygen facial treatments at home.

There are also a wide range of minimally and invasive aesthetic treatments out there.  The technologies are constantly evolving, and the results are really impressive.  No matter what path you choose, the first step is to say goodbye to smoking and hello to a healthier you.

Recommended reading NowMi vitamin C oxygen facial

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[1] https://www.zwivel.com/blog/how-smoking-affects-your-skin/

Facial skin peels

The NowMi treatment gently exfoliates the skinYouth, while taken for granted by the X and Y generations, is so sought after by those of us who’ve passed that stage of life. Many things cause our facial skin to age, especially UV radiation emitted by the sun.  The UV creates  free radicals that damage the facial skin cells and destroy the collagen and elastin in the dermis, causing wrinkles and sagging skin. UV rays also accelerate the production of facial skin pigment (melanin), resulting in the appearance of sun spots or age spots.

Nowadays there is a multitude of anti-aging skin care approaches out there. It’s become nearly impossible to decipher them all. One approach that has stood the test of time and has proven to show very clear and visible results is chemical facial skin peeling. All facial skin peels remove the top layer of the skin to exfoliate and speed up cell turnover.

Chemical peel benefits:

A facial chemical peel is performed by applying a chemical solution onto the skin which destroys the cells in contact with the solution and eventually causes the facial skin to peel off. The new skin is usually smoother and less wrinkled than the old skin. With a chemical peel you can achieve the following results:

  • Reduce fine lines under the eyes and around the mouth
  • Treat wrinkles caused by sun damage and aging
  • Improve the appearance of mild scars
  • Treat certain types of acne
  • Reduce age spots, freckles, and dark patches

After a chemical peel, for a long period, the facial skin is more sensitive to the sun and must be protected by constantly wearing sunscreen and avoiding direct sun exposure.

Light chemical peels for facial skin

Light chemical peels are used to treat fine lines, areas of dryness, uneven pigmentation and acne. The solution used for light chemical peels is usually comprised of alphahydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids, such as glycolic, lactic, salicylic, or fruit acids, all known to be quite light. They’re especially good for combating acne or oily facial skin issues because they break down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together, allowing for easier exfoliation. Light chemical peels are ideal for people who want the benefits of a facial peel but do not wish to spend the longer time required to recover from a deeper peel.

Medium chemical peels for facial skin

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peels are considered to be more medium depth peels. This chemical peel works well for treating fine surface wrinkles, superficial blemishes, and pigmentation problems.

The downside of these medium chemical peels is that they feel slightly more uncomfortable than the lighter peels, have more side effects, such as swelling and redness, and require more down time. The peeling of the facial skin is very noticeable, so it’s best to perform these treatments over a period of time when you can rest up to a week.

TCA peels are also considered the preferred choice for patients with darker skin.

Deep chemical peels for facial skin

The carbolic acid face peel, also known as a the Phenol peel, is the strongest peeling treatment. Deep peels are used to treat coarse facial wrinkles, blotches caused by aging or sun exposure and pre-cancerous growths.

While the deep chemical peel produces the most dramatic and the longest-lasting results, it take longer to perform (a few hours) and requires the most healing time. The procedure must be performed by qualified cosmetic dermatologist.

After the deep peeling you can expect your facial skin to be very red, and following the procedure you will need downtime of at least 1 week and a healing time of at least 2 months.

Phenol peel is typically used only for facial peels because the deep chemical peel may cause permanent lightening of the skin.

Viagra may reduce by 50% the risk of colorectal cancer

What I find fascinating is how different drugs are used for new applications. I recently came across a study that concludes that small daily doses of Viagra may significantly reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. Isn’t that fantastic!

Viagra was developed by group of UK researchers working at Pfizer for treatment of high blood pressure and ischæmic heart disease. In the first clinical study it proved very little effect on heart disease but show noticeable effect on penile erection. Pfizer decided to market it as the first oral treatment for erectile dysfunction. In 1998 it was approved by the FDA and it was advertised directly to consumers on TV using the famous Brazilian football stare Pele and the US senator Bob Dole.

A recent study entitled “Sildenafil Suppresses Inflammation-Driven Colorectal Cancer in Mice” was published in the Cancer Prevention Research journal. The study found that Viagra cut by half the formation of colorectal polyps, an abnormal and frequently asymptomatic clump of cells on the lining of the intestines that may transform into cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), colorectal cancer affects 1 in 22 men and 1 in 24 women and is the third leading cause of cancer death in the USA.

One of the causes of the cancer is a mutation of a gene called ‘adenomatous polyposis coli’ (APC), a tumor suppressor. Those with an APC genetic mutation are at a higher risk of developing colorectal polyps, which often transform into cancer.

The study was led by Dr. Daren D. Browning, a cancer researcher at the Georgia Cancer Center and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at Augusta University in Georgia. During the study, mice were genetically modified to develop hundreds of colorectal polyps. They were then given Viagra in their drinking water. Remarkably, the Viagra reduced the formation of the polyps by half!

The study revealed that Viagra increased the levels of an intracellular calcium regulator called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP). This substance plays an important part in the proper functioning of smooth muscle cells, retinal cells, pituitary cells and more. cGMP also regulates the layer of cells inside the intestine, known as the intestinal epithelium, that forms a barrier against foreign bacteria and substances. In addition, the Viagra inhibits a substance called phosphodiesterase-5 an enzyme that naturally occurs in colon cells which can break down the cGMP, and stimulates the epithelium to create more cells which strengthens the protective layer.

Dr. Browning added that the next step is to carry out human clinical trials to test the effectivnes of Viagra on individuals that are at a high risk of developing colorectal cancer.

While this is only the beginning, the study gives real direction in the fight against colorectal cancer and hope to those at risk.