Skin Cancer Cells Killed with an Extract from Green Tea

While we've all heard about the tremendous health benefits of green tea, there's new proof that a compound in green tea may actually shrink skin cancer tumors. 

A study at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland, reported recently in the magazine, Nanomedicine, that a laboratory study created a 30% reduction in human skin cancer tumors, while an additional 40% of tumors disappeared altogether, after a month of treatment using a compound found in green tea.

The compound is called epigallocatechin gallate. Previous studies used this extract in an IV drug mixture, but tumors weren't effected. However, the Strathclyde study employed a targeted delivery system that piggybacked the extract with proteins containing iron.  

Keep in mind that this was a laboratory study, and not a clinical trial on humans, which are likely to be years in the offing. However, Dr. Christine Dufes, study head and a senior lecturer at the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, shared this about the study, "This research could open doors to new treatments for what is still one of the biggest killer diseases in many countries. With the targeted delivery system, it's taken straight to the tumours without any effect on normal tissue. When we used our method, the green tea extract reduced the size of many of the tumours every day, in some cases removing them altogether. These are very encouraging results, which we hope could pave the way for new and effective cancer treatments.”

If you have concerns about skin cancer, such as moles that have changed size or shape, make an appointment to be seen by your dermatologist immediately. There are many treatments for skin cancer and it's best if caught early. Prevention is key! Although here in Delaware, we don't have the rate of skin cancer experienced in the sunniest states like Texas, Florida and California, a high SPF sunscreen is still necessary. Call our Delaware plastic surgery office and schedule a meeting with Deana to review our sunscreens. She'll point you in the right protection direction!

To your health and beauty,

Dr. Joseph Danyo

STUDY SAYS: ACID PEELS GREAT FOR ACNE

Acne is one of the most common and well-known skin disorders around the world. If you have already been through your teen years, then you probably had acne, as it affects 85% of adolescents. What’s even more annoying is the fact that, in many cases, acne may not disappear once we reach adulthood. The spots and zits, that can be red and inflamed or not, stay there on your skin, erupting daily and making your life very unpleasant.

If acne products at the pharmacy aren’t helpful, then you have the choice of acne-erasing chemical peels here in our plastic surgery practice in Delaware. Glycolic and salicylic acid peels have both been found very effective against mild to severe acne, according to a study performed at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine.

The acids in chemical peels remove the outer layer(s) of the skin and thus control acne risk. The study mentioned above and published in the latest issue of the Dermatologic Surgery journal found that both AHA (alpha-hydroxy or glycolic) and BHA (beta-hydroxy or salicylic) acids are potent enough but also safe to use for acne control. Dee Anna Glaser, M.D., vice chair and professor of dermatology at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine stated: "This is good news for the millions of Americans who suffer from mild to moderately severe facial acne. This provides more options for patients and doctors to choose from when it comes to tailoring a treatment program for each individual."

Glycolic and salicylic acids are less aggressive compared with TCA (trichloroacetic acid) and phenol, which stronger can be more destructive to the skin. They both come from organic compounds: glycolic acid is extracted from unripe grapes, sugar beets, sugarcane, cantaloupe, pineapple and salicylic acid is obtained from salicin, used in aspirin.

The good news is that a chemical peel made with one of these acids is not only going to treat your acne, but it will also leave your skin smoother, brighter and free of fine lines and wrinkles.

To your health & beauty,

Dr. Joe Danyo

Drink Those Wrinkles Away

According to the Deccan Herald, a new study has found that drinking water can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Not only that, certain waters can reduce wrinkle depth more than others.

Any medical professional will tell you that drinking eight glasses of water a day is good for your health. For years, we have been told that staying hydrated adds to clear skin and a youthful complexion.  Now there is solid evidence to back up these claims.

During the double-blind, placebo-controlled study, female volunteers has their skin analyzed with the VISIA complexion imaging system.  Following their initial analysis, the women were asked to drink 1.5 liters of water daily for 8 weeks. In addition, the women were not advised not to change their diet or exercise routines.

A number of the participants drank only tap water over the course of 8 weeks, while others were given mineral-rich Willow Water from England.  Willow Water contains willow bark extract that is high in salicin, an anti-inflammatory agent that metabolizes into salicylic acid. Salicylic acid is commonly found in many skincare and acne products.

At the end of the 8 weeks, the women had their skin analyzed once more with the VISIA complexion imaging system. Researchers found that the participants who drank tap water saw an overall 19% reduction of wrinkles, while the Willow Water-drinkers saw a 24% reduction.

The great news is you can now drink your way to better skin. The bad news? Willow Water is only available in the UK—for now.

The Line Between Cosmetics and Cosmeceuticals is Getting Thinner

A recent article by Plastic Surgery Practice reports that the gray area between the skin care and cosmetics industry is growing. Global Industry Analysts, Inc., revealed that the color cosmetics market will reach $41.4 billion by 2015. This is due in part to the inclusion of UV protection, moisturizing components, and natural and organic ingredients in cosmetics.  Makeup is now available in a multitude of formats, textures and pigments.

Not only that, consumers are now benefiting from an array of different treatment options available in the cosmetics, including anti-aging effects. There is a cosmetic product made for virtually every skin type and condition.

Going green is another trend that has been affecting the cosmetics industry. Product manufacturers are now beginning to include ‘natural’ and ‘organic’ ingredients such as vitamin E and plant extracts to attract consumers.

Once upon a time, makeup contained heavy pigments that clogged pores and caused skin irritation. Now, mineral blends and light-capturing crystals, like topaz and mother-of-pearl, are being used to give skin a natural, flawless appearance. To produce an intense color and limit smudging, lipsticks are beginning to incorporate vitamins A, C and E.

Referred to as cosmeceuticals, products with skincare benefits were once only made by high-end makeup lines such as Jane Iredale. Nowadays, one can walk into a drug store and nearly every makeup brand offers SPF-enriched or mineral products. With this growing gray area, it will be interesting to see how the boundaries of the FDA will adjust.