Bioelectricity – the future in skincare
Consumer goods giant Johnson & Johnson (J&J) has targeted cell-to-cell communication via bioelectricity for its latest anti-aging products: Neutrogena Clinical SPF30 Activating Cream and Ion2 Complex Gel Serum & Roc Brilliance Eye Beautifyer Kit.
I've interviewed Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic, PhD, a professor of Biomedical Engineering at Columbia University. She was mentionned in US Elle article about biolectricity in cosmetics.
1- The body has a native bioelectricity mechanism to repair itself but it has been turned off. Could you please quickly explain to me what biolectricity does to our body? And why has it been forgotten by the body?
Bioelectricity is never forgottenby our body! It is a part of the cell and tissue "machinery" that keeps us alive and functional. Throughout life, electrical potentials are maintained across the membranes of our cells, with movement of ions (Na, K, Ca) across the channels in cellular membranes. Bioelectricity is also the way of communication within the body including signal transmission along the nerves, and orchestration of the contractions of the muscle cells of the heart. Measurements of electrical phenomena are important diagnostic tools for many of our organs, including brain, heart and muscles.
2- Could you please explain to me why biolectricity is so promising for skincare?
In skin, bioelectricity remains present throughout life, to support normal cell function and healing after injury. What changes is the size of voltages and electrical microcurrents, both of which decrease with age. This has motivated research into various options of applying bioelectricity to aging skin, at the levels present in young healing skin, to promote rejuvenation.
3- Would an electrical device (microcurrent for instance) be more effective than a cream to send the right signal to the cell?
Either device could be effective, but using a face cream with energized microparticles may be more practical and enable an easy everyday use. It is rather easy to use cream containing particles - so small you do not see them - just like any other cream.
4- Could we imagine a makeup with bioelectricity?
Absolutely! There are already the first rejuvenating face creams becoming available on the market. These creams contain fine particles generating microcurrents when applied to skin, and one could imagine another variation of the same product in form of cosmetics.
October 31st, 2010 - 00:45
This is a fantastic supplement to take while proper supplementation prevents you from getting sick regardly, especially if you are prone to numerous allergies. If you have right levels of vitamin D in what you eat, you are less vulnerable to respiratory illness than you should normally be. Studies have shown that vitamin D supplementation is helpful in reducing inflammation along with chronic illnesses. Vitamin D pain treatment can provide great relief.