elastin / collagen

Cellulite vs stretch marks: differences and similarities

Cellulite vs stretch marks: differences and similarities

Cellulite and stretch marks: differences and similarities. As many women instinctively know, cellulite and stretch marks are intimately connected. There are similarities, described below, and there are differences, the main one being that cellulite also involves adipose tissue, which complicates things further…

Skin tightening, toning, firming and lifting: what is the difference and how to achieve tighter, more lifted skin

Skin tightening, toning, firming and lifting: what is the difference and how to achieve tighter, more lifted skin

A lot of people, being confused by all the marketing blurb and hype, ask us the following question: “What do you offer, skin tightening, skin toning or skin lifting?” Well, the answer to this question is that all these three things are the exact and same thing. When skin is tight it resists the forces of gravity and looks more toned/lifted. The same applies when skin is tightened with a non-surgical procedure or with surgery. Tightening the skin’s collagen fibres helps skin resist the downward force of gravity better, becoming more lifted and looking more toned….

Can collagen increase the size of the buttocks?

Can collagen increase the size of the buttocks?

This is a question asked by a website reader a few days ago, meaning collagen supplements, and the quick and simple answer is an unequivocal: no, collagen cannot make your bum, breast or other body area bigger. After several months of use (not days or weeks), hydrolysed collagen supplements: help firm up skin (especially hydrolysed collagen type I and III); partially help prevent cellulite; help protect your joints from wear and tear (especially…

How anti-cellulite leggings / stockings undermine skin firmness

How anti-cellulite leggings / stockings undermine skin firmness

How can compression leggings / stockings affect skin firmness / tightness? Constant movement and vibration throughout the day provide mechanical stimulation to cell mechanosensitive receptors, which in turn stimulate collagen and elastin synthesis by your collagen cells (fibroblasts) in your skin and even by your fat cells (adipocytes)…

The ultimate anti-cellulite drink (I): turmeric, cocoa and collagen protein shake

The ultimate anti-cellulite drink (I): turmeric, cocoa and collagen protein shake

Cocoa, protein and turmeric for firm, healthy cellulite-free legs. There are hundreds of ideas for drinks, juices and shakes that may be good for diet, weight loss and overall health, so one might wonder why these three ingredients? The idea behind this shake is its simplicity, taste and impact it can have in the health of your legs. Indeed, this shake is one of our 10 top tips for fast cellulite reduction…

How to prevent cellulite? Fall in love with veggies, salads, seaweed, herbs and spices.

How to prevent cellulite? Fall in love with veggies, salads, seaweed, herbs and spices.

This is one of the most common questions we are asked: “What are the best foods to fights cellulite?”. To which the instant answer is: “Above all else, have as many low calorie, high fibre, high polyphenol/carotenoid foods as you can”. But why is that? Low in calories: no need to discuss this more, it’s pretty obvious. High in fibre: because they fill you up without calories and prevent you from consuming too much fat/carbs; and because they help balance your gut microbiota (i.e. boost the good bacteria in your gut), which has an anti-inflammatory effect and can indirectly prevent water retention. High in polyphenol/carotenoids (what some people would identify as “antioxidants”): because most carotenoids and polyphenols have a multi-prong anti-cellulite effect…

Collagen, skin tightening and cellulite

Collagen, skin tightening and cellulite

Many of our clients ask us a lot of questions relating to skin firmness: collagen, elastin, skin tightness, skin elasticity, collagen powders, skin tightening treatments and creams, how to increase skin elasticity, and of course, cellulite. Here is a concise guide on collagen, elastin and how these proteins affect skin firmness, elasticity and cellulite. Skin is made primarily of rigid protein-based fibres such as collagen and fibronectin and elastic protein-based fibres, such as elastin and fibrillin. Collagen and fibronectin give firmness/tightness to skin and other tissues, while elastin and fibrillin provide elasticity.

Do men get cellulite? Why do women get cellulite?

Do men get cellulite? Why do women get cellulite?

It is a common question I am asked at the clinic: “Do men have cellulite?'“ or “Why do men not get cellulite?”. And my answer has always been that women develop cellulite because they have weaker connective tissue and larger fat cells, due to the effect of female hormones…

How to improve skin elasticity naturally

How to improve skin elasticity naturally

In a previous article we discussed what is the difference between skin firmness/tightness and skin elasticity and what gives skin those qualities. Here we offer the most important tips on how to boost elasticity and firmness.

Skin laxity vs cellulite: what is the difference?

Skin laxity vs cellulite: what is the difference?

One of the reasons that cellulite develops is the breakdown of connective tissue in the hypodermis, either due to the action of the female hormonal cycle or due to inactivity (or both). Weak connective tissue manifests as skin looseness…

Skin elasticity vs skin tightness (firmness): what are the differences?

Skin elasticity vs skin tightness (firmness): what are the differences?

Many people confuse tightness and elasticity and use these terms interchangeably to describe youthful, healthy skin. But are these two terms one and the same?

Radiofrequency, collagen stimulation and skin tightening

Radiofrequency, collagen stimulation and skin tightening

The main thing that radiofrequency does is to tighten skin. This happens via two mechanisms: RF stimulates existing collagen contraction; RF stimulates new collagen and elastin synthesis. In fact radiofrequency is the best way to achieve both collagen contraction and production. Any other technique is simply not effective enough, unsafe or both.

When it comes to skin tightening / toning / lifting, radiofrequency is the only game in town.

Does weight training help with cellulite and skin tightening?

Does weight training help with cellulite and skin tightening?

There are two ways in which exercise impacts skin firmness and smoothness. Exercise with some impact provides mechanical stimulation to skin. Examples of such exercise are running, walking and most sports that involve walking/running/jumping…

What to eat before and after a cavitation / RF treatment, for maximum results

What to eat before and after a cavitation / RF treatment, for maximum results

Did you know that you can maximise your cellulite treatment effectiveness, by eating healthily before and after your treatment? Indeed you can. Let’s see how that works and what foods are best/worst for this purpose….

Protein, collagen and elastin vs skin looseness and cellulite

Protein, collagen and elastin vs skin looseness and cellulite

Most women today don't realise how important protein is for their physical appearance and overall health, and unwittingly or purposely follow a low protein diet, with disastrous consequences for your skin, muscles, bones and overall health…

Hydroxyproline: an important cellulite / skin firming cream active

Hydroxyproline: an important cellulite / skin firming cream active

Collagen is a protein that contains higher amounts of proline, glycine and hydroxyproline than other body proteins. Hydroxyproline, specifically, is only found in collagen in the body - nowhere else and it is THE most important aminoacid in that protein. Studies have shown that a hydroxyproline peptide stimulates collagen I and III synthesis, as well as elastin synthesis. In addition it inhibits collagen breakdown…