AQ Advanced Hair Complex+ in Conjunction with AQ DermaStamp The AQ Difference: The Highest Quality Growth Factors Available AQ growth factor topical skin products are different from other brands. We use only premium sources for our growth factor ingredients, and scientifically advanced methods of production and filtration ensure highly stable, pure, concentrated products. FDA- registered manufacturer, which requires quality production methods and stringent quality control Controlled lab and trained technicians Formula focus is on the most effective growth factors for dermal application Ability to sort out only the viable cells to ensure consistency and an effective concentration in every batch Advanced Hair Complex+ Growth factors obtained through a proprietary process that creates a rich, multiple human growth factor conditioned media Human conditioned media contains diverse types of growth factors including, but not limited to, GM- CSF, HGF, IGF- 1, IL- 6, IL- 7, IL- 8, KGF, matrix proteins, PGDF- AA, soluble collagen, TGF- B2 and B3, TGF- B, and VEGF along with chaperone proteins to protect the functional state of ingredients Human conditioned media is specially filtered to remove proteins that are not conducive to hair follicle health, creating a pure, concentrated formula of optimal growth factors for healthy hair growth Source: Progenitor foreskin stem cells, the richest progenitor of stem cell tissue, obtained through the State of California Tissue Bank at the University of California- Irvine Cell- sorting process: Mo- Flow Purification: A specialized laser determines which cells are viable and removes the bad cells The Science of Growth Factors for Healthy Hair Growth Hair loss is common in both men and women. Hereditary (the most common type) hair loss affects 80 million men and women in the United State alone (American Academy of Dermatology, http://www.aad.org/skin- conditions/dermatologya- to- z/hair- loss). This condition causes considerable distress, which explains why Americans spent $176 million on hair products in 2009 (The New York Times, http://www.aad.org/skin- conditions/dermatology- a- to- z/hair- loss). Hair loss is caused by multiple factors. Countless remedies for hair loss have been tried, but thus far none of them have been very effective, so most people believe that hair loss is a normal consequence of aging. However, AQ Hair Complex is a revolutionary new approach, tackling the problem of hair loss by treating the condition of the scalp. The two main treatments available for treating hair loss contain finasteride or minoxidil. Finasteride inhibits type II 5- alpha reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Because DHT attacks hair follicles, it is widely considered the main factor in male hair loss. But all men have DHT, and not all men experience baldness, so it is not the main factor. Finasteride also has unpleasant side effects, including impotence. Minoxidil, a vasodilator, is an expensive treatment that must be used for six months before any possible results can be seen, and it must be used regularly for the rest of the patient s life to maintain results. 1
Hair Complex is an entirely new kind of treatment. It can be used by both men and women to promote a healthy scalp that fosters healthy hair growth. It is true that DHT damages hair follicles, but the researchers who developed Hair Complex realized that the best way to guard against DHT damage is to improve the health of the hair follicles. Weakened hair follicles are easy targets for DHT, and healthy hair follicles have stronger defenses, which explains why not all men suffer from hair loss even though all men have DHT. Other factors in hair loss can also be considered as problems of scalp health. The scalp is similar in structure and function to body skin, and scalp health directly affects hair growth and quality. Hair follicles can be damaged by chemical processing, poor nutrition, stress, environmental hazards, chlorine, and medications. Damaged hair follicles can not efficiently produce hair. Hair Complex nurtures the scalp as a whole with a concentrated protein media to help restore the natural processes that heal damage. Once the scalp and its hair follicles are healthy, there are no obstacles to healthy hair growth. Hair Complex, like Active Serum for skin, is based on the latest research on the healing powers of growth factors. Growth factors in the scalp naturally repair damage, and Hair Complex is designed to stimulate these natural processes, allowing for normal, healthy hair growth. Because the scalp is very thin, the protein media in Hair Complex has been refined to remove heavier proteins that are not necessary for hair growth for maximum penetration and effectiveness. The Science of DermaStamp Procedures The AQ DermaStamp Vertical Micro- needle Therapy is a handheld Class I medical device that is stamped lightly across the skin. Micro- fine (0.8 mm) stainless steel needles create two beneficial effects: a controlled wound that stimulates skin renewal, and micro- channels into the skin to aid in the delivery of topical ingredients. Using SkinStamp before applying Hair Complex enhances penetration of the growth factors and helps produce more dramatic, faster results than Hair complex applied alone. Study Results A study of 6 males aged 25 65 years of age with mild to moderate AGA was conducted to test the effectiveness of AQ Advanced Hair Complex+ with AQ DermaStamp in preventing hair loss and producing re- growth. Over 90% of study subjects showed improvement. In a study by Cosmetic Surgery Seishin (Tokyo, Japan), 76 subjects aged 21 66, approximately half female and half male, underwent approximately ten twice weekly Hair Complex with DermaStamp procedures (number of treatments varied based on individual patient assessments after first five treatments), with a ten- day break after the first five treatments. The purpose of the study was to determine if the application of growth factors (HairComplex) would help stop hair loss and effect hair re- growth. Overall, 28% of subjects showed significant improvement, and 34% showed mild improvement. Of female subjects, 19% showed significant improvement and 47% showed mild improvement. Of male subjects, 48% showed significant improvement and 21% showed mild improvement (the gender of some subjects was undetermined). See figures below. 2
Total Males Females Charts courtesy of Cosmetic Surgery Seishin, Tokyo, Japan. 3
20-year-olds 30 year-olds 40-year-olds Charts courtesy of Cosmetic Surgery Seishin, Tokyo, Japan. 4
Conclusion and Discussion Hair loss has many causes, and there are still many scientific questions that remain unanswered about the physiological process of the hair growth cycle. These studies aimed to discover if growth actors applied to the scalp could slow the rate of hair loss and stimulate re- growth of hair. AQ Hair Complex, used in conjunction with DermaStamp, has been shown to be an effective procedure for slowing and/or preventing hair loss and stimulating hair re- growth in certain individuals. Additional studies will be conducted to further determine which individuals are better candidates than others. AQ Advanced Hair Complex+ Renewal Procedure Purpose of Use AQ Hair Complex is a non- invasive treatment that provides protein- rich growth factors to the scalp to support the health of hair follicles and encourage healthy hair growth. DermaStamp Vertical Micro- Needle Therapy, laser, or other modalities are used to enhance penetration and improve results. Trials were conducted with AQ Hair Complex to test the objective of preventing hair loss and re- growing hair on the scalp using the method of penetration achieved via use of the DermaStamp. Method: AQ Hair Complex was applied during scalp SkinStamp treatments on subjects. The first ten treatments were performed twice weekly, then, after a rest period of ten thirteen days, subjects were reassessed and, if needed, a second treatment series identical to the first was performed. AQ Advanced Hair Complex+ Ingredients Human Fibroblast Conditioned Media, Water (Aqua), Propylene Glycol, Lonicera Caprifolium (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract, Lonicera Japonica (Honey suckle) Flower Extract, 1,2- Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol. Best Candidates The best candidates are patients who are in the beginning stages of hair loss or are currently thinning or shedding. Men: stress- related hair loss, drug- induced hair loss, when thinning is just beginning. Women: pre/post- menopausal hair loss, stress- related hair loss, drug- induced hair loss, female pattern baldness (FPB). Candidates Less Well-Suited for This Procedure No actively growing hair root, male pattern baldness for over five years, large areas of the scalp where there is no hair at all. Patients should not be actively receiving cancer treatments. 5
Guide to AQ Advanced Hair Complex+ with Procedures Hair Complex DermaStamp LED Laser Usage Benefits Series Comments Apply directly to the scalp before, during, and after procedure Apply directly to the scalp prior to and directly after treatment Apply directly before and directly after laser Introduces growth factors essential for healthy scalp activity, including stimulation and fortification of the hair follicle Increases product penetration quickly, without the use of a laser Use with 589~632 wave length, driving growth factors deep within the scalp to help create a healthier scalp for better hair growth Twice weekly for 2 weeks 2- week break Twice weekly for 2 more weeks Please see handout for additional information Twice weekly for 2 weeks 2- week break Twice weekly for 2 more weeks Twice weekly for 2 weeks 2- week break Twice weekly for 2 more weeks Procedure schedule must be closely adhered to for best results Best qualified individuals are men/women who are shedding or just beginning to thin For optimal results, use in tandem with DermaStamp May also be performed directly after DermaStamp Procedure schedule must be closely adhered to for best results Best qualified individuals are men/women who are shedding or just beginning to thin. 6
AQ Advanced Hair Complex+ Before and After Photos AQ Hair Complex Study In a study by Cosmetic Surgery Seishin (Tokyo, Japan), 76 subjects aged 21 66, roughly half female and half male, underwent approximately ten twice weekly GF Hair Care Complex with DermaStamp procedures (number of treatments varied based on individual patient assessments after first five treatments), with a ten- day break after the first five treatments. The purpose of the study was to determine if the application of growth factors (GF Hair Care Complex) would help stop hair loss and effect hair re- growth. Overall, 28% of subjects showed significant improvement and 34% showed mild improvement. Of female subjects, 19% showed significant improvement and 47% showed mild improvement. Of male subjects, 48% showed significant improvement and 21% showed mild improvement. A separate study of six males aged 25 65 years of age with mild to moderate AGA was conducted to test the effectiveness of AQ Hair Complex with DermaStamp in preventing hair loss and producing regrowth. Over 90% of study subjects showed improvement. Week 0 Week 6 Week 15 Week 0 Week 8 7 AQ Skin Solutions 23263 Madero Suite B Mission Viejo, CA 92691 USA info@aqskinsolutions.com www.aqskinsolutions.com
AQ Hair Complex Study Week 0 Week 8 Before After 5 months Before Photos courtesy of Cosmetic Surgery Seishin, Tokyo, Japan. 8
AQ Advanced Hair Complex+ Renewal Procedure AQ Hair Complex The AQ Hair Complex Renewal Procedure is a new approach to tackling the problem of hair loss. Utilizing breakthrough technology, this non- invasive treatment provides protein- rich growth factors to the scalp. Both men and women can use AQ Hair Complex to improve the health of the scalp and develop healthier, stronger hair follicles. It was developed by a team of AQ Skin Solutions chemists and University of California Irvine research scientists who have extensively studied the beneficial effects of growth factors on hair and skin. This procedure has no side effects. Complete series takes approximately eight weeks. Best results have been seen with the completion of two series combined, a total of fifteen twenty weeks. Hair Structure Hair follicles are part of the pilosebaceous unit in the skin, which consists of the hair follicle structure that produces hair and the oil- secreting sebaceous gland. The number of scalp hair follicles may vary with an individual s skin tone, hair color, and ethnicity. Dark haired people generally have fewer scalp hair follicles than fair haired people. The hair follicle has both a permanent, superficial structure and a component that changes cyclically with hair growth. During a complete hair cycle, the non- permanent part of the hair follicle is completely regenerated. Hair goes through three main phases: a growth phase (anagen), a regression phase (catagen), and a resting phase (telogen). During the anagen phase, cells grow upward to form the hair shaft. Next is the brief catagen phase, when the hair follicle regresses and destroys the hair growing part of the hair follicle. Regression is characterized by a cessation of protein and pigment production, shrinking of the hair follicle, and restructuring of the extracellular matrix. By the telogen phase, the hair follicle has regressed to half of its previous size. The telogen hair shaft can be retained for months. The shedding of the hair fiber after telogen is called exogen. After exogen, kenogen occurs. This is the interval in the hair growth cycle when the hair follicle remains empty before a new anagen hair appears. This is normal in healthy skin, but the frequency and duration of kenogen is increased in men and women with certain hair loss conditions. Under normal, healthy conditions, approximately 85% of scalp hair is under the influence of the anagen (growing) phase and approximately 15% is under the telogen (resting) phase. The maximum hair length that scalp hair can grow to is mostly determined by the duration of the anagen phase, which is typically two to six years but varies by individual. The cycle of hair growth is dependent on many factors. Location, genetics, health, and environment all play important roles. Factors that can influence hair loss Hair pulled back too tightly Poor nutrition/crash diets Vitamin D deficiency Emotional/physiological stress Hormonal fluctuations Smoking Birth control and other medications Chemical hair processes 9
Patient Q & A How does AQ Hair Complex work? Hair Complex works by nurturing the scalp and hair follicles, allowing for a normal, healthy hair growth cycle. It contains supportive growth factor proteins that are naturally found in young, healthy hair follicles to renew the vitality of the scalp. A DermaStamp procedure, which uses micro- needles to create tiny, temporary channels into the skin, is used to enhance the penetration of the Complex into the hair follicles. How long before I see a difference? As quickly as eight twelve weeks in mild cases, but most will find the strongest results at the end of two complete series combined. For the first two three weeks, expect increased shedding (don t worry, it s a good sign!) as dead, dysfunctional hair is pushed out by new growth. Everyone is different, and hair loss has many factors that can influence its healthy growth. Can I still use Monoxidil or Finisteride? Hair Complex is a safe, drug- free natural product that does not cause side effects. However, Monoxidil and Finisteride are systemic drugs. Due to the nature of the drugs actions, it is not recommended to use them while using Hair Complex. How does it feel? Hair Complex causes no irritation or discomfort, and it feels light and non- greasy. Some patients may experience mild discomfort during the DermaStamp portion of the procedure, but any pain is generally very low. Can I color my hair? No. During the entire treatment series, you should not color, bleach, permanent wave, or otherwise chemically process your hair. CONSULTATION Involve the patient in the treatment/management plan Find out how they perceive the plan Explore preconceptions that people have about hair loss and try to educate where appropriate Give patients an understanding of the aims and goals of this treatment Think about the psychological and social contexts this may have for them. Indications This procedure is appropriate for both men and women with thinning hair caused by hormones, medications, stress, lifestyle, post- menopausal thinning, male pattern baldness, or scalp fibrosis. Use the diagrams at left to determine the stage of hair loss for the patient. Hair Complex Renewal Procedure addresses MPB of stages I 5 for men based on the Norwood chart and 1 2 for women based on the Ludwig chart. During the entire treatment series, patients should not color, bleach, permanent wave, or otherwise chemically process their hair. Some patients may experience mild discomfort during the DermaStamp portion of the procedure, but any pain is generally very low. The total time for this procedure is 30 minutes. Patients must sign the Informed Consent Form prior to this procedure. 10
Contra-indications All medical conditions should be addressed directly with the physician. Conditions include but are not limited to: High blood pressure Diabetes Blood disorders Cancers HIV Liver problems Hepatitis Expectations Expectations from the patient must be listened to and addressed. Not all hair loss can be corrected and not all patients will see significant hair growth. Proper evaluation must be done in order to understand the factors surrounding hair loss and which approach is best suited for the patient. Patients should be prepared to see increased shedding for the first two three weeks as dead, long- stuck strands are pushed out by new, healthy growth. Hair Complex DermaStamp Contains human fibroblast media to accelerate DNA repair and restore the growth factors present in healthy, young hair follicles Contains honeysuckle extract to provide protection against cellular injury and support for vascular homeostasis Uses 140 stainless steel micro- needles Proven method for transdermal delivery of active ingredients Creates hundreds of micro- channels in the scalp Controlled wound that speeds up healing process TREATMENT SCHEDULE Series 1 Review Series 2 Weeks 1 5 Weeks 6 7 Consultation Weeks 8 9 Weeks 10 15 Twice weekly Rest period Determine if 2nd series should be performed Twice weekly Once weekly PREPARE Patient should arrive with clean scalp and hair. No styling products should be applied prior to or directly after treatments. Patient should be seated and draped at the shoulders. Hair should be sectioned as shown in figure 1, if applicable. OPTIONAL: Using a general disinfectant or sanitizer, clean exposed scalp before beginning application. Hair Complex and DermaStamp 1. Divide the head into three sections (see figures 1 and 2). Fill syringe from vial with 3 ml Hair Complex. 2. Begin in section 1 (see figure 2). Parting each layer of hair or working by small sections of bare scalp, first apply Hair Complex directly onto the scalp and use thumbs for spreading through the part line (figure 3). Next, stamp with the DermaStamp for two passes on the part, first outward from center part and then inward toward center part. Overlap slightly with each stamp. NOTE: Pressure is firm but light. Repeatedly ask patient about discomfort and adjust pressure accordingly. 11
3. Repeat this process for each layer of hair in section 1, parting each layer of hair as needed (see figure 4). Work all of section 1, then section 2, and lastly, section 3. Application of serum should only be in the affected areas and should partially overlap into the existing hairline. 4. Apply any leftover serum after the entire procedure has been completed. 5. OPTIONAL: Wearing surgical gloves, massage scalp for three minutes. NOTE: Patient should not wash or use styling aids during the first twenty- four hours following procedure. Patient should not color, bleach, or permanent wave hair during the entire course of treatments. Figure 1. For longer Figure 2. Apply Hair Figure 3. Hair Figure 4. Part each layer. hair, center part should Complex by section. Complex application. be combed and secured forward toward face, and sides should be parted laterally from ear to ear. 12 AQ Skin Solutions 23263 Madero Suite B Mission Viejo, CA 92691 USA info@aqskinsolutions.com www.aqskinsolutions.com