Abstract: Peptides that increase melanin synthesis are provided. These peptides include pentapeptides YSSWY, YRSRK, and their variants. The peptides may activate the enzymatic activity of tyrosinase to increase melanin synthesis. The pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and other compositions including the peptides are also provided. The methods of increasing melanin production in epidermis of a subject are provided where the methods include administering compositions comprising an amount of one or more peptides effective to increase the melanin production. The methods also include treating vitiligo or other hypopigmentation disorders with compositions including one or more peptides.

Abstract: Disclosed are peptides that inhibit the enzymatic activity of tyrosinase, as well as formulations and methods for their use in the reduction of skin pigmentation, and methods of administering the inhibitory peptides in a topical formulation. Preferred octapeptide sequences are internally rich in tryptophan and/or tyrosine or arginine. The present invention is further directed to kits and compositions containing the present peptides, and methods of treatment of conditions involving expression of tyrosinase, in which the present peptides are administered topically for the treatment of conditions involving melanocyte activity in the skin.

Abstract: A microdermabrasion system upgrade kit includes a plurality of couplers from which a user may choose one or more couplers in order to connect the upgrade kit to a vacuum source of an existing microdermabrasion system. In an implementation, the upgrade kit includes a power socket that the user can plug the vacuum source into.

Abstract: A microdermabrasion system offers a combination of other skin therapies in conjunction with microdermabrasion. In an implementation, the system applies light therapy, photodynamic therapy, radio frequency and microwave energy therapy, massage therapy, or combinations of these while exfoliating the skin.

Abstract: The present invention includes new hybrid hydrogel scaffolds comprised of a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene (block) copolymer (a “poloxamer”) and a self-assembling peptide, which maintain the mechanical and bioactive properties of its individual constituents (as compared to when the individual constituents are scaffolds or hydrogels by themselves). The hydrogels of the invention can include a combination of materials from different origins or with different properties that provides a hybrid material that meets the multiple needs of a scaffold for tissue engineering.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the differentiation and characterization of mammalian fibroblast from mesenchymal stem cells. The methods of the invention provide a means to obtain mesenchymal stem cell-derived fibroblast populations, e.g., seeded on a scaffold, which may be used in wound healing.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the identification and isolation of mammalian HLA-G+ MSC, HLA-E+ MSC, or HLA-G+/HLA-E+ MSC. The methods of the invention provide a means to obtain enriched HLA-G+ MSC, HLA-E+ MSC, or HLA-G+/HLA-E+ MSC populations.

Abstract: Subjects treated with nonablative fractional photothermolysis (FP) have an intact stratum corneum, but can have microscopic lesions and vacuole formation within the epidermis. The vacuoles thus formed can trap dermal material and extrude it through the epidermis. Thus, FP can be used for the treatment of recalcitrant melasma, solar elastosis, and tattoos.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the identification and isolation of mammalian HLA-G+ MSC, HLA-E+ MSC, or HLA-G4VHLA-E+ MSC. The methods of the invention provide a means to obtain enriched HLA-G+ MSC, HLA-E+ MSC, or HLA-G+/HLA-E+ MSC populations.

Abstract: The present invention includes new hybrid hydrogel scaffolds comprised of a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene (block) copolymer (a “poloxamer”) and a self-assembling peptide, which maintain the mechanical and bioactive properties of its individual constituents (as compared to when the individual constituents are scaffolds or hydrogels by themselves). The hydrogels of the invention can include a combination of materials from different origins or with different properties that provides a hybrid material that meets the multiple needs of a scaffold for tissue engineering.

Abstract: An abrasive tip is used to exfoliate skin and tissue through abrasive materials integrated in the tip. The tip also delivers fluid to the skin and vacuums the fluid and abraded tissue during treatment. Treated skin will look younger and healthier in appearance. In an implementation, the tip is replaceable and disposable.

Abstract: Disclosed are peptides which inhibit the enzymatic activity of tyrosinase as well as formulations and methods for their use in the reduction of skin pigmentation, and methods of administering the inhibitory peptides in a topical formulation. Methods of skin treatment are also provided, the methods further including use of a peptide characterized by the amino acid sequence SFLLRN (SEQ ID NO: 1).

Abstract: Methods and devices for treatment of skin are disclosed. These methods and devices use electromagnetic radiation to create networks or patterns of treatment zones. The networks or patterns of treatment zones comprise at least four treatment zones, at least two of the treatment zones in the network or pattern are slanted at angles in the skin, and the treatment zones extend at least as deep as the dermal-epidermal junction of the skin. Producing intersecting treatment zones and/or overlapping treatment patterns can increase the effectiveness of the treatments. The devices comprise a hand piece operably coupled to a delivery element, wherein delivery of electromagnetic radiation through the device to a portion of skin produces a network or pattern of treatment zones. The use of these methods and devices results in tightening of the skin and/or improvement in the cosmetic appearance of wrinkles in the portion of skin treated.

Abstract: A method of restoring hair to skin that has suffered hair loss includes optically ablating an array of spaced-apart microchannels or voids into the skin and transplanting into the voids stem cells, a scaffold and a differentiation factor for causing the stem cells to differentiate into hair follicles.

Abstract: An abrasive tip is used to exfoliate skin and tissue through abrasive materials integrated in the tip. The tip also delivers fluid to the skin and vacuums the fluid and abraded tissue during treatment. Treated skin will look younger and healthier in appearance. In an implementation, the tip is replaceable and disposable.

Abstract: A method of restoring hair to skin that has suffered hair loss includes optically ablating an array of spaced-apart microchannels or voids into the skin and transplanting into the voids stem cells, a scaffold and a differentiation factor for causing the stem cells to differentiate into hair follicles.

Abstract: Disclosed are peptides that inhibit the enzymatic activity of tyrosinase, as well as formulations and methods for their use in the reduction of skin pigmentation, and methods of administering the inhibitory peptides in a topical formulation. Peptide sequences disclosed include KFEKKFEK (SEQ ID NO: 1) and YRSRKYSSWY (SEQ ID NO: 2).

Abstract: Disclosed are peptides which inhibit the enzymatic activity of tyrosinase as well as formulations and methods for their use in the reduction of skin pigmentation, and methods of administering the inhibitory peptides in a topical formulation. Methods of skin treatment are also provided, the methods further including use of a peptide characterized by the amino acid sequence SFLLRN (SEQ ID NO: 1).