gotu kola / centella asiatica

Gotu kola / centella asiatica: how it works for cellulite and other skin conditions

Gotu kola / centella asiatica: how it works for cellulite and other skin conditions

Centella asiatica (gotu kola) is one of the most important herbs for skincare and skin diseases, due to its multifunctional action. This review summarises the main modes of action of gotu kola on multiple aesthetic and medical skin conditions: acne, acne scars, burns, atopic dermatitis, vitiligo, fibrosis, hair loss and cellulite…

Fibrosis, cellulite and fibrous cellulite: what is the connection?

Fibrosis, cellulite and fibrous cellulite: what is the connection?

Fibrosis is one of the most important aspects of cellulite, together with fat accumulation, water retention, inflammation and skin laxity. Fibrosis in cellulite refers to excess accumulation and contraction of collagen in the skin ligaments (retinaculae, also known as septae) that connect skin with the fascia underneath. Fibrosis occurs at the deepest skin layer called the hypodermis…

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.

The connection between cellulite and hemorrhoids - and the flavonoids that can help both

The connection between cellulite and hemorrhoids - and the flavonoids that can help both

Polyphenols such as flavonoids are widely researched for this blood vessel supporting and microcirculation boosting action. This can help in all conditions affected by poor circulation, anything from water retention to cellulite reduction to haemorrhoid improvement: the key issue is exactly the same: blood and lymphatic vessel integrity and function…

What exactly is an anti-cellulite cream?

What exactly is an anti-cellulite cream?

So this is what makes a cellulite cream: a fast absorbable cream formulation with - ideally a high concentration of) anti-cellulite active ingredients in it. It’s as simple as that. Without anti-cellulite active ingredients - or with very little in the way of active ingredients - we are talking about a simple body moisturiser. I am sorry to break it to you, but 99% of the so-called cellulite creams on the market are exactly that, basically a body moisturiser…

The best anti-cellulite foods | The ultimate anti-cellulite meal

The best anti-cellulite foods | The ultimate anti-cellulite meal

The perfect anti-cellulite food combo would be one that provides plenty of anti-cellulite nutrients (omega-3 fatty acids, protein, polyphenols, carotenoids, fibre, minerals and vitamins) and reduced calories - and cooked at relatively low temperatures. An ideal meal could be wild salmon, seaweed, herbal sauce, black rice and green tea - with bilberries as dessert. Full analysis follows below…

To beat cellulite, learn to love decaf (tea, coffee or green tea)

To beat cellulite, learn to love decaf (tea, coffee or green tea)

Drinks, such as coffee, tea and green tea provide skin, blood vessels, adipose tissue the entire body with precious cellulite-fighting polyphenols. Among other polyphenols: green tea contains catechins, such as EGCG (EpiGalloCatechin Gallate); black tea contains theflavins; and coffee contains chlorogenic acid…

Why gotu kola (centella asiatica) is the ultimate cellulite cream active

Why gotu kola (centella asiatica) is the ultimate cellulite cream active

After 20 years in anti-cellulite cream formulating, if I had to choose one anti-cellulite active ingredient that would be high-purity centella asiatica extract, i.e. one that contains 95%+ Asiatic Acid, Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside and, if possible, Madecassoside. These four triterpenes are the active molecules that give gotu kola / centella asiatica its anti-cellulite (and anti-ageing) properties and are extensively researched for multi-functional action against all seven aspects of cellulite: skin laxity, water retention, fat accumulation, glycation, oxidative damage, inflammation and fibrosis…

Cellulite creams: should emphasis be placed on water retention, fat reduction, skin firming of fibrosis?

Cellulite creams: should emphasis be placed on water retention, fat reduction, skin firming of fibrosis?

The four main visual aspects of cellulite are hypodermal fat accumulation, water retention/puffiness, skin looseness and fibrosis. Hypodermal fat accumulation combined with fibrosis is what makes fat globules protrude from the skin surface. Fat pushes up and fibrotic collagen fibres push down, resulting in the mattress effect. Water retention makes cellulite more visible by increasing volume in the hypodermis and dermis. Likewise, loose skin makes it easier for the fat globules to push up…

Compression stockings versus polyphenols for cellulite and water retention

Compression stockings versus polyphenols for cellulite and water retention

Graduated compression stockings can offer some relief from water retention, however there are quite uncomfortable, especially in the summer, when they are most needed. For cellulite, things are even more complicated, as compression leggings helps in some ways and are detrimental in some others. Clearly there must be a better way…

The ideal cellulite reduction plan, without any cut corners or compromises, for maximum results

The ideal cellulite reduction plan, without any cut corners or compromises, for maximum results

Here is the IDEAL cellulite removal plan, without any cut corners or compromises, i.e. where the usual time and money constraints are not issue. Most people only have two weeks left before their holidays to do something about cellulite, a limited budget (fair enough), limited time to receive treatments or to apply creams and no intention, energy or time to follow an exercise / healthy nutrition regime. But for those who have the time, money and energy, this is the best possible plan, without gimmicks or compromises.