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antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and ingredients that stimulate blood flow. Cellulite-affected
areas tend to be dehydrated and damaged, and need the extra benefits of moisture, protection
and increased blood supply. By increasing the moisture of the affected area. The overall
appearance of the cellulite can be temporarily reduced. When you look at cellulite, you are
seeing not only the dimpling effect. You are also seeing the damaged, dry skin that
accompanies it and even perpetuates the condition. If you can treat this dryness and damage,
the appearance of the cellulite will be minimized. However, the damage itself, and the buoyant
fat cells within the skin, will remain only partially treated. As you know, to completely address
cellulite and stretch marks, we need to treat them from the inside as well as the outside.
Very often, topical creams dehydrate the affected area of wasted water over several weeks or
months of use. The effect of this is that the thigh that houses the cellulite does, for a brief
period of time, become smaller. By association, we feel that the condition has improved as well.
Have you ever heard a sales pitch for a cellulite treatment that begins, "Our product can solve
cellulite by actually decreasing the diameter of your thigh by one inch!"? As you now know, the
size of your body has no effect on the cellulite that is present. In actuality, while removing
wasted water can temporarily decrease the size of the area treated and help to forestall future
damage and exacerbation of dimpling, it does not actually repair and reverse cellulite. Also, any
size that was lost will be replaced as soon as you drink water.
While topical cellulite remedies can be very beneficial, they have little effect if used alone.
Creams cannot actually penetrate the dermis where much of the damage is. Creams and lotions
generally reach only the epidermis, or top layer of skin. Many cellulite treatments are largely
unsuccessful because they target only the external appearance of cellulite. They are unable to
completely fight the damage where it lives. Now that you understand that the dimpling on the
surface of the skin is merely a symptom of the underlying cause, you can see how banishing
lumps and bumps requires deeper-acting treatments in addition to topical ones.
To really turn back the clock and reverse the damage, you must reach farther than just skin
deep. That is where internal remedies and technology make all of the difference. I recommend
going beyond simple topical remedies and utilizing science and nature's entire arsenal to
combat cellulite and stretch marks. My concept of Technoceuticals includes a combination of
effective topical remedies with technologically advanced treatments and formulas that can
produce visible results. I incorporate nutritional supplements and a diet rich in foods that
provide the essential elements to repair damage. This all-inclusive approach is the only truly
effective method of treating and repairing cellulite and stretch marks.
There are nine different avenues by which cellulite and stretch marks can be effectively
repaired. In this chapter I highlight each of these methods and then describe which of them
various cellulite remedies are employing. Some attack cellulite through more than one of these
channels, some through none. Remember, these methods work in conjunction with each other.
The more of them that you employ, the more success you will have in reducing, preventing and
even eliminating your cellulite.
Nine Ways of Treating Cellulite
1. Strengthen blood vessels/increase blood flow
2. Encourage the production of connective tissue
3. Stimulate the production of collagen and elastin
4. Attract water to the cells
5. Repair cell membranes
6. Reduce wasted water
7. Prevent free-radical damage
8. Reduce inflammation
9. Promote exfoliation
Any ingredient that does not accomplish one of the nine goals cannot help your cellulite in any
real way.
Treatments That Will Not Address Cellulite
While there are many products and ingredients on the market that help to prevent cellulite and
repair the damage that is already present, there are also many that make strong claims but are
not likely to have any effect on lumps and bumps in your skin because they do not employ one
of the nine methods of treating cellulite. There are so many products on the market that it is
difficult to know what will work and what likely will not. Before you spend time and money, it is
always a good idea to be informed. Below you will find descriptions of a few popular products
and treatments that are not likely to give you the benefit you are seeking as they do not
employ any of the nine methods of treating cellulite.
Anti-Cellulite Apparel
Apparel products such as anti-cellulite compression hosiery are touted to create a
micromassage when they are worn. Other versions include control-top panty hose that are said
to reduce the appearance of cellulite while providing support to the stomach, hips and upper
thighs. One of the newest products is a panty hose brand infused with microencapsulated
grapefruit seed extract to target dimpling. There are also products that offer a prosthetic top to
improve the body contour line, flatten the belly, and shape and tone the buttocks by giving them
a push-up effect. While these products claim to treat cellulite, compression apparel can actually
have the reverse effect by constricting circulation and causing irritation.
One unique cellulite product on the market is walking shoes that are made with a patented
curved and layered sole said to lengthen the body, encourage upright posture, and use
neglected muscle groups. These sneakers are touted to significantly reduce cellulite and
varicose veins. Unfortunately, although these products potentially have a beneficial effect on
overall appearance, they will not likely repair cellulite.
Cellulite Lift
Body-lifts are generally performed on women who have lost a significant amount of weight and
have been left with loose pouches of excess skin. It is the most invasive technique to restore
firm, youthful contours to the body. If you look at yourself naked in the mirror and pull up the
saggy skin of your hips to stretch out your upper thighs and abdominal area, you can reshape
the way your body looks. Body-lifts essentially do the same thing. Lower body-lifts target the
thighs, buttocks, abdomen, waist and hips. However, body-lifts do nothing to improve the
texture and quality of the skin. And while they do tighten the skin, they do not remove cellulite.
The most significant drawback to this type of invasive surgery is that the scars can be extensive
and the recovery is longer than most other cosmetic surgical procedures.
Cellulite Surgery
One of the problems with many of the more invasive treatments for cellulite reduction is that
they tend to damage something else, especially the dermis. The only effective approach is in
effect the reverse-making the dermis and vessels stronger and healthier.
Detox Diet
You often hear the claim that in order to get rid of cellulite, you have to go on a special diet to
clear your body of cellulite-causing toxins. A toxin could be classified as any substance that
creates irritating and/or harmful effects in the body, undermining health or stressing organ
functions. Homeostasis occurs when body functions are in balance. This balance is disturbed
when we take in more than we can utilize and eliminate. If our body is working well, it can
handle our basic everyday exposure to toxins by neutralizing, transforming, or eliminating
them. For example, many antioxidant nutrients may neutralize free-radical molecules. The liver
helps transform many toxic substances into harmless agents, while the blood carries wastes to
the kidneys; the liver also dumps wastes through the bile into the intestines to be eliminated.
The best approach is to avoid putting toxins in your body in the first place by eating a healthy,
clean, and pure diet along with appropriate supplements and lifestyle choices.
Laser Lipolisis
Laser lipolisis is a relatively new technique developed in Italy. It is performed with injections
and involves the insertion of a fiber-optic laser through very small incisions that targets only the
fat in the body. Amounts of 500 grams of fat can usually be absorbed and naturally excreted as
waste by the body. Although laser lipolisis was not designed for high-volume applications, larger
volumes of fat can be liquefied and suction-aspirated. As with liposuction, this procedure targets
fat cells that are not the cause of cellulite.
Liposuction
While liposuction can change and improve your natural contours, a woman who is plagued by
cellulite and undergoes liposuction to remove excess fat will be disappointed with the results,
because the cellulite will still be there. Whereas liposuction can reduce fat deposits in areas
resistant to diet and exercise, it is unable to affect the dermal fat that causes cellulite. In fact,
in some cases it may actually make dimpling appear worse.
Muscle-Stimulation Systems
Muscle-toning systems, including ionithermie, utilize small electrical currents to provide
stimulation in an attempt to tighten muscles. Treatments usually take about an hour and are
done in a course of ten. There is no evidence that these systems are effective either for
reducing cellulite or toning muscles. To increase firmness and tone muscles, strength training
with weights, aerobics and yoga should be the first route to take. In either case, toning
muscles may make your body feel better; however, it will have little or no effect on the visible
appearance of cellulite.
A Guide to Treatments That Work
Now let's take a look at the nine ways of actually preventing and repairing cellulite. It is
important to remember that each method works better in conjunction with the others than
as a stand-alone treatment.
Strengthen Blood Vessels/ Increase Blood Flow
You may remember that the first stage of cellulite and stretch marks is invisible to the naked
eye. It is the breakdown of blood vessels. Blood vessels are the paths by which all of the
nutrients essential for strength and health reach the dermis and the surface skin. While the right
nutrients are incredibly important, they do no good unless they can get through to the areas
that need them. Without a steady conduit for antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, water, collagen
and elastin builders, etc., the skin has no way to attain reinforcements. It eventually loses the
battle to cellulite and stretch marks. Utilizing ingredients that promote strong blood vessels is
the first step toward smooth skin. Strong, active blood vessels can be attained through certain
internal nutrients, ingredients in topical creams, as well as mechanically through methods such
as skin brushing.
Encourage the Production of Connective Tissue
The second approach to cellulite treatment is to stimulate the production of the matrix (GAGs)
that make up connective tissue in your body. Providing your body with an ample supply of the
essential nutrients that create and restore this matrix gives you the ability to form firm,
defensive connective tissue. Having a strong dermis is essential in preventing and repairing
cellulite and stretch marks. As you remember from Chapter 1, it is weakened or corrupted
connective tissue in your skin, more specifically damaged dermis, that allows the fat cells that
form cellulite to float to the surface and become bumps and dimples.
There is another very important reason to have strong, healthy connective tissue. The primary
water reservoir for your entire body, and especially your skin, is the dermis. Whenever an
organ in your body needs hydration, it can extract it from your dermis, which houses extra
water. A strong dermis, with ample GAGs, can help keep all of your cells, from your liver to
your skin, supplied with their ideal component of water, thereby functioning at their optimal
level.
Three internal ingredients are necessary to form GAGs in your body. The first and most
important is glucosamine, which is the primary building block of GAGs. It is B vitamins and trace
minerals that your body employs to metabolize glucosamine into GAGs. Make sure your body
has an ample supply of these nutrients in order to fortify your dermis.
Stimulate the Production of Collagen and Elastin
The third method of reversing and repairing cellulite is to ensure that your body has plenty of
collagen and elastin to fortify your connective tissue and keep it strong. As you know, when the
dermis is strong and structurally sound, fat cells are unable to break through it and show
through the surface. In order to promote the production of collagen and elastin, you need to
provide your body with the raw materials for their production. The building blocks for collagen
and elastin are amino acids.
Attract Water to the Cells
The fourth important component to effective cellulite treatment is making sure that all of your
cells are fully hydrated. When cells do not have enough water, they are severely weakened and
are unable to stand up to the pressure of fat that is fighting its way to the surface of your skin.
If you rehydrate and revitalize your cells, they can become strong and firm enough to push the
cellulite-forming fat cells back where they belong, below the visible layers of your skin.
Healthy, hydrated cells make up skin that feels smooth and looks beautiful. Dehydrated cells
have lost their barrier ability and can no longer keep toxins out and nutrients in. This is not true
just of skin cells. This applies to cells all over your body. Proper water infusion helps you look
beautiful and dimple-free. It also helps you to become healthier and less susceptible to disease
Repair Cell Membrane
If you give your body's cells the materials they need to reinforce their walls, all of your cells will
have their optimal amount of water and will function at their peak level. Flush with healthy cells,
the skin will be strong and youthful, and better able to keep water and absorb nutrients from
other sources. At this point you may notice the cyclical nature of my cellulite solution. Every
avenue of treating cellulite has its own specific benefits in dimple reduction, and each one
symbiotically increases the effectiveness of all the others.
Reduce Wasted Water
Wasted water causes general problems such as bloating, weight gain, edema and puffy eyes. It
also interferes with your body's ability to repair cellulite damage. Cells and connective tissue
work best in conjunction with themselves and each other. This fluid seeps in between cells and
connective tissue, and in between cells and other cells, thus preventing them from properly
communicating and functioning as a unit. It provides gaps that fat cells can exploit and squeeze
through. There are myriad reasons, not just cellulite prevention, for removing wasted water
from your system and putting it where it can be of use to your health and beauty.
Prevent Free-Radical Damage
Free-radical damage from sources such as sun exposure, smoking and a poor diet do
immeasurable damage to your tissues. Damaged skin is far more susceptible to cellulite and
stretch marks than skin that has been protected from this harm. The only way to prevent and
repair free-radical damage is with the use of antioxidants, both topically and internally.
Reduce Inflammation
Your body responds to damage by rushing defensive nutrients to the affected area. It does this
by dilating the blood vessels and releasing specific chemicals. You notice that after an injury or
infection your skin becomes warm and red. In fact, the redness that you experience from
sunburn is actually the result of inflammation. While this is beneficial in the short term,
prolonged inflammation actually causes the free-radical damage and cell wall deterioration that
it is attempting to prevent. That is why it is important to use soothing ingredients, both topically
and internally, to calm inflammation before it begins doing more harm than good. Fortunately,
anti-inflammatories are widely available in a variety of products.
Promote Exfoliation
By the time we reach adulthood, our rate of cell turnover has drastically diminished, and we are
left with a surface of dead skin cells that look dull and no longer provide an adequate barrier
against the elements and water loss. The way to combat this is through exfoliation, the removal
of surface dead cells. This can be done either chemically, using mild agents that dissolve the
dead cells, or mechanically, using textured soaps or sponges and brushes that can wipe away
the surface cells. When you remove cells from your skin's surface, a message is sent telling
your body to create replacements. These will be strong young cells that not only look and feel
healthy but also are better equipped to stand up to the onslaught of cellulite. It is important to
remember that when you exfoliate, you are not so much removing cells as replacing them with
stronger ones. By reducing these dead, ineffectual cells, you also increase the efficacy of topical
treatments applied to the area.
Cellulite Treatments
Many of the following ingredients are essential oils and botanical extracts. Even some botanicals
and antibacterial agents can cause reactions in sensitive skin types. To find out if you will have a
negative reaction, do a small patch test on your forearm before using products on a large area
of your body.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera juice and oil are extracted from the aloe vera plant, which is found mainly in sunny
climates. The leaves store large amounts of water. The extract improves hydration and is
soothing and healing to all skin types. It is composed of water; the enzymes catalase and
cellulose; minerals such as calcium, aluminum, iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium and sodium;
as well as twenty amino acids. It is known for its healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Aloe
vera is used safely and successfully as an anti-inflammatory and as a hydrating agent both as
an edible ingredient and in topical applications.
Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids
The following hydroxy acids are commonly used in cosmetic products:
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citric acid (AHA) |
|
glycolic acid (AHA) |
|
lactic acid (AHA) |
|
malic acid (AHA) |
|
salycylic acid (AHA) |
|
tartaric acid (AHA) |
Certain formulations of AHA products can increase cell turnover rate and increase the thickness
of the epidermis. The effect depends on the product's pH level or measure of its acidity, the AHA
concentration, the AHA vehicle cream or cleanser, as well as how the product is used (for
example, frequency and quantity of use, where on the skin it is applied). By speeding up
exfoliation, the topical use of hydroxy acids makes skin appear smoother. Lactic acid is
commonly found in milk, pickles and other foods made by bacterial fermentation. Lactic acid
can help reduce the effects of photo-aging and can play an important role in the treatment of
sun-damaged skin. Glycolic and salicylic acids are my favorite agents for increasing the cell
turnover rate and uncovering younger skin. Hydroxy acids are one of the most popular keys to
unclogging embedded cellular debris from pores and shedding the outermost layer of dead skin.
Consistent exfoliation thins the dead skin that builds up, producing an ongoing vitality in skin
texture and quality. If you stop using hydroxy acids, your skin will gradually revert to its normal
sluggish turnover rate.
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a potent fat- and water-soluble antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. This
makes it different from most other topical antioxidants, which are soluble only in either fat or
water. ALA can penetrate skin cells easily through the lipid-rich cell membrane and continues to
be effective once inside the cell due to its water solubility. ALA has a protective effect on
vitamins E and C, thereby boosting their antioxidant abilities within the body. ALA is touted as a
superior antioxidant compound. However, there is still very little data on the effects of alpha
lipoic acid on human skin. Its primary function is as an anti-inflammatory. Alpha lipoic acid may
be used to soften pigmented stretch marks and has been used for pigmentary disorders.
Aminophylline—See methylixanthines.
Basil
Derived from the flowering tops and leaves of the basil plant, this extract is used to relieve pain
and muscular spasms, and to stimulate blood flow. It is also known for its restorative and anti-
inflammatory properties.
Bioflavonoids
Bioflavonoids are a group of compounds consisting of potent plant derivatives. They have
therapeutic anti-inflammatory attributes as well as strong antioxidant capabilities.
Borage Oil
Derived from the seed of borage, which grows abundantly in the Mediterranean region, Central
Europe and Asia, Borage Oil has an extremely high gamma linolenic acid (an essential fatty
acid) content. GLA is vital for the synthesis of prostaglandin, a substance necessary for all
manner of functions in the body. Borage Oil has a very high content of essential unsaturated
fatty acids, which are great skin conditioners and humectants that regulate the hydration of the
skin. Although more study needs to be done, gamma linoleic acid may also have beneficial
anti-inflammatory properties.
B Vitamins
There are eight B vitamins: folic acid, thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic
acid (B5), pyridoxine (B6), cobalamin (B12) and biotin. The B complex group provides
cumulative conditioning effects after extended and regular use. Niacin's topical form shows
promise as an over-the-counter ingredient useful in anti-aging products.
One derivative of niacin, nicotinamide, has been shown to improve the ability of the epidermis
to retain moisture. Topical nicotinamide was found to produce softer, smoother skin with less
dryness and flakiness, as well as a reduction of fine lines. These benefits can be useful for
patients with dermatitis, or dry and irritated skin. It is also useful as a treatment for aging skin,
which frequently becomes dry and flaky. Niacinamide, another derivative of niacin, has been
shown to be an effective skin-lightening agent. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which
makes it a potential treatment for acne and rosacea. B vitamins are beneficial in aiding
metabolism of raw nutrients into new connective tissue and cell membranes.
Butcher's Broom
Butcher's broom is a plant native to the Mediterranean region. Its spines were once popular in
the making of brooms, which is where it gets its unique name. Extracts from the roots of this
plant seem to have the ability to strengthen and tone blood vessels, which is why it is a popular
treatment for varicose veins and hemorrhoids in Europe.
Caffeine—See methylxanthines.
Carnitine (L-Carnitine)
Carnitine is a substance found naturally in the body that is used to transport fatty acids to your
cells, where they are metabolized. It therefore serves the dual purpose of fat burning and cell
strengthening.
Cat's-Claw
Cat's-claw is a large vine native to South and Central America. It gets its name from hooked
thorns resembling claws that grow along the vine. It has been used as an anti-inflammatory by
indigenous peoples for thousands of years and has recently been used successfully to stimulate
the immune systems of cancer patients. Cat's-Claw is also an antioxidant and has been found to
increase blood flow throughout the body by dilating blood vessels.
Cayenne
The active ingredient in cayenne is a pungent substance known as capsaicin. Capsaicin appears
to alter the action of the bodily compound (called substance P) that transfers pain messages to
the brain, reducing pain and inflammation by short-circuiting the pain message. Topically, it
stimulates the treated area and is used to increase cell function and blood flow.
Cedarwood
This botanical is considered an antiseptic with tonic and antifungal properties. It is used to
reduce oil and blemishes, as a natural astringent, as a treatment for eczema, psoriasis,
inflammation, dandruff, hair loss, dry or oily hair and to soften skin. As a lymphatic tonic, it is
touted to aid in the removal of body fat and to stimulate the circulatory system.
Cintella Asiatica
Also called gotu kola and Tiger's Herb, this is an excellent vasodilator and blood vessel
strengthener. It increases blood flow, thereby allowing for better absorption of nutrients. It is
also often used as a diuretic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, and facilitates the actions of the
antioxidants Citamins C and E in areas where there is damage. In fact, this plant got the
nickname tiger's herb because injured tigers often rub against it to heal their wounds.
Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10, also called ubiquinone, is a powerful antioxidant. It has been shown to increase
resistance to disease and to strengthen the heart. Its primary function is to create a substance
known as ATP in the body's cells. ATP is vital for energy. It also has great antioxidant abilities,
which work especially well in the heart and blood vessels. This dynamic substance is also
showing great promise in studies of the prevention of heart disease, cancer and AIDS. It is also
capable of boosting the antioxidant effect of vitamins C and E.
Copper Peptides
A peptide is an amino acid, which is a building block for collagen and elastin. Copper is a trace
mineral that helps the body convert amino acids into this connective tissue. In theory, copper
peptides should be an excellent source of collagen and elastin production, but sufficient study
has yet to be done on this substance.
Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE)
Topical formulas containing DMAE have been touted for their ability to improve skin firmness
and lift sagging skin.
Esculin (Horse Chestnut)
Also called Escin or Aescin, this nutrient is derived from the seeds of the Horse Chestnut Tree.
Esculin is an excellent anti-inflammatory. More important, it has the ability to improve blood flow
by filling in microscopic holes in the blood vessels. By reinforcing these veins, esculin also
prevents future damage of the circulatory system.
Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)
Essential fatty acids are so vital that they have been referred to as vitamin F. They have
amazing hydrating abilities in topical creams, and when taken internally they help to build up
the cell membranes and attract water to cells. Cold-water fish and ground flaxseeds are
excellent food sources of EFAs.
Everlasting
This plant is a natural anti-inflammatory that is often used in aromatherapy oils and topical
treatments for all kinds of skin disorders, including cellulite and stretch marks.
Fennel
Fennel is used as both a diuretic and an anti-inflammatory in some cellulite formulations. There has
been too little study on it to determine how effective it is.
Ginger
Occasionally you find ginger used in a "cellulite soap" or a stretch mark scrub. While it does
have antiseptic properties, its real help regarding cellulite is its anti-inflammatory benefits.
Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo increases the blood flow throughout the body, expanding the reach of any nutrients in
the food you eat. It is also a potent antioxidant.
Goji Berries
Goji berries are virtually every method of fighting cellulite rolled into one delicious nugget. They
are an excellent source of essential fatty acids, antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, and they
contain eighteen amino acids and twenty-one trace minerals.
Grapefruit
Grapefruit Oil and extract have been used for muscle fatigue, stiffness, acne, fluid retention,
and skin tightening, and as an antiseptic and astringent. They have also been touted for aiding
hair growth and reducing cellulite. Grapefruit increases circulation, stimulates the lymphatic
system, and may help to regulate body weight with regular use. It is also a good source of the
antioxidant Vitamin C.
Grape Seed
Grape-seed extract has the ability to inhibit the enzymes collagenase and elastase, which break
down collagen and elastin. Preventing this damage from happening in the first place is much
more effective than repairing it afterward. Grape-seed extract also contains a large amount of
polyphenols, an antioxidant family that is particularly active in the skin.
Green Clay
Green clay is occasionally touted as a cellulite solution. Green clay contains many of the trace
minerals that your body needs to metabolize nutrients into new tissue. In theory, these minerals
should be effective when applied topically as well as when taken internally, but more study
needs to be done on this before we can be sure.
Guarana
The guarana plant is native to the Amazon. It is helpful in cellulite treatments because of its
ability to increase blood flow by dilating blood vessels. Studies are also finding that guarana has
some antioxidant activity within the body.
Ivy Extract
Ivy is a climbing plant with evergreen leaves that is widely used in bath and body products for
its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Juniper Berries
Juniper berries come from the plant commonly known as mistletoe. Juniper berries and extracts
are high in vitamin C. They have been used to treat pain and inflammation from arthritis and
varicose veins, and to increase circulation.
Lecithin
Lecithin is derived from egg yolks, soybeans, and corn, among other sources. When taken
internally on a regular basis, it aids your body in repairing and strengthening its cell
membranes. Topically, it has a softening and soothing effect on skin and is considered a natural
antioxidant and emollient. Emollients make the skin feel softer and smoother, and reduce
roughness, cracking and irritation.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass is an ingredient in preparations to treat acne, cellulite and other skin-related
conditions. It has astringent, calmative, antiseptic, anti-infectious, and antifungal properties. It
is good for the hair, face and body. It can improve muscle tone and reduces excessive sweating
and enlarged pores. Lemongrass stimulates hydration and lymphatic detoxification, strengthens
connective tissue, and may tighten elastin.
Marine Extracts
Kelp derived from a marine plant, is used for its anti-inflammatory properties on the skin. It is
rich in minerals and has been used to supply the thyroid gland with iodine in some instances.
Kelp can also be used to hydrate the epidermis.
Nutrients in algae, such as iodine, can supposedly nourish the skin and protect elastin fibers.
Dried sea salts soften water and can be used for exfoliation. People travel from far and wide to
bathe in hot springs, mineral baths, and the Dead Sea in Israel because of their unique mineral
compositions. Natural mineral hot springs are also quite popular for their curative and relaxing
benefits in Japan.
Methylxanthines
This is basically a family of diuretics that are often used to treat cellulite. When applied topically,
these substances dehydrate the treated area. After repeated use, the area becomes smaller
because of the loss of water. This decrease is only temporary-when use is discontinued, any
water we ingest is reabsorbed into the area. While methylxanthines have no permanant effect
on cellulite, they can temporarily minimize its appearance.
Methylxanthines include aminophylline, a synthetic diuretic; caffeine, present in kola nuts,
coffee beans, tea, guarana and more than sixty plant species; theophylline, derived from tea
leaves; and theobromine, derived from the seeds of the coca plant, present in chocolate.
Mint Extract
Mint extract is occasionally used in cosmetic products for its aromatic and anti-inflammatory
capabilities.
Oat Beta Glucan
Oat beta glucan is an ingredient used in topical creams. It firms the skin on contact,
immediately improving the appearance of sagging or uneven skin.
Pine
Pine oil is derived from steam distillation of wood from pine trees. It has been used for its
disinfectant, anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties. It also stimulates circulation.
Pomegranate
Pomegranate is my favorite source of antioxidants. When applied topically to the skin,
pomegranate extract has an effect on preventing skin cancer in laboratory mice. Pomegranate
is likely the world's most prolific source of polyphenols. This is a very potent family of
antioxidants that work primarily in the skin. They are found in grape seeds and green tea, but
most abundantly in pomegranates. It is also very beneficial in increasing the protective abilities
of sunscreens.
Retinoids (Retin-A, Retinol, Retinyl Palmitate)
Topical use of retinoids over an extended period of time has the temporary effect of thickening
and strengthening the dermis, making it more difficult for cellulite to push its way through.
There is some evidence that retinoids also increase blood flow to the treated area.
Sweet Clover
Sweet clover stimulates blood flow and decreases inflammation in the vascular system. The
clover plant produces abundant blossoms that are used in herbal oils and extracts.
Tea (Red, White, Black, Green)
Tea comes from leaves and leaf buds of plants cultivated principally in China, Japan, Ceylon and
other Asian countries. Tea is a mild stimulant, and its tonic properties are due to the caffeine
content. Topically, it is used to reduce puffiness in areas affected by cellulite. Green tea also
contains polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that function primarily in the skin. It is thought that
these antioxidants may be able to inhibit cancer in some cases. For example, the topical
administration of green tea has been shown to result in a reduction of tumors that occurred
following UVB radiation.
Trace Minerals
Zinc, manganese, copper, selenium, magnesium, boron, chromium, molybdenum, silica and
vanadium are called trace minerals because our bodies need only a very small amount of them
in order to function properly. All of the trace minerals are necessary for metabolism of
nutrients. Without these, we would not be able to break down and utilize antioxidants and
anti-inflammatories. Neither would we be able to convert lecithin and EFAs into our cell
membranes, glucosamine into connective tissue, or amino acids into collagen and elastin. Trace
minerals are a vital part of any cellulite treatment as well as overall health. Zinc soothes skin
and also aids in the healing of wounds, burns and scars. In the skin, zinc promotes cell division,
cell repair and cell growth.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate)
Vitamin C fights a three-pronged battle against cellulite and skin damage. First, it plays an
important role in collagen synthesis, which has a firming effect on the skin. Vitamin C breaks
down collagenase and elastinase, two naturally occurring substances in the body that attack
collagen and elastin. Vitamin C is also a natural anti-inflammatory that helps in reversing some
of the effects of sun damage. Finally, Vitamin C is a powerhouse antioxidant that has proved
especially effective in battling free-radical damage within the skin.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E, both when applied topically and when taken internally, is a very potent fat-soluble
antioxidant. This means that it can easily work its way into the fat-rich cell membranes in our
bodies, protecting the cell walls from free-radical damage. Vitamin E is also an excellent
hydrating and sealing agent when used in topical creams.
Anti-Dimple Treatments
Many popular treatments are purported to reduce cellulite and stretch marks. These range in
invasiveness from gentle body wraps and massages to expensive surgical procedures.
What has not been measured is the impact that some of these therapies may have on your
overall well-being and psyche, which is also of vital importance. For example, although
lymphatic drainage may not be the definitive panacea for cottage cheese thighs, it may very
well make you feel relaxed, invigorated, sleek and sexy. This topic was discussed in detail in
Chapter 7. I am a big believer in doing anything that feels good, gives you pleasure and does
you no harm. Being dimple-free and miserable is not a good trade-off. I want you to be smooth
and happy with yourself too.
Body Spa Treatments
These are basically facials for your body. They can be wonderfully beneficial on many levels.
For example, the Murad Spa in California (as well as many other spas around the world) offers
our Firm and Tone Body Treatment. It begins with exfoliation of the problem area to help
prepare it for a deep high-concentration infusion of firming, free-radical-fighting vitamin C. The
procedure ends with a massage to relax your body while stimulating blood flow and metabolism.
I am a firm believer that professional spa treatments are the ideal way to maximize any skin
care regimen, whether your goal is to clear up acne, wrinkles, sun damage, or cellulite and
stretch marks.
Body Wraps
Body wraps basically work by inducing sweating. They have a temporary diuretic effect in that
they cause water loss in the body. Unfortunately, fat cells and connective tissue are not affected
by sweating. Wraps work on other levels too, however. The body is usually swathed for up to an
hour in herb-and seaweed-soaked cloths to increase circulation and firm the body's contours.
You can expect to be wrapped from chest to toe (arms are optional) while lying on a thermal
blanket to keep you warm. A technician then unwraps you and, as a final step, massages your
body to further enhance circulation, sending oxygen to blocked tissues. Body wraps are not
recommended for anyone who is dehydrated, so be wary if you drink excessive amounts of
alcohol or caffeine. Because body wraps increase internal temperature, they are also not
recommended for anyone with high blood pressure, or for pregnant women.
Seaweed, clay, and herbal wraps are exfoliating and they can improve the skin's appearance
and texture. Depending on the herbs used, herbal wraps can be stimulating or soothing. The
other action of body wraps is the diuretic effect of inducing sweating and temporarily reducing
wasted water. However, as soon as you drink a glass or two of fluid or eat a regular meal, the
fluid returns.
Body wraps can provide some localized edema loss, good exfoliation, some pampering
relaxation, and the possible introduction of minerals. In theory, trace minerals should be
effective when applied topically, but we need more evidence to be certain.
Deep-Tissue Massage
Deep-tissue massage consists of slow strokes to create microtears in the superficial fascia. This
makes tissue longer and smoother. The deep massage also loosens the connective tissue so
that it moves more freely and no longer adheres to underlying structures. Deep massage
followed by lymphatic drainage and appropriate stretching can also make the superficial fascia
more flexible. The concurrent stimulation of the blood vessels can increase blood flow in the
area, thereby increasing nutrition to the tissues.
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