6 Crucial Skin Protection Tips for the Summer

Have Fun in The Sun While Using Skin Protection

Summer is officially here, and you know what that means- more time spent having fun outdoors in the sun. While it’s great to get your vitamin D (especially after the long winters here in New England), skin protection protocols are also incredibly important. After all, over 5.4 million cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer are treated in more than 3.3 million people each year in the United States alone. [1] Not only can you be at a higher risk for skin cancer, but it’s also a well-known fact that too much sun exposure can significantly age the skin. [2] To minimize these risks, here are 5 ways you can protect your skin from the sun.

1. Sunscreen/Sunblock

A study from 2011 consisting of 1,621 participants showed that using sunscreen can reduce the chances of developing melanoma by 50-73%. While genetic makeup can play a massive role in determining the likelihood of developing the cancer- sunscreen can significantly help reduce the risk. Aim for sunscreens that provide SPF 30+ with BOTH UVA and UVB protection, and don’t forget to re-apply at least every hour for optimal skin protection (even more frequently if you’ve been swimming or sweating). [3]

2. Hats

Many people often forget to protect their scalps while out and about. Because sunscreen can make hair greasy and uncomfortable- hats are the next best option. Make sure that your hat fuller covers the scalp (that means no visors). In addition to covering your scalp, hats can also add a little more skin protection to the face and neck!

3. Sunglasses

Protecting the eyes is also incredibly important, and often overlooked (no pun intended). The sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays can cause eye conditions such as macular degeneration, cataracts, pterygium, and even cancer. Choose lenses that cover a large portion of the eye area, with coverage extending around all of the skin around the eyes. Also, it’s important to make sure the lenses offer both UVA/UVB protection- sunglasses at stores will often have stickers on them stating this. If the lenses do not have a tag or sticker on them stating UVA/UVB ray protection, it’s best to look for sunglasses that do. [4]

4. Stay in the Shade

This doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the splendors of the outdoors if you protect your skin- it just simply means that you should seek to be in the shade for the majority of the time. Peak sun exposure hours are generally between the hours of 10 AM—4 PM, with UV rays being the strongest around noontime. So after getting the recommended 15 minutes (10 minutes for fair-skinned people, 20 minutes for those with darker complexions) of sun, start lathering up on sun-lotion, and head for the shade. It will also help to cool your body down! [5]

5. Chapstick with SPF

Not only does chapstick keep the lips hydrated, but using a chapstick with SPF 15 or higher (preferably 20-30 SPF) can offer lip skin protection. Lips can also be subjected to skin cancer, so make sure apply every time your lips start to feel dry. This goes for men, too!

6. Protective Clothing

Although it can get pretty hot outside, protect your skin further by wearing the right clothing. At the risk of sounding obvious- clothes can significantly decrease your chances of developing skin cancer. Be conscientious of areas of the body that can often go forgotten—wear t-shirts that cover the shoulders, and shoes that cover the tops of the feet. Just remember that if you’re not going to cover it with clothing, coat it with lotion!

Have fun in the sun this summer- but just remember to play safe!

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25928283

[2] http://www.who.int/uv/publications/en/primaryteach.pdf

[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21135266

[4] https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/sun

[5] http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/heart/articles/2008/06/23/time-in-the-sun-how-much-is-needed-for-vitamin-d

Alopecia Hair Loss: Can PRP Therapy Really Help?

Studies are suggesting that PRP Therapy has the potential to treat alopecia hair loss.

Recently, the practice of using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy to heal a number of ailments has been becoming increasingly popular. Not only can PRP potentially heal joints, but it can also help prevent aging, improve sexual wellness, and stimulate hair regrowth. Although it may seem overly simplistic that the treatment for alopecia hair loss lies within one’s own body, multiple studies suggest that it is entirely possible.

For example, in a randomized, double-blind, placebo- and active-controlled study from 2013, forty-five patients were randomized to receive either, PRP, triamcinolone acetonide (TrA), or a placebo to treat alopecia areata. Each patient was given three treatments over 1 month intervals. At the end of the study…”PRP was found to increase hair regrowth significantly and to decrease hair dystrophy and burning or itching sensation compared with TrA or placebo. Ki-67 levels, which served as markers for cell proliferation, were significantly higher with PRP. No side-effects were noted during treatment.” [1]

Another study from 2013 investigated “the safety and clinical efficacy of alopecia areata-PRP injections for pattern hair loss.” After harvesting and isolating the PRP from each patient’s own blood, it was injected onto half of the patient’s scalp- the other half of the patient’s scalp received treatment from a placebo. This study also used the method of treating each patient three times over intervals of 1 month. The results found that “the patients presented clinical improvement in the mean number of hairs,” and an “increase of epidermis thickness and of the number of hair follicles two weeks after the last AA-PRP treatment compared to baseline value.” [2]

Lastly, a 2014 study set out to observe the “safety, efficacy and feasibility of PRP injections in treating androgenic alopecia.” This study included eleven patients who were diagnosed with androgenic alopecia and who also had no hair growth success after 6 months of using traditional treatments such as minoxidil or finasteride. Participants received PRP injections into the scalp every two weeks over an eight week period. After three months, the participants were then clinically examined and assessed. The results yielded that “a significant reduction in hair loss was observed between first and fourth injection. Hair count increased from average number of 71 hair follicular units to 93 hair follicular units. Therefore, average mean gain is 22.09 follicular units per cm 2.” Thus, the study concluded that the “PRP injection is a simple, cost effective and feasible treatment option for androgenic alopecia, with high overall patient satisfaction.” [3]

Although it is a fairly new procedure, the results look promising for PRP Therapy to treat alopecia hair loss. It is clear that the healing growth factors within—and the stimulating properties of—PRP have the potential to produce favorable outcomes when it comes to treating alopecia hair loss.

Sources:

[1] http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bjd.12397/full

[2] https://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2014/760709/abs/

[3] http://www.jcasonline.com/article.asp?issn=0974-2077;year=2014;volume=7;issue=2;spage=107;epage=110;aulast=Khatu

Patchy Beard? Let’s Patch You Up

Don't Settle for a Patchy Beard

One of the biggest trends in men’s fashion right now is having great facial hair, so if you have a patchy beard - it may be cramping your style. Trust us - we know that growing a beard is not as easy as it sounds. As John Lockett of GQ says, “The cold, hard truth is that not all beards are created equal. For every Galifianakis, there are at least a dozen sad, scruffy Keanus out there.” Here, we’ve created a “how-to” that can help to improve a patchy beard.

De-Patch Your Beard

Shave

First and foremost, start with a clean slate. By shaving what you already have, it will help to even out the hair growth so that you may assess the situation. You may just have a patchy beard because the hairs are at all different lengths, hairs are brittle and breaking off half-way while growing, or some hair follicles may just be inactive. It’s possible to treat these issues, but let’s just start with the basics, first.

Let it grow

Give your beard the time it needs to actually grow out. You may be tempted to experiment with trimming and different beard designs like goatees and moustaches. However, try your best to leave it alone- by playing around with the trim, this may throw your perception of your beard off while it’s growing, thus making you think that you have an uneven and patchy beard.

Give It Some Time

Be patient with your beard. There may be some sparse areas in the first month of growth, but don’t get frustrated. This may just be a hump you need to get over. Really wait a few months before making any sort of judgement on your progress- just because you have a patchy beard in the first month, doesn’t mean it will be patchy in the fourth month!

Care for It

As mentioned, hair can break- this includes facial hair. The best way to deal with this is by integrating a combination of healthy hygiene habits, hair care techniques, and noting any compulsive behaviors. Washing your beard regularly with a conditioned formula is important so that it can help deter any bacteria or mites that may cause hair loss. In addition to this, hydrating the hairs is also important- massaging a few drops of castor, olive, or argan oil into your beard will help strengthen and condition the hair and follicles. Lastly, take note of any bad habits you may have such as constant scratching, tugging, or plucking of the hairs- these behaviors can all contribute to a patchy beard.

Even It Out

So let’s say you’ve gone six months without shaving, and although you don’t have a patchy beard, some areas are noticeably shorter than others. The simple solution to this would be to trim the longer areas down to the shorter ones. This can be achieved by carefully using a comb and a pair of hair shears. However, if you don’t feel comfortable successfully evening out your own beard, book an appointment at a barber shop.

Still Patchy?

Six months without shaving and you still very much have a patchy beard? This could be due to alopecia areata - a form of hair loss that occurs in patches. In this case, the hair follicles are dormant, and most likely will not grow without some sort of professional intervention. However, most of the time the case is that you just don’t have active facial hair follicles in that area due to genetics, and you will never grow hair there without help. Luckily, there are many hair restoration physicians that can help you achieve a natural, thick, and full beard.

At Regeneris Medical and New England Center for Hair Restoration, our physicians will take the time to understand the cause of hair loss and a patchy beard in order to design the best treatment plan possible for you. Our experienced doctors can help you achieve some of the best and most natural results to help enhance beard growth and appearance. We offer traditional treatments such as Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), Follicular Unit Transplant (FUT), and microFUE developed by our very own Dr. Ryan Welter. However, it is also entirely possible for your own body to activate it’s dormant hair follicles with our regenerative hair restoration procedures. We utilize two of the body’s natural healing elements- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) as well as autologous adipose (fat)-derived stem cells via stromal vascular fraction (SVF). These revolutionary treatments are minimally invasive, incredibly safe, and can have great potential benefits. “Biocellular Technology is transforming the field of hair restoration,” says Dr. Welter. “Within a few years, using the technology we are developing, hair loss with be a thing of the past.”

Contact Us

Ready to fill in your patchy beard? Call us at 1-855-734-3678 or send us an e-mail at i[email protected]

DISCLAIMER

Regeneris Medical® and affiliates do not claim that stem cell treatments or cellular therapies are a cure for any condition or disease. Adipose-derived stem cell therapies are investigational and are not a part of  FDA-approved stem cell therapies. The information and opinions on this website are for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for advice from a medical professional. If you think you could benefit from stem cell therapies, we suggest patients research relevant information in addition to the information on our site. Be sure to consult a physician before deciding to participate in any investigational therapies.

The Human Ken Doll: How Unnatural Anti-Aging Fillers Can Yield Unnatural Results

One of the biggest fears of having any anti-aging treatment done is the thought that one may look unnatural after the fact. However, that worry doesn’t exist for 33 year old Rodrigo Alves. Alves, who just recently received his 51st cosmetic procedure, has been offered a Guinness World Record for being an individual to have the “Most Cosmetic Procedures” in the world, having spent nearly $470,000 on cosmetic procedures alone. You may also recognize Alves by a different name– The Human Ken Doll. The reason being? Well...just take a look for yourself…

As you can see, Alves looks incredibly unnatural, almost to the point where fillers and surgeries have disfigured his face. However, he has a different take on his situation...

“I'm just afraid to get old because I started too late,” says Alves. “I want my youth to last longer, I'm never going to get old and every new year I'm looking better than I was the year before.”

We want to preface this with stating that there is absolutely nothing wrong about aging. With age comes wisdom and experience. However- you also have the ability to still feel young at heart, AND match that with your appearance. The greatest part?: Your body holds the ability to turn back the clock by regenerating skin cells and increasing facial volume. Regeneris Medical can help you regain a natural and youthful look with our safe and minimally invasive protocols, just by using your own body’s regenerative abilities.

We at Regeneris Medical can’t help but think that Rodrigo Alves could have looked much more natural, aged beautifully, and significantly decreased his health risks had he opted for a more natural route with us using our regenerative anti-aging protocols.

The Dangers of Fillers

There are several risks associated with getting traditional fillers. One risk being that there is the risk of having an allergic reaction. Intense swelling and itching around the injected site is possible. This essentially means that the body is rejecting the fillers, which can be a very painful experience.

Another risk is the chance that fillers can sometimes cause tiny bumps to form under the skin where they were injected. This can be from the injector administering the filler too superficially, or unevenly. Unfortunately, to fix this, one has to make another appointment with his/her provider, or wait until the filler is totally gone (which could take up to 6 months). According to Web MD, “in some cases, those bumps may be permanent. And sometimes, a bluish skin discoloration known as the Tyndall effect happens.” Not only that, but “the color change can last for several months, but there are treatments available. In very rare cases, skin cells may die if the wrinkle fillers are not used properly.”

Alves has been lucky that he has not had any of these side effects...yet. Unfortunately for the Human Ken Doll, he still has a high risk of having chronic lymphoplasmacytic inflammatory reactions (chronic inflammation of plasma and lymphocyte cells) or classic foreign body-type granulomatous reactions (when one’s body rejects foreign materials that are within the body).

Age Naturally

If only Alves knew his own body could nourish his skin and age gracefully just by using his own body’s resources. Yes, hidden within your body is the fountain of youth, and Regeneris is here to help you find it. The body contains two vital components to regeneration: 1) Platelet-Rich Plasma, and 2) Autologous (from the patient's own body) Adipose (fat) derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (also known as MSCs). The increased concentration of growth factors in the PRP and activation of MSCs work to naturally rejuvenate the entire face, as opposed to more traditional treatments that target individual areas.

There are several potential benefits to our regenerative therapies, such as…

• Long-lasting, natural results

• Minimally invasive, non-surgical

• Little to no downtime

• Uses your body's own resources

• Advanced stem cell technologies

• No allergy risk

Our protocols provide patients with a more genuine anti-aging route. These treatments have shown promising results that allow patients to reclaim their youth with their bodies own healing powers, rather than with chemical-filled injections or invasive surgeries. By using your body’s own materials, you truly achieve a natural look.

Contact Us

If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional anti-aging treatments, call us today at 1-855-734-3678 or e-mail us at [email protected].

DISCLAIMER

Regeneris Medical® and affiliates do not claim that stem cell treatments or cellular therapies are a cure for any condition or disease. Adipose-derived stem cell therapies are investigational and are not a part of  FDA-approved stem cell therapies. The information and opinions on this website are for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for advice from a medical professional. If you think you could benefit from stem cell therapies, we suggest patients research relevant information in addition to the information on our site. Be sure to consult a physician before deciding to participate in any investigational therapies.

3 Extreme Anti-Aging Treatments You Won’t Believe–Don’t Try This At Home!

3 of the Wildest Hoax Skin Care Routines

Sometimes people are willing to go to extreme lengths to achieve youthful, beautiful skin. And sometimes, those lengths push the boundaries of skin care in terms of effectiveness and safety. We found three of the wildest hoax skin care routines out there for you to take a look at. As you’re reading, think about this: are these treatments really worth the risk, especially when your own body could hold the secret to regenerative anti-aging?

1. Kitty Litter Facial

Yes, you read it right. If you’re a follower of the YouTube beauty community, then you may have seen cosmetic guru Michelle Phan post a video about the Kitty Litter Facial. Phan says she uses unscented cat litter mixed with water, and claims that it contains “amazing detoxifying abilities.” [1]

To avoid chemicals, Phan presses that you should only use unscented cat litter. However, other critics have commented on the possible dangers of the facial…

"I would not put kitty litter on my face. Some brands of kitty litter contain aluminium silicate, the same ingredient used in glass-making as well as housing insulation. Plus, it's a known neurotoxin for humans,” - esthetician Rebecca O'Sullivan [2]

At the end of the day, kitty litter belongs in the box and not on our faces.

2. Bee Venom

One anti-aging trend that’s been on the rise has been the use of bee venom. “Bee venom therapy (BVT) involves the application of bee venom into the skin by administration of live bee stings or injections with a needle, including acupuncture into acupoints.” So what is the science behind this procedure?

“One of the principal components of bee venom is a chemical called melittin...Melittin changes the charge of the cell so it can absorb toxins, but also so it can absorb more oxygen, hormones, and amino acids. And since the irritant component of bee sting is left out of the mix, the result of using “bee venom” is pure skin rejuvenation.” [3]

Don’t go looking for a beehive, though. The claim is that “There is only the change in the skin that makes it more responsive to oxygen and nutrients. The extra energy in the skin helps it smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.” [4] However, there is no concrete proof that this technique helps rather than just hurts. Some sources say that BVT is supposed to mimic a bee sting, yet even this supposedly it does not do.

Even though this may seem like an exciting and more natural anti-aging alternative, there is very little scientific evidence that it’s actually effective, or even safe.

“Until there is more scientific evidence suggesting that apitherapy does more good than harm, I would avoid this alternative therapy,” writes Thomas Pirelli, PhD. This especially goes for people who are allergic to bee venom, as it could cause negative side effects. [5]

3. Chinese Fire facial

Photo Source

In this “hot” new procedure, a towel soaked with alcohol (mixed with other components which vary on who performs the treatment) is placed over the face, and then (you guessed it) set ablaze. The fire is used to supposedly “stimulate cell regeneration and youthify the complexion.” [6]

It seems to go without saying here that there is a very obvious risk of receiving severe burns from the “Fire Facial”–a terrible price to pay for achieving more of a youthful look. [7]

Why Go To Extreme Lengths?

Your body has the ability to restore and repair itself- including fine lines and wrinkles. At Regeneris Medical, we harness the body’s regenerative powers reduce signs of aging.

PRP CELLU-LIFT

PRP has a long history of being used in the medical field, and now its benefits are being applied to other sectors of medicine such as dermatology, skin wound healing, and cosmetic facial rejuvenation.

The Regeneris Cellu-Lift is a Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy designed to regenerate skin tissue. PRP therapy involves drawing a patient’s own blood and processing it so only the enriched cells (PRP) remain. This plasma contains essential proteins and growth factors. When injected into specific areas of the skin, it acts as a matrix that promotes collagen growth, regenerates tissue, and acts as to naturally smooth and tighten the skin.

The natural production of collagen leads to a total facial rejuvenation rather than just individual wrinkle improvement. Regeneris Medical’s PRP Cellu-Lift is one of the most advanced and effective anti-aging procedures available today.

REGENERIS FACE LIFT

Fortunately, you can restore lost volume and revitalize your facial appearance with thea minimally invasive Regeneris Face Lift, a minimally-invasive procedure that combines fat transfer, PRP and stem cells.

In the last 20 years, surgeons have been documenting some long-term benefits found from fat cell transfers, including the ability to maintain volume as well as other regenerative evidence. Fat grafts are loaded with stem cells, whether you specially process the fat or not.

Stem cells certainly have a role to play in regenerative medicine and cosmetic surgery. However, very few surgeons are experienced using Stem Cell + PRP activated fat grafts. At Regeneris Medical we have performed SVF/PRP procedures since 2009 for variety of medical and aesthetic conditions.

Contact Us Today!

Don’t wait another moment- turn back the clock with Regeneris Medical. Call (855) 734-3678 to speak to one of our staff members or click here to use our contact form.

References

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-x6hCI9X0g

[2] http://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/how-to/a11675/kitty-litter-mask/

[3, 4] https://healthybutsmart.com/bee-venom-therapy/

[4] ibid

[5] http://secretsofthebees.com/health-benefits/bee-venom/

[6, 7] http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2289665/Would-set-FIRE-face-look-younger-Disturbing-new-treatment-sees-women-flames-pursuit-eternal-youth.html

DISCLAIMER

Regeneris Medical® and affiliates do not claim that stem cell treatments or cellular therapies are a cure for any condition or disease. Adipose-derived stem cell therapies are investigational and are not a part of  FDA-approved stem cell therapies. The information and opinions on this website are for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for advice from a medical professional. If you think you could benefit from stem cell therapies, we suggest patients research relevant information in addition to the information on our site. Be sure to consult a physician before deciding to participate in any investigational therapies.