Despite the downturn in the economy science is still traveling along at a rapid rate, and I’m pleased to report, taking the beauty industry along for the ride.

In July and August of this year a Japanese telecommunications company will be trialing their ‘fragrance communication’ system that allows fragrances to be sent via the Internet.

Using a USB device and six base oils, the company has developed a system that allows perfumes concocted “according to the computers demands” to be emitted through a diffuser. Two prototypes have being developed with plans to apply the technology to mobile phones handsets in the future. Imagine!

Caffeine has been used as a cellulite treatment for decades, but not until recently has it been promoted as an important and beneficial ingredient in sunscreen and after-sun products as well.

The discovery was made following the results of laboratory tests (published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology) that indicated caffeine increases the effectiveness of one of the body’s key natural defense systems (known as Apoptosi) by a significant two-three times. The research concluded that by promoting Apoptosi, the function used by the body to eliminate damaged cells, caffeine may play an important part in the treatment and repair of skin cancer, and reduce the aging effects of UV damage.

More investigation is required, but no doubt the news will prompt a surge in the development of caffeine-infused products.

As previously reported, toxic chemicals found in some nail vanishes can be potentially harmful to our health. Therefore the news that scientists are developing a system that may eliminate the need for artificial pigments altogether is exciting.

A research team from the University of California has been using magnetic field application to safely, effectively and reversibly change the colour of various formulas. Using technology that has been around for some time, they found by pairing magnetic fields with polymer beads imbedded with iron oxide particles, the need for “additional materials that in dye production are sometimes toxic” can be avoided.

Originally intended for industrial use only (such as in paints and signage) the team recognizes the technique could indeed be the future of colour cosmetics as well, paving the way for a new era in nail lacquers, lipsticks, mascaras and more. The possibilities are endless.

And finally, an aesthetic surgeon has found Botox may also promote hair growth. Discovered while administering the product - known for its ability to iron out wrinkles - as a headache treatment for a chemotherapy patient, California-based Dr Simon Ourian has since been trialing the method extensively.

Thought to improve circulation and cell growth, this is good news for those of you that suffer from alopecia areata.