Oral supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides improves nail growth and reduces symptoms of brittle nails.

BACKGROUND: Brittle nail syndrome is a common problem among women and refers to nails that exhibit surface roughness, raggedness, and peeling. AIM: The goal of this study was to investigate whether daily oral supplementation with collagen peptides alleviates the symptoms of brittle nails and improves nail growth rate. METHODS: In this open-label, single-center trial, 25 participants took 2.5 g of specific bioactive collagen peptides (BCP, VERISOL® ) once daily for 24 weeks followed by a 4-week off-therapy period. Nail growth rate and the frequency of cracked and/or chipped nails as well as an evaluation of symptoms and global clinical improvement score of brittle nails were assessed by a physician during treatment and 4 weeks after discontinuation. RESULTS: Bioactive collagen peptides treatment promoted an increase of 12% nail growth rate and a decrease of 42% in the frequency of broken nails. Additionally, 64% of participants achieved a global clinical improvement in brittle nails, and 88% of participants experienced an improvement 4 weeks post-treatment. The majority of participants (80%) agreed that the use of BCP improved their nails' appearance, and were completely satisfied with the performance of the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that the daily ingestion of BCP increased nail growth and improved brittle nails in conjunction with a notable decrease in the frequency of broken nails.

Redução de medidas corporais após nove sessões de tratamento com laser de baixa intensidade / Reduction of body measures after a ninesession protocol with Low Level Laser Therapy

Introdução: A terapia com laser de baixa intensidade tem sido considerada alternativa não invasiva para remodelamento corporal e redução do tecido subcutâneo. Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia do laser de baixa intensidade na redução de medidas corporais e do tecido adiposo subcutâneo da região do abdômen e do quadril. Métodos: Estudo aberto, prospectivo, unicêntrico incluiu 25 mulheres com acúmulo de gordura localizada na região do quadril e abdômen. Nove sessões de low level laser therapy foram realizadas ao longo de três semanas. As participantes foram avaliadas no basal e em 1, 4 e 12 semanas após o tratamento. Aferição de peso e medidas de circunferência corporal, exames de perfil lipídico e de ressonância magnética foram realizados. Resultados: As medidas de circunferência abdominal apresentaram redução significativa até 12 semanas após o tratamento. Na região do quadril, as participantes apresentaram redução mais marcante uma semana após a última sessão. Também uma semana após a finalização do tratamento, 80% das participantes consideraram que o tratamento melhorou o contorno do seu corpo. Nenhum evento adverso relacionado ao tratamento foi relatado. Conclusões: O tratamento com a low level laser therapy é seguro e eficaz na redução das medidas de circunferência, principalmente na região abdominal.

Introduction: Low level laser therapy has been considered a non-invasive treatment alternative to body remodeling and fat tissue reduction. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of low level laser therapy in reducing body circumference measures and subcutaneous adipose tissue of the abdomen and hips areas. Methods: An open, prospective, monocentric study was performed including 25 women with localized fat on the hips and abdomen. Nine sessions of low level laser therapy were performed over 3 weeks. The participants were assessed at baseline and at 1, 4 and 12 weeks after treatment. Assessment of weight and body circumferences, lipid profile tests and MRI were performed. Results: The abdominal circumference measurements showed a significant reduction up to 12 weeks after the treatment. Participants showed a more marked reduction in the hips region one week after the last session. Also one week after the completion of the treatment, 80% of the participants considered that the treatment improved their body contour. There was absence of reports of adverse events related to the treatment. Conclusion: Low level laser therapy is safe and effective in reducing the circumference measurements, particularly in the abdominal region.

Noninvasive treatment of cellulite utilizing an expedited treatment protocol with a dual wavelength laser-suction and massage device.

BACKGROUND: Over the past few years, noninvasive devices based on radiofrequency and/or lasers and light sources technologies are being used for the treatment of cellulite. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of an expedited treatment for cellulite and body measures. METHODS: Fifteen female subjects aged from 20 to 42 years were enrolled. All the subjects underwent three treatment sessions of 30 minutes for each area in three consecutive days. Subjects were evaluated at 7, 30, and 60 post treatment. Outcome measurements included Cellulite Severity Scale (CSS) grading, body mass index (BMI), and thigh circumferences were recorded. Celluqol(®) and a satisfaction questionnaire were also applied. RESULTS: At 2 months, improvements in at least one of the four CSS categories were found in 14 of the 15 subjects (93%) while 60% of patients showed improvement in both the number and depth of depressions at follow-up visits. Most of patients (93%) reported that they would get the treatment again. DISCUSSION: This was the first study to examine the effects of this device on cellulite performed over a shortened treatment period. The treatment proved to be safe and effective, representing a new treatment modality that is also time and cost-effective for physicians and patients.

A bipolar radiofrequency, infrared, vacuum and mechanical massage device for treatment of cellulite: a pilot study.

Cellulite has a complex and multifactorial etiology. Synergistic action on treating cellulite has gained support in the treatment of cellulite. This study evaluated safety and efficacy of a bipolar radiofrequency, infrared, vacuum and mechanical massage device for cellulite treatment and reduction of body measures. This was a pilot study, which assessed 9 subjects who presented body mass index from 18 to 25 Kg/Kg and at least grade 6 in the Cellulite Severity Scale (CSS). All subjects underwent a 12-session treatment of posterior thighs and buttocks. There was a significant reduction of the hip circumference (p = 0.001), however, no changes in thigh circumferences were observed (p = 0.4). CSS has improved specifically on both buttocks [p = 0.002 (left side) and p = 0.038 (right side)], and no changes were observed on thighs. The studied device demonstrated efficacy in the reduction of cellulite severity and body circumference measures in the buttocks.