The Aesthetics Advisor

Update from the Chief Investigators of the Platform Randomised trial of INterventions against COVID-19 In older peoPLE (PRINCIPLE), 25 January 2021 In March 2020, the UK-wide Platform Randomised trial of INterventions against COVID-19 In older people (PRINCIPLE) trial was established as a flexible, platform randomised clinical trial to test a range of potential treatments for COVID-19 that might be suitable for use in the community to help people recover more quickly and prevent the need for hospital admission. The trial is one of three national platform trials for COVID-19 treatments, and complements the RECOVERY and REMAP-CAP trials that focus on hospitalised patients. Azithromycin and doxycycline are two commonly used antibiotics investigated as separate treatments in the trial. Both drugs are being used by some doctors in the hope of treating COVID-19 in the early stages of the illness. After reviewing interim analyses of both the azithromycin and doxycycline arms of the PRINCIPLE

What Is Quercetin? Quercetin is an antioxidant that belongs to a class of water-soluble plant substances called flavonoids, which are present in certain fruits and vegetables. According to  an article  in Current Research in Nutrition and Food Science, the bioavailability of quercetin absorbed by your body varies, depending on the source where you get it, as well as your individual body’s metabolism of it. Sugar and dietary fat and fiber also affect it. While the best way to get quercetin is through your diet, it also is available in supplement form, as pills or capsules. Sometimes, quercetin in supplement form is packaged with bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapples, because both have anti-inflammatory properties (Quercetin & Bromelain for inflammation). Most dietary supplements contain a chemical compound, aglycone, which is the free form of quercetin. When looking for and using quercetin supplements, it’s important to maintain a nutritious, balanced diet with fiber and healthy

What is Vitamin C? Vitamin C, also known as L-ascorbic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that is naturally present in some foods, added to others, and available as a dietary supplement. Humans, unlike most animals, are unable to synthesise vitamin C endogenously, so it is an essential dietary component. The recommended daily intake for vitamin C is 75 mg for women and 90 mg for men. While it’s commonly advised to get your vitamin C intake from foods, many people turn to supplements to meet their needs. Can Vitamin C Protect You against COVID-19? As of January 2021, there are more than 50 studies ( ClinicalTrials.gov ) in progress on the use of vitamin C in COVID-19 and some are in combination with Vitamin D and/or Zinc and/or Hydroxychloroquine. However, Vitamin C is not a face mask or a sanitiser; and cannot be compared with more effective methods recommended by health authorities like social distancing, proper hand hygiene practices, face masks and personal protective equipments (PPEs

Quercetin  is a pigment that is found in plants, vegetables, and fruits, and serves as an immune nutrient offering many health benefits. Elderberry, red onions, white onions and cranberries are the richest sources of quercetin. It is a flavonoid and antioxidant that may help to reduce inflammation, infections, and allergies. Research has found that quercetin may be particularly beneficial for viral respiratory infections. As of January 2021, 4  studies have been launched  to investigate the benefits of quercetin against COVID-19. Ultimately, the results of the above trials will offer more definitive evidence. Quercetin  was initially found  to provide broad-spectrum protection against SARS coronavirus in the aftermath of the SARS epidemic that broke out across 26 countries in 2003. Now, some doctors are advocating its use against SARS-CoV-2, in combination with vitamin C, noting that the two have synergistic effects. When looking for new antiviral compounds, knowledge of the main viral

Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are essential fats, meaning you must get them from the food you eat, as your body can’t make them. They’ve been associated with numerous health benefits, such as a reduced risk of heart disease ( Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2015 ), reduced inflammation ( Biochem Soc Trans. 2017 ) and improved mood ( Front Physiol. 2018 ). Fish oil and flaxseed oil each contain an impressive amount of omega-3 fatty acids. The main types of omega-3s in fish oil are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) ( NIH ). On the other hand, flaxseed oil contains the omega-3 fatty acid known as alpha-linoleic acid (ALA) ( Trusted Source ). Flaxseed oil also contains  linoleic acid , an omega-6 fatty acid. Linoleic acid and arachidonic acid (AA) are the Omega-6 fatty acids that have been found to possess potential cancer protective properties. The human body converts linoleic acid into GLA (Gamma-Linoliec Acid), and the latter get converted into AA. EPA and DHA are

In this time of COVID-19, face masks have become an accessory we don’t leave home without. Over the summer, that led to a rise in requests for aesthetic procedures that address the eye area (think: blepharoplasty, brow lifts, under eye filler). While experts predict those procedures will maintain their popularity in 2021, plastic surgeons and cosmetic dermatologists are also noticing increased interest in more invasive surgeries and treatments that can be concealed by face coverings. “Due to the pandemic-related need for masks and a lack of socializing, many people are using this as an ideal opportunity to have some ‘work done,’” explains Andrew Frankel, MD , a double board certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Beverly Hills. “The masks camouflage much of the face and can allow someone who just had a procedure to be productive without drawing any attention to themselves.” So, how exactly are face masks changing the aesthetic procedure and surgery landscape? And what’s