EGCG / matcha / sencha / green tea

Cellular senescence, skin ageing, cellulite and lipedema

Cellular senescence, skin ageing, cellulite and lipedema

Cellular senescence, literally meaning “cell aging”, is the process by which cells stop dividing and enter a senile stage characterised by dysfunction and the spreading of inflammation. Cellular senescence leads to the production of pro-inflammatory mediators that can spread inflammation to thousands of other cells in the vicinity of a group of senescent cells or even throughout the body. Cells normally enter cellular senescence after approximately 50 cell divisions (mitoses) and this normal process is known as "replicative senescence". When a cell enters senescence it is selected to be cleared by the immune system, in a process called senolysis…

How EGCG in green tea helps protect collagen IV in skin and blood vessels

How EGCG in green tea helps protect collagen IV in skin and blood vessels

This in-vitro study has shown that the main active molecule in green tea, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), inhibits the metalloproteinase MMP9 and its precursor proMMP9. MMPs are useful for various body processes, as they are collagen remodelling agents, but excessive MMP synthesis can lead to excessive connective tissue breakdown. Usually MMPs are over-activated by inflammation or free radical damage, i.e. when tissue injury occurs…

Lipolysis and cellulite

Lipolysis and cellulite

The most important aspect of cellulite is fat accumulation in the hypodermis (deepest skin layer). Everything else (water retention, skin laxity, fibrosis etc) is also important, but secondary. Consequently hypodermal fat reduction is the most important step in reducing cellulite. The process by which fat is broken down in fat cells for subsequent release into the bloodstream is called lipolysis…

EGCG from green tea: one of the most important anti-cellulite cream active ingredients

EGCG from green tea: one of the most important anti-cellulite cream active ingredients

Green tea is widely researched for it lipolytic, skin firming, microcirculation-boosting, ani-inflammatory, anti-glycation, antifibrotic and antioxidant action, i.e. it directly acts on all seven aspects of cellulite. The health benefits of green tea are due to its polyphenol content, especially EGCG. EGCG, or EpiGalloCatechin Gallate, is the most important active molecule in the green tea plant (camellia sinensis) and it is widely researched with literally thousands of studies.

This is the ultimate anti-cellulite meal

This is 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…

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

Cellulite creams: should emphasis be 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…

Why cocoa flavanols comprise one of the most important anti-cellulite cream actives

Why cocoa flavanols comprise one of the most important anti-cellulite cream actives

Cocoa flavanols are widely researched for their microcirculation enhancing, collagen protecting, antioxidant, elastin synthesis stimulating and adipose tissue anti-inflammatory action. Cocoa flavanols act directly on four aspects of cellulite. Due to these qualities, cocoa flavanols (purified cocoa extract) is one of the most important skincare actives today for anti-aging, stretch marks, post-liposuction aftercare and anti-cellulite creams…

The ‘flavo diet’: flavonoids, skin anti-ageing and cellulite

The ‘flavo diet’: flavonoids, skin anti-ageing and cellulite

Most women, and an increasing number of men, use anti-ageing skin products to stay young and fight the signs of ageing. In addition, an increasing number of consumers also use nutri-cosmetics, i.e. nutritional supplements that are specifically geared to protecting skin from within. In this article we examine a class of natural compounds that can boost skin health and beauty from both within and outside.

The perfect cellulite reduction plan (when money or time is not an issue)

The perfect cellulite reduction plan (when money or time is not an issue)

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.

Green tea vs turmeric vs high flavanol cocoa for cellulite reduction and prevention

Green tea vs turmeric vs high flavanol cocoa for cellulite reduction and prevention

Most people looking into popular superfood ingredients, especially turmeric, matcha tea and cocoa, to help them detox their body, either from the festive excesses in the winter or to get ready for summer in the spring. Being big proponents of natural health and specifically polyphenol-rich herbs, we have looked into the benefits and nutrient content of each of these popular superfoods and has come to some interesting findings.

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

To beat cellulite, learn to love decaf (green tea, coffee and 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…

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…

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…