Gene Therapy… In a Lotion?
Since the beginning of time, women have wanted to remain as youthful and beautiful as they were in their early twenties. Unfortunately, that has never been feasible due to that pesky force of nature – gravity. Even the sun, which feels great on the body can make the skin wrinkle. In fact, there is a whole list of other medical ailments that not even the most advanced day spa can completely cure, even though the best spa has come close.
Fortunately for us, in the past few months scientists have come one step closer to everlasting beauty. In their most groundbreaking test, they were able to reduce the activity of melanoma producing genes in mice. The way that this was accomplished was by taking the nano particles and infusing them into a commercially available petroleum-based moisturizer. These nano particles target specific genes, and depending on what needs to be done, alter their properties to a more desirable state. This resulted in a lowered risk of skin cancer in their tests, and can be targeted to other aspects of the skin, such as aging. Anti-aging products are one of the most sought after products. On average, to twenty billion dollars per year. Nano particles that can be infused into your favorite body creams could revolutionize the beauty market. Up until now the only way to achieve these kinds of results were through spa services or expensive cosmetic surgery.
The history of the technology involving nano particles in skin therapy, however, is one riddled with failures and false starts. Many companies have thought to have found the fountain of youth, and ended up going bankrupt in the process of trying to get successful results. It is best to remain skeptical, but don’t be surprised if you see a lotion at your favorite day spa claiming to be able to reverse skin damage in the very near future!
Until the future gets here and we are all able to look like we are 25 well into our middle ages, the day spa is the best place to receive rejuvenation for your body and mind. The best spa will not only provide stimulation to your body and face to provide brighter, more youthful skin, there are also spa services that will ease your mind into a state of bliss. Here at Athena, there are dozens of spa services tailored just for you. There are hundreds of spas around but Athena is the best spa you will find. Come let us pamper you until the fountain of youth is found.
Getting Fishy: More Information On Why To Avoid Fish Pedicures
Have you ever heard of fish pedicures? This controversial service has been banned in over 10 states, and for good reason. The fish eat off dead skin on your feet, leaving them silky and smooth to the touch. Fish pedicures gained popularity in the United States in 2008, when many day spa owners purchased Garra rufa fish from the Northern and Central Middle East in an attempt to add this to their list of unique salon services. The fish are only a half-inch long and have no teeth. They are toothless, so the process is not painful, and they eat the dead skin while leaving the refreshed healthy skin unharmed. They have been used for centuries to treat psoriasis and eczema.
You are probably wondering why states would ban this at your local day spa. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are in the process of investigating outbreaks of viruses, diseases and bacterial infections that have been found in the water used during the transportation process of the fishes. Every day spa that offers this service is defending it, claiming that no disease-causing pathogen can survive in a filtered, UV-lit tank.
Thankfully, the health risk to the general population is considered minimal. But people with diabetes, cancer, HIV, advanced age and anyone with sores or scratches on their feet face some serious health risks and should think twice before partaking in any salon services like this. Consulting your physician may not be a bad idea.
Perhaps the grossest part of this whole practice is that the same fish are being used on multiple customers. And it is believed that most spa owners do not ensure that the tubs are cleaned out properly in between each customer. That cannot meet the high hygienic standards of the United States. Other people believe that Chinese Chinchin fish are being mistaken for Garra rufa, which is very dangerous because Chinchin do bite. Not exactly a relaxing day at the spa.
And this cannot be healthy for the fish or the environment. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering the possibility that Garra rufa may present a serious threat to any plant and animal life in the event that they are released into U.S. waters because they are not originally native to our lakes, streams or oceans. A spa service just doesn’t seem to be worth the risk.
Fish pedicures just seem dangerous and unhealthy, but to each her own. If you attempt this or any other fish-related salon services, good luck to you.