Human Genetics in Your Face Cream?
by Sandra Semaan, Beauty Editor

With the thousands of skincare companies today, each claiming to have THE product that will reduce the signs of aging, how do you know what to believe, and who is telling you the truth? DermaPlus, Inc. seems to have found a way to differentiate itself from the pack with their product DermaLastyl-ß. What makes this product unique is that firstly, it is developed by a biotechnology company. Secondly, it contains the ingredient tropoelastin and therefore is the first genetically engineered product on the market that helps restore elastic properties to the skin and around the eyes.

Why is this significant? Environmental and lifestyle factors lead to skin aging - loss of moisture, elasticity, skin tone and texture. Elastin is a protein that gives the skin its ability to stretch and bounce back - it's elasticity. Research has shown that the body produces elastin until puberty and then it stops. Tropoelastin is the human elastin protein that DermaPlus, Inc. has bio-engineered and produced in a lab. Because this protein is identical to human elastin it has the benefits of being compatible with the skin's own biochemistry, having a higher likelihood of absorption, and less likelihood of adverse/allergic reactions.

Until now, the synthesis and cosmetic use of tropoelastin has not been wildly successful due to technological and scientific barriers. Because DermaPlus, Inc. created a proprietary gene that is identical to the human form, and which is bio-engineered in plants and micro-organisms, many of these barriers seem to have been overcome. Additionally, the company believes that this technological breakthrough is the future of the skincare industry. Dr. Burt Engle, the founder of DermaPlus, Inc. and developer of tropoelastin says in an interview on MacReport.net that skincare products can now be customized to match any skin's characteristics, as well as can be matched to an ethnic or consumer group.

The company's retail products include DermaLastyl-ß, a face cream and DermaLastyl-E, an eye cream; and for the spa industry, there are DermaLastyl-ßx and DermaLastyl-Ex that contain 10x and 5x respectively the concentration of tropoelastin found in the retail product. Recently, the company launched DermaLastyl-m, a men's line that includes a shave cream, an exfoliator, and an eye cream, all containing the ingredient tropoelastin.

These products currently are sold only on the internet and via an 800#. In an interview with Larry Deluca, director at DermaPlus, we discussed the company's reasoning behind this strategy. He explained that given the company's initial resources, this is the most cost effective way to promote the ingredient and the brand. And by keeping costs down, they can reinvest the retail dollars into promotion and development of new products. In addition he says, "they hope the recent introduction of the product into the spa environment will help to get non-medical spa centers to offer something with the cachet of a cosmeceutical."

But does the product work? In addition to the multitude of testimonials found on the company's website, there have been several clinical trials overseen by Dr. Steven Lamm of NYU School of Medicine that seem to provide data to support the product's claim of wrinkle reduction. The most recent study reported by PR Newswire on November 5, 2007, uses a sophisticated technique called laser profilometry to measure the rate of wrinkle reduction in a 12 week study of 35 volunteers. The details and results of this and other clinical trials can be found on the aforementioned website.

Alexis, an esthetician at Pierre & Carlo European Salon & Spa in Philadelphia, PA, who recently began using DermaLastyl-ßx and DermaLastyl-Ex, explained to this writer her positive experience with the product. She asserts with great passion that the product works and has seen small results in herself as well as her clients in the short time she has been using the products. She goes on to explain however, that "anything that works on the cellular level takes a little time."

For the future, Mr. Deluca says the company is studying the development of similar human proteins such as keratin for use in skin, hair, and nail products. In addition, Dr. Engle's company MatrixDesign, and DermaPlus, Inc. have signed a letter of intent to collaborate with Texas A&M University on the university's War Wound Healing and Tissue Regeneration Project. Dr. Ensley states that, " '…we plan to further develop the proven abilities of human Tropoelastin (Elastotrropin®) to penetrate the deepest parts of the topmost layer of skin. Elastotropin® is already very successfully used to reduce and help prevent facial and eye wrinkles in the DermaLastyl skin care line of products … we now expect to create Medical Device solutions that help regenerate tissue and accelerate wound healing.' "

Sources:

• www.dermalastyl.com
• www.dermaplusproducts.com
• www.genengnews.com
• www.drugs.com
• www.macreport.net

Email Dermalastyl:

• Spas ... Click here if you are a spa and would like to know how you can use Dermalastyl.
• Consumers ... Click here yf you would like to order DermaLastyl for your personal use.

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Chocolate Indulgence
For many, Valentine's Day evokes images of lovely boxes filled with delicious chocolate confections. Americans buy an average of 36 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate per year to celebrate the holiday. This year, why not consider indulging in the treat in a different way? Throughout history, chocolate has been appreciated not only for its taste but also for its healing qualities. It contains antioxidants, skin firming agents like caffeine and theobromide, and mood elevators such as serotonin.

The latest trend in spas is the availability of cocoa-based products and treatments for face and body including masks, scrubs, oils, wraps, candles etc. Some examples being offered by spas nationally are: Chocolate and Cherries Pedicure that incorporates ground Hungarian cocoa with organic cherry essence in a whirlpool foot soak, salt scrub, and massage followed by nail care and polish; Chocolate Decadence, a couple's chocolate massage and chocolate body scrub followed by a chocolate milk bath for two with chocolate martinis and truffles; Fudge Brownie Facial that includes a thick fudge brownie-scented mask and a chocolate cream neck-and-shoulder massage topped off with a mug of hot cocoa.

The possibilities are endless. So this year, choose the calorie-free way to enjoy the penultimate chocolate indulgence at one of the following businesses on the Velvetbell.com network:

Hummingbird Spa and Qi Spa (both in DC) offer Chocolate Delight Body treatments, Chocolate facials, and chocolate oil massage. Both spas have couples room for massage. Qi Spa can have the massage, body treatment, and facial done for couples in the same room as well, and also offers a chocolate manicure/pedicure. Mention Velvetbell.com, and receive a 1-hour chocolate oil massage for $90; a 1-hour Chocolate oil massage plus chocolate Delight Body treatment for $175; and a chocolate manicure and pedicure for $75.

Dansk Day Spa at Occoquan, VA, offers Chocolate Massages and Chocolate Herbal Facials especially for Valentine's. They also offer spa specials that include rose pedal and rose oil manicures and pedicures, as well as couples massages. Mention Velvetbell.com and receive $10 off any two Valentine's special services.

Trinity Fitness + Spa in Dulles, VA, offers a Chocolate and Berry Decadence Signature Facial AND Body Treatment, 90 min. for $150. Or, design your own Chocolate-Berry Truffle Body Treatment, 60 min. for $120. Mention Velvetbell.com and receive an additional 10% off! You WILL want to treat yourself or your Valentine to this completely indulgent treatment!

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Ask the Beauty Editor
Velvetbell.com is adding a new section to our newsletter, called “Ask the Beauty Editor.” If you have any questions about skin or hair, email our Beauty Editor and find your answer in the February newsletter.

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Featured Business
Daniel Iannelli at the Salon at Toppers Spa, (Philadelphia, PA) lives up to his reputation of being one of the top stylists and colorists in Philadelphia and beyond. Daniel has great ideas and is up on the latest trends, which is why he is consistently asked to cut and style hair for models in Philly's hottest fashion shows. He will recommend a style and color that will look the best on you, but completely respects your comfort zone. "The Spring/Summer Paris collection will be out in just three weeks and I will be in position to share these new looks/trends with you next month," said Daniel. If you have been thinking about switching stylists - or even if you haven't - once you give Daniel a try, you will be hooked on him as much as we are. Not only will you love Daniel, but you will love the Toppers Spa experience. Tell Daniel you found him on Velvetbell.com and receive 15% off your first service as a new customer. 117 S. 19th St., Philadelphia, PA, (215) 496-9966.

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$10 Gift Card Expires Next Week!
If you are in possession of a $10 Velvetbell.com gift card with the Shecky's Girls Night Out insignia on it, you have until January 31 to cash in. Click here to view all the participating businesses that will accept this card.

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Give Your Business Free Advertising
If you are a mid- to high-end business that offers services in beauty, health, wellness, and pets, and are not on the Velvetbell.com network, register now for this free and easy-to-use advertising tool. Currently, Velvetbell.com has over 200 businesses in the DC and Philadelphia Metro areas. We are now accepting registration for Richmond, VA-based businesses. Velvetbell.com's mission is to drive consumers to our website where they can find information about all aspects of your business, including contact info, link to your website, services, employee photos/bios, promotions and deals, last-minute appointments, and much more. The information about your business is in your control 24/7, and is the best way to communicate to existing and potential clients without having to be technically savvy or rely on a web tech to make updates for you. For more information, call Velvetbell.com at (703) 626-1883 or email marketing@velvetbell.com. To register for your free membership, click here. Once you register, you can start completing your profile, entering appointment openings, and get new clients!

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In This Issue

Human Genetics

Chocolate Indulgence

Ask the Beauty Editor

Featured Business

Gift Cards Expire (01/31)

Free Business Advertising