Insights from Dr. Xi Huang: The Journey Behind i-On by Dr. Xi (Series #4)
Discovering Nature’s Secret in West Coast Coal Mines
As a researcher deeply committed to finding solutions for better health, my journey to creating i-On by Dr. Xi started in an unlikely place: the coal mines of the American West. Years ago, I was focused on understanding the cause of black lung disease, a devastating condition that affects coal miners in regions like Pennsylvania and West Virginia. My research revealed that high levels of bioavailable iron in eastern coal mines were likely contributing to this disease. However, while identifying the cause was crucial, I needed to find a way to prevent it.
The Unexpected Difference Between Eastern and Western Coal Mines
In my quest for answers, I noticed something intriguing: coal miners in western states like Colorado and Utah, who worked under similar conditions, had a much lower incidence of black lung disease. This led me to investigate what made the western coal different. The key turned out to be pH levels. Eastern coal is more acidic, making iron stable and harmful when inhaled, while western coal has a neutral pH, which prevents iron from becoming toxic.
The Role of Calcite: Nature’s Protective Shield
Through further research, I discovered that the neutral pH in western coal was due to high levels of calcium carbonate, or calcite. This mineral acts as a natural buffer, preventing iron from becoming toxic. This discovery was groundbreaking. I proposed using calcite in eastern coal mines to neutralize iron and reduce the risk of black lung disease, a proposal that was recognized by both the Department of Labor and the Department of Interior.
Shifting Focus: From Occupational Health to Women’s Health
While my findings in occupational medicine were promising, I soon realized that regulatory changes would take too long. That’s when I decided to shift my focus to women’s health, specifically how iron affects skin aging. As women enter menopause, menstruation stops, leading to increased iron levels in the body, particularly in the skin. Since two-thirds of this iron is expelled through the skin, I wondered if the protective principles I learned from calcite could be applied to skincare.
Bridging the Gap: From Coal Mines to Skincare Innovation
This cross-disciplinary approach led to the development of our patented De-Ironizing Inducer (DII) technology. While calcite works wonders in preventing iron toxicity in coal mines, it wasn’t enough on its own for skincare. We needed a more advanced solution to protect the skin from the aging effects of excess iron, and that’s exactly what we created with i-On by Dr. Xi.
Looking Ahead: The Birth of a New Skincare Revolution
The journey from coal mines to skincare might seem unconventional, but it’s a perfect example of how breakthroughs can happen when you connect insights across different fields. Stay tuned as I continue to share more about the science and innovation behind i-On by Dr. Xi. Sometimes, the most profound discoveries are the ones that bridge the gap between seemingly unrelated areas.