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February 2022

Health

YOUR GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING COSMETIC LASERS

by Arnett Hailey on

Cosmetic treatments have gained popularity recently due to their effectiveness and benefits. The best thing about cosmetic laser treatments is that they are minimally invasive and have reduced downtime compared to traditional cosmetic surgeries. Needless to say, there are different laser procedures, although they have similar features. Here is a deeper look into cosmetic lasers and how they work.

What are cosmetic lasers?

A laser refers to a single wavelength source of high-energy light that is accurately focused on a particular body area to achieve the desired result. In simple words, cosmetic lasers use light energy to resurface the skin.

How do they work?

You may have encountered the word monochromatic when it comes to cosmetic lasers. That means that a laser emits light of only one wavelength (color of light). It works in cosmetic procedures through a process known as selective photothermolysis, which adjusts the frequency of light to produce heat in the particular area that will be destroyed.

To achieve that, the wavelength of the laser light beam must be in tandem with the target’s color, especially when treating skin conditions. laser treatments can help improve:

  • Skin tone and texture.
  • Fine lines and wrinkles.
  • Remove unwanted tattoos.
  • Remove unwanted hair.
  • Rectify sun-damaged skin.
  • Remove birthmarks, acne scars, spider veins, face spots, etc.

Types of lasers

There are many cosmetic lasers, but two basic types are used for cosmetic procedures: ablative and non-ablative lasers. Ablative lasers work by vaporizing the top layers of the damaged skin, whereas non-ablative lasers work on the deeper skin without damaging or removing the top layer. They are minimally invasive, and you may not experience any downtime after a cosmetic laser treatment.

According to laser experts at Sentient Lasers, the main difference between the wide range of lasers has to do with the wavelength. Different cosmetic laser wavelengths target various skin problems, so physicians may recommend using different lasers to address a group of problems.

Cosmetic lasers for different procedures

Wrinkles and fine lines

Ablative lasers such as CO2 lasers or erbium lasers remove fine lines and wrinkles. Pulsed dye lasers have also proven effective with light-based treatments such as intense pulsed light therapy and light-emitting diode photo facials.

Skin tightening

Most types of cosmetic lasers can provide some level of superficial skin tightening, but CO2 lasers are the most efficient. There has also been success using non-laser light-based treatments like thermal radio frequency-based systems and titan infrared devices.

Precancerous lesions

Lasers are now being used as a preventative measure against precancerous lesions. Ablative cosmetic lasers like CO2 and erbium: YAG are used in removing such lesions.

Vascular lesions

These include spider veins, broken blood vessels on the face, certain birthmarks, etc. IPL, diode lasers, and nd: YAG are common for removing vascular lesions.

Tattoo removal

IPL, nd: YAG, and the Q-switched laser are the standard choice for tattoo removal.

to conclude

Many lasers are being used in cosmetic procedures today, and they have proven a valuable alternative to conventional invasive procedures like plastic surgery.

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How Worried Are You About Package Theft and Burglary?

by Arnett Hailey on

Crime is a fact of life. It occurs every single day, all across the U.S. Among the most common crimes are package theft and burglary. FBI statistics from 2019 show that more than 1.1 million burglaries cost American homeowners an average of $2,661 in losses that year. So, how worried are you about package theft and burglary?

A recent survey-based study conducted by Safewise indicates that package theft and burglary are the two most feared crimes among American consumers. That should come as no surprise. Between the prevalence of porch piracy and a steady stream of burglary stories in the news, these two crimes seem to always be in the public eye.

The obvious question on the minds of many is one of prevention. How can consumers protect themselves against porch pirates and burglars? Are there any prevention strategies that offer more than just a false sense of security?

The Home Security Factor

Vivint Smart Home is a nationwide provider of home automation equipment and complete home security packages. They say that numerous studies conducted over the last 20 years indicate that burglars are wary enough of home security systems to avoid them. If given the choice to burglarize one home with a monitored security system as opposed to one without, most burglars would choose the latter.

Burglars tend to avoid homes with monitored security systems for several reasons:

  • Video Cameras – The video cameras found in a typical home security system create evidence. They generate footage that can help local police track down a suspect. That same evidence can be used in court.
  • Immediate Response – A monitored home security system offers the benefit of immediate response. As soon as a home is breached, monitoring personnel are on the phone with local authorities.
  • Increased Attention – When burglar alarms make noise, they draw attention to the victimized house. Burglars do not want attention. They want to get in and out quickly and quietly.

Although installing a home security system does not completely eliminate the risk of burglary, it does tilt the game in the homeowner’s favor. Combined with other defense strategies, a monitored home security system greatly reduces the likelihood of being victimized.

The Porch Piracy Problem

Most instances of package theft go down as porch piracy. A thief simply walks up to a victim’s porch, grabs available packages, and walks away. It is an increasingly common problem as more Americans shop online. But again, what can consumers do about it?

Vivint Smart Home recommends a video doorbell with built-in two-way audio. A video doorbell allows homeowners to see anyone approaching the front door. The built-in two-way audio system allows for real-time communication between homeowner and visitor.

Unfortunately, porch pirates are catching on to the video doorbell. Due to how quickly and quietly porch piracy can be perpetrated, video doorbells do not seem to be slowing down the most committed thieves. Therefore, consumers have to consider other strategies, including:

  • arranging for delivery to another location
  • utilizing remote delivery lockers
  • giving delivery companies access to an inside area of the home.

The risk of parch piracy will continue as long as people buy online and delivery companies leave packages on porches. It is up to consumers and delivery companies to find new ways of transacting business without giving thieves opportunity to steal.

Do you worry about package theft and burglary? If so, you are not alone. They are the two most feared crimes in America. The good news is that you can protect yourself to some degree. You do not have to remain helpless against criminals.

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