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. The peptides are characterized by sequences RADSRADC (SEQ ID NO: 2) and PLG-OH. 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: Systems and methods for revitalizing aging skin using electromagnetic energy that is delivered using a plurality of needles that are capable of penetrating the skin to desired depths. A particular aspect is the capability to spare zones of tissue from thermal exposure. This sparing of tissue allows new tissue to be regenerated while the heat treatment can shrink the collagen and tighten the underlying structures. Additionally, the system is capable of delivering therapeutically beneficial substances either through the penetrating needles or through channels that have been created by the penetration of the needles.

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: 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: 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 and YRSRKYSSWY.

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: A microdermabrasion system includes a security mechanism that allows the system to be used upon receiving a proper input code; otherwise the security mechanism prevents the system from being used. In an implementation, even after receiving a proper input code, the security mechanism disables the system after a certain amount of time has elapsed.

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: 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. 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. The peptides are characterized by sequences RADRADC and PLG-OH. Methods of skin treatment are also provided, the methods further including use of a peptide characterized by the amino acid sequence SFLLRN.

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 and YRSRKYSSWY.

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: Methods and compositions are provided for the culture of MSC to provide osteogenic progenitor cells.

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: Methods of treating tissue with fractional laser radiation are disclosed. The fractional laser treatment methods reversibly increase skin permeability while maintaining a substantially intact stratum corneum and producing alterations within the epidermis and dermis. The alterations in the epidermis and dermis can include necrosis and/or coagulation. The alterations in the epidermis can include the creation of a plurality of pores in the stratum corneum and/or the creation of vacuoles in the layers of the epidermis below the stratum corneum. The fractional laser treatment methods disclosed herein can be used to provide treatments to the skin, to increase permeation of active substances into or through tissue, to deliver active substances locally or systemically, and to control the delivery of active substances.

Abstract: A method and device for delivering active substances into and through the skin for treatment of the skin during and/or following fractional laser radiation treatment of the skin are described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for removing hair and/or devitalizing follicles using electromagnetic energy to actively target and treat a hair and/or a follicle are disclosed. The electromagnetic energy can be of a selective or non-selective wavelength.