ShareThisBy PAIGE HERMAN and MARIE KUECHEL
newbeauty.com
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
These at-home devices are modeled after tried-and-true in-office treatments to help boost your beauty without an appointment.
Problem: Thinning hair
In-office: Initial studies show that light-based therapy treatments may be effective for stimulating hair growth, and many hair restoration physicians are beginning to use this technology -- especially in conjunction with hair restoration surgery -- for optimal results.
At home: Designed for those who desire thicker, fuller, healthier-looking hair, the HairMax Laser Comb recently gained approval as a medical device from the Food and Drug Administration, which means it's been tested for safety. It uses low-level laser therapy to help energize and nourish the hair follicles. Use it three times per week for 10 to 15 minutes, and it can be used after hair transplant surgery as well. Starting at $395; lasercomb.net
Problem: Rough skin texture, fine lines, acne or abnormal pigment
In-office: Microdermabrasion is a perennial favorite at doctor's offices, spas and salons. An in-office procedure usually uses crystals to exfoliate the skin before they are suctioned off.
At home: The Ageless Beauty DermaVie is designed with the same exfoliation benefits as the clinical microdermabrasion treatments you'll find in a spa or doctor's office. Safe for all skin types, its benefits include reduced appearance of sun damage, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, superficial scarring and acne. Using a combination of suction and exfoliation, the DermaView resurfaces the skin and stimulates blood flow, which in turn boosts collagen production. Treatment is painless and completely noninvasive. $195; Nordstrom.com
Problem: Wrinkles, abnormal pigment or acne
In-office: LED light is used in dermatologist offices as well as saps to rejuvenate and improve the appearance of the skin without pain, side effects or downtime.
At home: The Ageless Beauty Marvel-Mini is available in three versions to rejuvenate the skin, clear the complexion and treat sun-induced age spots. The Marvel-Mini devices all utilize NASA-developed LEDs (light-emitting diodes) set to specific wavelengths that have been proven to have beneficial effects on the skin. Red light stimulates cell growth and fibroblasts to increase collagen production that minimizes fine lines and wrinkles. (Note: The jury is still out on whether there is long-lasting wrinkle improvement once the skin's inflammatory reaction settles down.) Blue light treats acne with its purifying and antibacterial properties. Green light zeros in on pigment to minimize the appearance of spots and sun damage. $225 each, Nordstrom.com
Words to the wise
Although FDA guidelines limit the strength of these over-the-counter devices, it's imperative to follow directions to a tee in order to avoid injury. Do not use these devices any longer than recommended and discontinue use if you experience any adverse side effects. And if you're looking for guaranteed results and safety talk to your dermatologist or plastic surgeon about the in-office treatment options he or she can offer. With any at-home device or treatment product, results are not guaranteed. For extra peace of mind, buy devices such as these from a reputable retailer who stands behind the products they sell and who will take it back in the event that you are not satisfied.
Paige Herman and Marie Kuechel are editors of New Beauty, a semi-annual magazine about cosmetic enhancement. Reach them at editors (at)newbeauty.com. For more columns visit www.scrippsnews.com
