Taking It Lightly
September 1, 2007
Over the past few decades light has been villainized—at least when it comes to skin and hair. Recently, however, two companies have released individual light-based treatment products designed to improve the appearance of age spots and fine lines and regrow lost hair. The best part: Each company has applied for FDA approval.
Skincare Technology is using light-emitting diodes (LEDs)—the
same red lights found on digital clocks and remote controls—to enable its
treatments. The Chicago company, which already has FDA approval on its
Revitalight product—a handheld unit that treats acne, promotes increased blood
flow, reduces visible scarring and relieves pain—announced a new product this
past spring called the HandSpa, designed specifically for the hands.
"The HandSpa looks like the nail drying boxes you’d find in a nail salon, but instead of fans, you’d find our LEDs inside," explains Jim Raim, Skincare Technology’s president. "It’s used to get rid of age spots, pain—carpel tunnel or arthritis—and fine lines. The client puts his or her hands into the box and in 10 minutes they are done." The $2,995 HandSpa is used once a week, and Raim says results are apparent after only one treatment.
The product works by pulsing bursts of light at the skin, which
penetrates the first eight to 10 millimeters of the epidermis to stimulate
collagen production and create more mitochondria—the skin cell’s power sources.
Since LEDs do not create heat, there is no chance of burning the skin and no
known side effects or contraindications, says Raim. "Some people say they feel
warmth or tingling, but there’s no heat actually moving into the skin," he says.
Illustration by Michael Sloan.
Bill Gaunitz Jr.’s product—a proprietary hair growth laser—does
not produce heat, either, but it is helping some people sprout new hair the way
the sun helps new grass grow.
Gaunitz, who is president of Gaunitz Hairgrowth Centers based in Scottsdale, has first-hand knowledge of the way his system works since he uses it himself. "We’ve tested to see how much hair grows with the therapy. While it is really hard to quantify because everyone is different, we do know that if you’ve lost your hair in the last seven to 10 years, you’re probably a great candidate," he explains. "We can usually grow all your hair back and not just at the microscopic level. Hair gets thick and dense."
The handheld laser, which looks like a large remote control, came about because so many of the people who came to the Scottsdale clinic could not stay for more than two weeks to complete the treatment, which usually takes several months. Today, anyone can buy the laser ($1,995), which is offered with neutraceuticals, chemical-free hair products and custom compound pharmaceuticals ($3,000). The neutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals are designed to help detox the body, he says. The laser, which is used for four minutes each day, helps stimulate the dormant hair follicles.
"In addition to the laser, we offer six months’ worth of the
products," adds Gaunitz. "And it comes with a money-back guarantee." However,
the company has few takers on its return policy. To date, only five percent of
customers have called for a refund. "We’re seeing more hair after only six
weeks," says Gaunitz. "Everyone seems to respond to the treatment."
Skincare Technology, 888.807.7546, www.revitalight.com
Gaunitz
Hairgrowth Centers, 480.222.4247, www.hairgrowthcenters.com
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