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http://women.timesonline.co.uk/artic...090874,00.html
This is a really long article, so please go to the site to get the full recommendations for treating cellulite!
The cellulite solution
Banishing orange-peel skin is the holy grail of skincare, but one of the world’s leading dermatologists now claims to have cracked it. Over the next two weeks, we exclusively unveil the revolutionary new method espoused by Dr Howard Murad
Forget those abhorrent treatments involving needles and lasers. Forget lipo and radio waves. Dr Howard Murad, a world authority on skincare, has finally come up with a cellulite solution that works — really.
Cellulite is one of the most stubborn and frustrating beauty issues. The lengths to which we will go to get rid of it know no bounds. Now, Murad has made it simple. When you understand skin the way Murad does, you understand cellulite. He claims that the best way to combat it is to feed the skin with nutrient-rich foods and supplements. “Cellulite is not a fat problem, it’s a skin-cell problem,” he says. “You can have liposuction and get rid of every bit of your regular fat, and still have cellulite. You can even exercise until the cows come home — it isn’t going to help.” What will help is eating foods packed with nutrients such as lecithin, essential fatty acids, amino acids and antioxidants. These foods reduce cellular inflammation, purge excess fluids and, crucially, increase circulation — which prevents fat cells from migrating to the skin’s surface and creating “orange peel”.
Murad should know. He is a trailblazer in skincare. A dermatologist, pharmacist and associate clinical professor of dermatology at UCLA, Murad has spent the past 20 years revolutionising skincare. In 1988, he created the first medi-spa in the USA, where aestheticians trained with dermatologists to approach the skin both scientifically and holistically. In 1989, he launched one of the first dermatology skincare ranges, introducing exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to tackle the signs of ageing.
As far back as 1992, Murad was advocating the use of antioxidants to fortify skin from within. If anyone can crack cellulite, it’s Murad.
Many cellulite treatments on the market are solely topical — you rub them on your skin. And while the right topical ingredients can do wonders for your ridges and dimples, the benefits are limited, as cellulite is deposited below the skin’s surface. The core philosophy of the following method is to create a complete environment for healthy tissue within your body. You can achieve this with a three-part plan:
1) Internal nutrients
2) Application of a topical cream to nourish the skin’s surface
3) Some minor lifestyle adjustments.
1 INTERNAL NUTRIENTS
Banishing cellulite, by prevention and cure, is not about eating less — it’s about eating enough of the right things. These healthy, skin-fortifying ingredients are easy to find. They are safe and effective, and don’t come with designer price tags.
There is no need to monitor your eating habits strictly or to make difficult sacrifices. Simply try to incorporate the following cellulite-busters into your normal diet as often as you can. Those who have modified their diet in this way say they have more energy, fall ill less frequently and have firmer skin. Because it is not always possible to eat enough of these foods, it is important also to take these nutrients in the form of daily supplements (see What Supplements to Take).
(LIST OF SUPPLEMENTS CUT FOR LENGTH. CHECK OUT THE SITE FOR THE LIST)
2 TOPICAL CREAMS
While the deeper layers of the skin need to be hydrated from within by drinking water and ingesting hydrating nutrients, the stratum corneum (the outer part of the epidermis, made up of dead skin) has the unique ability to absorb hydration applied directly to it.
Applying a moisturiser containing ingredients such as sodium PCA (pyrolidon carbonic acid) and hyaluronic acid can directly rehydrate the surface skin, helping to prevent cellulite.
You should apply a moisturising cream every day, especially to areas where there is cellulite or where cellulite is likely to occur. An ideal moisturiser contains hydrators, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. A moisturiser that is used to treat cellulite ideally also includes an agent to increase blood flow, such as cayenne or capsaicin. I have specially blended this mix in my Firm and Tone Serum, available from www.beautyexpert.co.uk, although you may well find other cellulite-busting creams that contain these ingredients.
3 LIFESTYLE ADJUSTMENTS
1 AVOID DAMAGE BY FREE RADICALS
Why? Free radicals are one of the biggest causes of internal damage. They start a chain reaction that can lead to the formation of cellulite.
How? Avoid UV radiation, pollution, cigarette smoke, stress, lack of sleep, poor diet and strenuous exercise (see Matt Roberts for a definition of strenuous exercise).
2 INCREASE YOUR ANTIOXIDANT INTAKE
Why? Antioxidants fight age and disease, defending the body against damage. All antioxidants have the ability to disarm free radicals.
How? Take vitamin C, via citrus fruit; vitamin E, via whole grains and nuts; vitamin A, via carrots and other orange and yellow fruit and vegetables; polyphenols, via green tea, grapes and pomegranates.
3 FIGHT INFLAMMATION
Why? Many of the substances your body releases in response to inflammation following an injury, infection or sunburn actually cause the free-radical damage and cell-wall deterioration they are attempting to guard against.
How? Use soothing anti-inflammatory ingredients both topically and internally to calm inflammation before it can do harm. Topical and internal anti-inflammatories include arnica, aloe vera, camomile and zinc.
4 EXFOLIATE
Why? It ensures that the skin’s surface is replete with young, hydrated, efficient cells. It also stimulates blood flow and increases your body’s ability to absorb any topical cellulite remedy you put on after bathing or showering.
How? Mechanical exfoliation every other day before bathing, using a rough sponge, a dry skin brush with natural bristles, or a cleanser that contains abrasive materials such as salt or ground apricot seed. Chemical exfoliation involving a topical application of agents such as alpha and beta hydroxy acids. These get between the skin cells, loosening the outermost
layer, enabling them to fall off more readily.
5 DRY SKIN BRUSHING
Why? It is a triple-action method of treating cellulite. First, it exfoliates (see above); second, it stimulates the blood vessels (a lack of blood flow is the first symptom of cellulite); finally, it stimulates the lymphatic system. If you brush before a shower, don’t use exfoliants while under the jet, as too much exfoliation can irritate the skin.
How? Once a day before bathing, using a natural-bristle brush with a long handle. Sweep the brush once or twice over the problem areas towards the heart. On the stomach, brush more softly, in a circular, clockwise direction.
6 SUN PROTECTION
Why? Direct sunlight is one of the leading causes of free-radical damage, which weakens skin cells and connective tissue.
How? To avoid this cellulite-causing damage, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect against burning UVB and ageing UVA rays.
The Cellulite Solution: A Doctor’s Program for Losing Lumps, Bumps, Dimples, and Stretch Marks by Howard Murad MD (Piatkus Books £7.99) is available at The Sunday Times Books First price of £7.59 (free p&p) on 0870 165 8585 and timesonline.co.uk/booksfirst.
WARNING Always consult a qualified medical professional before beginning any new health, diet, or exercise programme, especially if you are pregnant, breast-feeding or taking prescription medications. Please note that, where possible, all vitamin recommended daily allowances (RDAs) stated have been changed to UK RDAs
This is a really long article, so please go to the site to get the full recommendations for treating cellulite!
The cellulite solution
Banishing orange-peel skin is the holy grail of skincare, but one of the world’s leading dermatologists now claims to have cracked it. Over the next two weeks, we exclusively unveil the revolutionary new method espoused by Dr Howard Murad
Forget those abhorrent treatments involving needles and lasers. Forget lipo and radio waves. Dr Howard Murad, a world authority on skincare, has finally come up with a cellulite solution that works — really.
Cellulite is one of the most stubborn and frustrating beauty issues. The lengths to which we will go to get rid of it know no bounds. Now, Murad has made it simple. When you understand skin the way Murad does, you understand cellulite. He claims that the best way to combat it is to feed the skin with nutrient-rich foods and supplements. “Cellulite is not a fat problem, it’s a skin-cell problem,” he says. “You can have liposuction and get rid of every bit of your regular fat, and still have cellulite. You can even exercise until the cows come home — it isn’t going to help.” What will help is eating foods packed with nutrients such as lecithin, essential fatty acids, amino acids and antioxidants. These foods reduce cellular inflammation, purge excess fluids and, crucially, increase circulation — which prevents fat cells from migrating to the skin’s surface and creating “orange peel”.
Murad should know. He is a trailblazer in skincare. A dermatologist, pharmacist and associate clinical professor of dermatology at UCLA, Murad has spent the past 20 years revolutionising skincare. In 1988, he created the first medi-spa in the USA, where aestheticians trained with dermatologists to approach the skin both scientifically and holistically. In 1989, he launched one of the first dermatology skincare ranges, introducing exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to tackle the signs of ageing.
As far back as 1992, Murad was advocating the use of antioxidants to fortify skin from within. If anyone can crack cellulite, it’s Murad.
Many cellulite treatments on the market are solely topical — you rub them on your skin. And while the right topical ingredients can do wonders for your ridges and dimples, the benefits are limited, as cellulite is deposited below the skin’s surface. The core philosophy of the following method is to create a complete environment for healthy tissue within your body. You can achieve this with a three-part plan:
1) Internal nutrients
2) Application of a topical cream to nourish the skin’s surface
3) Some minor lifestyle adjustments.
1 INTERNAL NUTRIENTS
Banishing cellulite, by prevention and cure, is not about eating less — it’s about eating enough of the right things. These healthy, skin-fortifying ingredients are easy to find. They are safe and effective, and don’t come with designer price tags.
There is no need to monitor your eating habits strictly or to make difficult sacrifices. Simply try to incorporate the following cellulite-busters into your normal diet as often as you can. Those who have modified their diet in this way say they have more energy, fall ill less frequently and have firmer skin. Because it is not always possible to eat enough of these foods, it is important also to take these nutrients in the form of daily supplements (see What Supplements to Take).
(LIST OF SUPPLEMENTS CUT FOR LENGTH. CHECK OUT THE SITE FOR THE LIST)
2 TOPICAL CREAMS
While the deeper layers of the skin need to be hydrated from within by drinking water and ingesting hydrating nutrients, the stratum corneum (the outer part of the epidermis, made up of dead skin) has the unique ability to absorb hydration applied directly to it.
Applying a moisturiser containing ingredients such as sodium PCA (pyrolidon carbonic acid) and hyaluronic acid can directly rehydrate the surface skin, helping to prevent cellulite.
You should apply a moisturising cream every day, especially to areas where there is cellulite or where cellulite is likely to occur. An ideal moisturiser contains hydrators, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. A moisturiser that is used to treat cellulite ideally also includes an agent to increase blood flow, such as cayenne or capsaicin. I have specially blended this mix in my Firm and Tone Serum, available from www.beautyexpert.co.uk, although you may well find other cellulite-busting creams that contain these ingredients.
3 LIFESTYLE ADJUSTMENTS
1 AVOID DAMAGE BY FREE RADICALS
Why? Free radicals are one of the biggest causes of internal damage. They start a chain reaction that can lead to the formation of cellulite.
How? Avoid UV radiation, pollution, cigarette smoke, stress, lack of sleep, poor diet and strenuous exercise (see Matt Roberts for a definition of strenuous exercise).
2 INCREASE YOUR ANTIOXIDANT INTAKE
Why? Antioxidants fight age and disease, defending the body against damage. All antioxidants have the ability to disarm free radicals.
How? Take vitamin C, via citrus fruit; vitamin E, via whole grains and nuts; vitamin A, via carrots and other orange and yellow fruit and vegetables; polyphenols, via green tea, grapes and pomegranates.
3 FIGHT INFLAMMATION
Why? Many of the substances your body releases in response to inflammation following an injury, infection or sunburn actually cause the free-radical damage and cell-wall deterioration they are attempting to guard against.
How? Use soothing anti-inflammatory ingredients both topically and internally to calm inflammation before it can do harm. Topical and internal anti-inflammatories include arnica, aloe vera, camomile and zinc.
4 EXFOLIATE
Why? It ensures that the skin’s surface is replete with young, hydrated, efficient cells. It also stimulates blood flow and increases your body’s ability to absorb any topical cellulite remedy you put on after bathing or showering.
How? Mechanical exfoliation every other day before bathing, using a rough sponge, a dry skin brush with natural bristles, or a cleanser that contains abrasive materials such as salt or ground apricot seed. Chemical exfoliation involving a topical application of agents such as alpha and beta hydroxy acids. These get between the skin cells, loosening the outermost
layer, enabling them to fall off more readily.
5 DRY SKIN BRUSHING
Why? It is a triple-action method of treating cellulite. First, it exfoliates (see above); second, it stimulates the blood vessels (a lack of blood flow is the first symptom of cellulite); finally, it stimulates the lymphatic system. If you brush before a shower, don’t use exfoliants while under the jet, as too much exfoliation can irritate the skin.
How? Once a day before bathing, using a natural-bristle brush with a long handle. Sweep the brush once or twice over the problem areas towards the heart. On the stomach, brush more softly, in a circular, clockwise direction.
6 SUN PROTECTION
Why? Direct sunlight is one of the leading causes of free-radical damage, which weakens skin cells and connective tissue.
How? To avoid this cellulite-causing damage, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect against burning UVB and ageing UVA rays.
The Cellulite Solution: A Doctor’s Program for Losing Lumps, Bumps, Dimples, and Stretch Marks by Howard Murad MD (Piatkus Books £7.99) is available at The Sunday Times Books First price of £7.59 (free p&p) on 0870 165 8585 and timesonline.co.uk/booksfirst.
WARNING Always consult a qualified medical professional before beginning any new health, diet, or exercise programme, especially if you are pregnant, breast-feeding or taking prescription medications. Please note that, where possible, all vitamin recommended daily allowances (RDAs) stated have been changed to UK RDAs
