Do hairs know they've been cut?

Question

Hello,

I have a question about body hair. When we remove unwanted body hair by plucking/shaving, we know that they grow back more or less to its natural length.

When we trim them, the hair also seem to grow back to its natural length, but this has mystified me for some time. a) How does the hair know it's been cut without stress caused to the hair follicle, and therefore start growing again; and

b) How does it know when to stop growing when it reaches the intended length?

Many thanks,

Maki Aoyama

Answer

Ginny - So, the short answer is that your hair doesn't know that it's been cut. This is a really common myth. People think that if they trim their head hair when they're trying to grow it, that it'll make it grow faster and people say that if shave your legs or your face, it makes it grow back faster, but that's not actually the case. The only thing that affects how long your hair is and how fast it grows is the hair itself and your genetics. So, hair goes through 3 phases when it's growing. There's the anagen phase which is the growth phase and this is when it actually grows, when it gets longer. Now, on head hair, that can last between 2 and 6 years and how long that phase is, counts as how long your hair could grow to. So, some people seem to be really lucky and they can grow hair down to their waist whereas other people, no matter how hard they try, it will never get pass shoulder length.

Chris - Not their eyelashes though, surely.

Ginny - No, not their eyelashes. Now, that's a point because body hair has a much shorter anagen phase. It's only a couple of months and that's why it never gets as long as head hair. I think there are few exceptions of weird people who've managed to grow their underarm hair ridiculously long in the Guinness Book of Records, but with a couple of weird exceptions, it doesn't get as long as the hair on your head because this anagen phase only last a couple of months. Now after that phase, what happens is the hair is cut off from the blood supply so the follicle sort of dies and it enters a dormant stage and then a bit of time after that, it'll fall out as a new hair begins to grow. So, what you're seeing is you're trimming say, your leg hair while it's still in the anagen phase - it's going to continue growing. But it can only ever get to a certain length because that anagen phase will end and it will fall out.



Source: https://www.thenakedscientists.com/articles/questions/do-hairs-know-theyve-been-cut 

Contact us online today to schedule your appointment @ 03- 7710 2295
Or visit to our website – http://www.dermlaze.com.my

The Top 7 Things You Need to Know About Laser Skin Resurfacing

1. When you have laser resurfacing makes a difference

Did you know that autumn is considered “laser season”? Because laser-treated skin is hypersensitive to sun exposure for up to a year following some procedures, many cosmetic surgeons recommend undergoing laser resurfacing during fall or winter months, when daytime hours are shorter and you are spending most of your time indoors.

Regardless of what time of year you have your laser procedure, wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen daily and reapply as needed. This not only helps to keep your results looking their best, it also provides protection against skin cancer and helps prevent additional premature aging.

2. Treatment may hurt—or it may not

Patients and doctors commonly compare the sensation felt during laser treatments to a rubber band snapping against the skin. However, what laser resurfacing feels like depends on the laser, the depth and area of treatment, and an individual’s tolerance for pain.

Deeper ablative (some outer layers of skin are removed) laser treatments may require local anesthetic injections or intravenous sedation to keep a patient comfortable. Examples of ablative lasers are CO2 lasers and Erbium YAG lasers.

Some non-ablative laser treatments (the laser passes through the skin without removing layers) cause little-to-no pain and require only a topical numbing cream to offset discomfort. Non-ablative lasers include pulsed-dye, ND: Yag, and Alexandrite lasers. Following the procedure, some degree of tenderness in the treatment area can be expected. Your provider will recommend safe ways to control discomfort after laser resurfacing when necessary.

3. Having darker skin does not necessarily preclude you from laser resurfacing

A common misconception is that laser resurfacing is only safe for light skin types. While it is true that certain lasers pose a higher risk for cell damage or discoloration in darker skin, there are safe and effective resurfacing options. For lighter-toned African American, Hispanic or Asian skin tones, Erbium lasers can sometimes be a good option, posing less risk for discoloration. Patients with darker brown or black skin may need to consider other skin resurfacing options, such as radio-frequency treatments or microneedling.

The best way to ensure a safe, effective treatment for your skin type? Consult with a provider who has extensive training and knowledge in laser resurfacing procedures and experience working with darker skinned patients.

4. Who performs your laser resurfacing procedure has a tremendous influence on your results

In the hands of a highly trained, knowledgeable professional, laser resurfacing is a safe way to dramatically improve your skin’s appearance. In the hands of a poorly trained individual, lasers can be ineffective or even dangerous. Choose a laser resurfacing provider based on an individual’s experience, training, and qualification. Don’t make your pick based solely on who offers the best deal or has a brand name laser platform.

Choose a laser resurfacing provider based on experience, training, and qualification—don’t simply look for the best deal or the newest laser platform.

Your best bet? Choose a cosmetic surgeon board certified by the Government Medical Department certified surgeon has undergone a rigorous training fellowship that includes non-surgical treatments such as laser skin resurfacing.

5. Certain medications or conditions affect how the skin reacts to laser treatment

Always be upfront and honest with your provider about your medical history and any medications or supplements you are taking. For instance, if you are prone to cold sores or fever blisters, laser treatments may induce breakouts. Acne medications that contain isotretinoin (i.e., Accutane) can lead to poor healing or scarring from laser resurfacing, while common over-the-counter products like aspirin can increase the risk of post-procedure bleeding.

Common over-the-counter products like aspirin can increase the risk of post-procedure bleeding; other meds can lead to poor healing or scarring after laser treatments

Diabetes and other chronic conditions can also impact safety and results with laser resurfacing. You should also quit smoking at least 2 weeks prior to and after laser treatments to avoid complications with healing and provide your body with the best chance for optimal results.

6. Different lasers are optimized for different issues and skin types

The reason there are so many different laser options is that no one laser can treat all patients and all skin concerns. Here are a few varieties you are likely to come across in your research:

• CO2 Lasers are generally ablative lasers used to treat scars, warts, wrinkles and other deeper skin flaws.
• Erbium Lasers can be ablative or non-ablative. They promote collagen remodeling, making them popular options for treating fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity, and age spots.
• Pulsed-Dye Lasers are typically non-ablative lasers that heat the skin and absorb pigments to reduce redness, hyperpigmentation, broken capillaries, and rosacea.
• Fractional Lasers break up the laser energy into thousands of tiny beams to treat only a fraction of the skin in the area, which reduces downtime. Fractional lasers can be ablative or non-ablative, and are used to treat a number of age-related blemishes.
• IPL (intense pulsed light) treatments technically are not lasers, but are often used to treat similar concerns as lasers, such as sun damage, acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation.

Rather than get caught up in brand names and laser wavelengths, focus on your individual goals: what skin problems do you want to address, and what results are you hoping for? The good news is you don’t have to determine this on your own: a board certified cosmetic surgeon or qualified skin care professional trained in laser resurfacing will be able to recommend the best treatment for you based on your skin type.

Source: https://www.americanboardcosmeticsurgery.org/skin-resurfacing/the-top-8-things-you-need-to-know-about-laser-skin-resurfacing/

Dark Eyes Circle

How do we get dark circles and how do we get rid of them?
It’s disheartening to look in the mirror and see dark circles under your eyes. You might expect them after pulling an all-nighter, but what if those pesky shadows don’t seem to go away even with a full night’s rest? It turns out it’s not just a lack of sleep that can bring them on with genetics being most at fault. But don’t despair–it’s not too difficult to make them go away or at least appear lighter.


What are they?
In most cases, dark eye circles are blood vessels under the eyes that can be seen through the skin. Since deoxygenated blood is blue, when it passes close to the surface of the skin it gives off a bluish tint.


What causes them?
Genetics
If you’re fair skinned, unfortunately you can add dark eye circles after sunburns to your list of skin-related issues. Fair skin is more transparent allowing more of the blue tint of the blood vessels to show through. Other inherited traits that contribute to dark eye circles are having thinner skin than most, Periorbital Hyperpigmentaiton, and deep-set bone structure which can cause shadowing around the eyes.


Age
As we get older, skin loses collagen and thins out causing it to become more translucent. Skin also begins to sag which can cause shadowing around the eyes.


Allergies
The histamines released during an allergy attack inflame the blood vessels and cause swelling. Rubbing the eyes due to itching doesn’t help either as it can cause broken blood vessels.


Illness and/or Medications
Anemia or an iron deficiency can result in dark eye circles as not enough oxygen reaches the body’s tissues. Liver problems can also be a cause. Any medications that make blood vessels dilate can cause eye circles to darken as well.


Nasal Congestion
According to the Mayo Clinic, nasal congestion can cause dark eye circles due to the veins that drain from your eyes to your nose becoming widened and darker. Try a neti pot or a saline spray to release some of the pressure.


How to treat them
There are some simple steps you can take to improve the appearance of dark eye circles. Doubling up on pillows and sleeping more propped up can stop blood from pooling under your eyes. A five minute cold compress upon waking (or the classic cucumbers on the eyes) can help constrict blood vessels giving a more refreshed look.

There are also a variety of eye creams on the market designed for dark eye circles. Some have caffeine to constrict blood vessels, some have green tea to strengthen capillary walls, some are collagen-building (retinol is the most famous of this kind). Eating a diet rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids and drinking plenty of water can drastically help your skin’s appearance including the skin around the eyes.


How to cover them up
When done correctly, makeup can mask even the darkest circles. First, apply eye cream and let it dry completely. Then choose a creamy concealer slightly lighter than your normal foundation to match the fairer skin around the eyes. Pat it along the circles and blend into the top of the check bone. Top with loose powder to set the makeup and keep it from getting caught in the creases.

If you are unsure the cause of your dark eye circles, try gently stretching the skin under your eyes. If it becomes darker, it is probably due to genetics or aging as it shows the darkness is due to an underlying color and not the skin itself. If the color doesn’t change, it’s most likely due to allergies or UV exposure.

4 Easy Ways to Lift and Contour for a V-Shaped Face

Before and After Photos of V-Shaped Face Plastic Surgeries

4 Easy Ways to Achieve a V-shaped FaceAnd here we have 5 easy ways for you to achieve a V-shaped face without the need of going under the knife. Follow the five tips below and you’ll be on your way to having a slimmer and toned V-shaped face!

Tip #1 : Facial Slimming MassageThere are many techniques available for face slimming massage which includes the lymphatic draining technique, ‘Gua Sha’ technique and many more. You can use face slimming tools to compliment the facial massage for optimal results. We love the new OSIM uGEM Beauty Massager for face! It is a sleek and portable beauty massager offers a revitalizing vibration massage for a firm, younger and contoured face. For a more budget face slimming tool, you can try face rollers which are also very popular in Asian market and available in almost every beauty stores. Interestingly, you can also use a Chinese spoon for face slimming massage! Watch below video and try it now!

Tip #2 : Face Yoga / Facial Exercise
Face yoga combines facial exercise with yoga to help you train the muscles around your face that can slim down your face. It also helps in getting rid those unwanted artifacts that tag along such as baggy eyes, wrinkles and sagging face. The best part about doing face yoga is that you can do it just about anywhere, anytime when you are convenience and you can get the benefits of face yoga only using 3-5 minutes a day! Try this pose to sharpen your jawline for a V-shaped face:

1. Stick your tongue as far out as possible, facing the tip of your tongue upward.
2. From that pose, tilt you heat back until a vertical line forms between you neck and your lower jaw, and hold for 10 seconds.
3. Do 2 sets of this pose. Sticking your tongue out helps promote secretion of pancreatic gland hormones that is thought to have an anti-aging effect on your body.

Tip #3 : Makeup
As all of us know makeup makes us look good and can certainly do magic tricks to our face for amazing results. You can indeed get thinner V-shaped face with makeup when you apply them correctly. If you have rounder face and your losing weight methods are not solving the issue, simply just invest your money on some makeup bronzer and highlighter for face contouring to enhance the face features. Watch the below video on the basics of how to contour with very simple steps to make your face look slimmer and thinner. These easy makeup tricks can take 10 pounds off your look, instantly — they’re optical illusions!



Tip #4 : Diet
Do you know that salt causes your body to retain much water and it leads to bloated face as well as a double chin? Do you notice that whenever you snack on junk food or any food loaded with lots of salt, you are likely to feel thirsty and your face will swell the next day? Well, it is due the high sodium content and this means you will need to say goodbye to chips, burgers, pizza, and other foods with high sodium content. Try to control the amount of sale you consume and start drinking more water! By reducing the sodium intake, you will feel your face less bloated or swollen.

Besides, remember to ditch those processed foods in the fridge too. Go for healthier food like fruits and vegetables which help to reduce the face bloating. The fruits and veggies contain high percentage of water that keep your body hydrated and prevent your face from retaining water. Practice yourself to take at least three servings of veggies and fruits a day. These natural and healthy foods contain more fiber and lesser calories along with higher anti-oxidants which are why are highly recommended to those who want to stay fit.

Conclusion
All in all, we are not saying that you should be ashamed of your face shape. In fact, many women with round face tend to look younger than their true age and look more innocent too. However, if you are troubled with bloated or puffy face and double chin, you’ll be surprised how the above 5 ways can define your natural face shape! Have in mind that above tips are not going to transform your face to an extreme degree (unlike plastic surgeries) but will let you achieve a natural defined and slimmer v-shaped face. Also, do check out the latest v-shape mask available in the market which can helps you to achieve a more defined and sharp face, no matter what face shape you are having!

Can Food Actually Help Whiten Your Skin?

Who doesn’t love glowing white skin with no traces of blemishes? It is a natural desire. Clearer, fairer and healthy looking skin is a sign of beauty. Whitening your skin is neither about spending a fortune in state-of-the-art skin whitening procedures nor about putting creams on your skin although the latter works just fine

What’s the solution? Can foods actually help you whiten your skin?
Yes. 

Without using any chemical products, skin care creams and treatments, you can naturally whiten your skin with foods.

Healthy Diet – The Key to Bright and Radiant Skin?
The key to whitening your skin starts from following a healthy colorful diet and active lifestyle. Without a proper diet, it is not possible to improve your skin tone.

Fresh fruits and vegetables contain most of the nutrients required by the body. When you eat a healthy diet, it reverses many health problems, which can improve the skin tone. These foods contain fiber and nutrients to flush away the accumulated toxins. They cleanse the body internally, which also gives a natural glow externally on your skin.

The following is a list of skin whitening foods you can eat regularly to improve your skin tone and complexion:

1. Tomatoes
Here is a secret about tomatoes. Tomatoes are natural the sunscreen! Eating tomatoes protects your skin from harmful rays of Sun. It can treat the uneven skin tone.

2. Watermelon
Watermelon is not just a summer fruit, but a great skin friendly fruit for brightening and lightening.

3. Lemon
Lemon is a natural bleaching agent enriched with antioxidants and vitamin C. Drink a glass of lemon juice a day, to cleanse your body, improve your skin tone and brighten the complexion.

4. Orange
Orange contains Vitamin A and Vitamin C, the skin friendly vitamins. Orange helps in collagen production, which keeps the skin plump and glossy. Similarly, you can include kiwi, grapefruit, etc.

5. Pomegranate
It is the elixir of youth. Poms are a super fruit that can make wonders on your skin. It helps in secretion of fresh and pure blood, which itself naturally enhances your skin tone.

6. Cucumber
Loaded with Vitamin B and micronutrients, this watery vegetable is a natural skin whitening food you can relish.

7. Beetroot 

Known for the richness of iron, copper and manganese, beetroot flushes away the toxins from the body. When the toxins are eliminated, it automatically enhances the skin. Drink a glass of fresh beetroot juice a day and notice your skin turning brighter and fairer with a beautiful glow.

Foods to Avoid if you Want Whiter Skin:

While we do have healthy skin whitening foods, we equally have unhealthy foods that damage the skin tone and accelerate aging. 

Stay away from these foods if you want to enhance your skin complexion.

• Colas, sodas and carbonated beverages 
• Tetra packs and tinned / canned juices 
• Coffee 
• Deep fried foods Foods high in sugar and salt

Here Are Some Quick Tips:
Drink a lot of water and natural drinks like young coconut, fresh fruit juices, etc to keep your skin moistened and hydrated.

Drink green tea in place of coffee and other beverages to delay aging and enrich your skin with antioxidants.

Beyond foods, get good sleep and consider trying a natural lightening cream that uses natural ingredients.

10 Things You Need To Know Before Getting Laser Hair Removal

1. Stay out of the sun before your appointment.
At *least* four weeks before, to be exact. You can't receive this treatment if you're sunburned — or even if you have a tan.


2. You must shave the area you’re getting lasered.
Do NOT proceed to come in with your hairy self. This isn't like waxing, and you don't need to grow your unwanted hair out beforehand.

On that note, you can't come in for laser hair removal if you've had a wax recently. Remember: The laser targets the PIGMENT of your hair follicle, and the follicle actually has to be there in order for this to work.

The best thing you can do is shave a day before your appointment. If you don't, your physician will most likely provide you with a razor so you can get 'er done!


3. Your physician will provide a test patch on your skin at your first appointment.
The sad truth is that not everyone's skin will react well to cosmetic laser treatments. Pigment problems, discoloration, and scarring can occur with some skin types, which is why it's important to allow your physician to conduct a small test patch first.


4. Your appointment can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour.
It all depends on the area you're having treated. Underarms and bikini lines tend to be quick treatments, but other areas like the legs or back can take a little longer.

5. Getting laser hair removal near the eyes is a BIG no
Listen, I know cosmetic lasers may LOOK all pretty and innocent with their colored beams of light, but they can be seriously dangerous around the eyes. No matter where you're receiving treatment, you should always wear eye protection, which your physician will provide.

6. You can’t make an appointment for a full-body laser hair removal treatment.
If someone tells you that you can, RUN FAR AND FAST. There's only a certain amount of cosmetic laser light and heat that your body should safely absorb each session.


7. If you want to see results, you have to be consistent.
Hear me out: There's a good reason for this. Your hair follicles are on their own growth cycle. People who see the best results typically go in for treatment every four to six weeks in order to maximize the potential of zappin' the most follicles. This time frame allows the dead hair shafts to fall out on their own.


8. You should see prominent results after three months.
After the first few treatments you might not see much of a difference, but I started to notice a dramatic drop in my unwanted follicles after the three-month mark — and even more after that.


9. Some hair and skin types can be a little harder to treat — but not impossible.
Dark hair follicles are usually easy to treat because, again, the laser targets the hair's pigment. This is also why gray, white, blonde, and red pigments can be tricky.

Darker tones can also be harder to treat, but not impossible.


10. The treatment itself isn't particularly relaxing.
Every time the laser fires, it feels like someone is snapping you with a rubber band. Sounds SUPER enticing, right? But the long-term result should be worth the half hour of pain.

How to Keep Your Body in Good Shape

Staying in shape is all about making good choices, and making them consistently. With the constant distractions of family and work or school, it can be easy for your body to slip out of shape before you even realize it. Fortunately, you don't need to pay constant attention to diet and exercise just to maintain your fitness level. You just need to pick up a few good habits and keep them.

Step 1
Take a brisk walk every day. Make walking a permanent part of your daily routine so you can enjoy cardiovascular health, stress management and weight loss. Pick a route with enjoyable scenery such as a park, or walk as part of your commute to work and back. Wear sneakers and dress in layers of comfortable clothes so you can adapt to any temperature. Walk for at least 30 minutes each day.

Step 2
Train with weights. Use resistance training to maintain muscle mass, promote bone health and stimulate your metabolism. Train three days per week performing exercises such as the chest press, leg press, seated row and overhead press. Most fitness centers will have a machine circuit you can follow. Train your entire body each workout. For more information on resistance training, go to the American Council on Exercise.


Step 3
Stay away from processed foods. Eliminating processed foods from your diet will help get rid of empty calories that tend to put on weight without offering much in terms of nutrition. Replace white flour, sugar and processed meats with brown rice, whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lean meats. Eat 5 to 6 small but balanced meals per day. Avoid stuffing yourself. Instead of eating until you are full, just eat until you are no longer hungry.

Things You'll Need

• Sneakers 
• Comfortable clothes 
• Fitness center access 

Tips

• Keep your motivation up by getting your friends and family involved with fitness. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is easier when you have the support of people doing the same thing alongside you. 

Warnings

• If you have never weight-trained before, seek the guidance of an exercise professional to help get you started safely.