research

The 500 Dalton rule for skincare product absorption

The 500 Dalton rule for skincare product absorption

Do skincare and cellulite creams get absorbed? We analysed the subject of natural skincare active ingredient absorption in detail earlier. This article is specifically of one aspect of cosmetic active absorption: the 500 Dalton rule.

Microplastic and endocrine disruptors in chewing gums and cellulite

Microplastic and endocrine disruptors in chewing gums and cellulite

Surprisingly, the types of plastics found - such as polyolefins, polyethylene terephthalates, polyacrylamides, and polystyrenes - were the same in both natural and synthetic gums, with polyolefins being the most common. Most microplastics were released within the first two minutes of chewing, not due to saliva enzymes but from the abrasive action of chewing itself. After eight minutes, 94% of the detectable microplastics had detached. The study suggests chewing a single piece for longer rather than switching to a new one could reduce exposure. Cellulite, influenced by estrogenic endocrine disruptors, may worsen with microplastics from chewing gum, as these particles can mimic hormones like oestrogen…

What is pre-cellulite and how does it differ from cellulite proper?

What is pre-cellulite and how does it differ from cellulite proper?

Pre-cellulite: cellulite waiting to happen. Or, how artificial living, combined with estrogen, transforms the absolutely normal pre-cellulite structure into the unhealthy cellulite structure. This is the second of our three articles regarding the nature of cellulite. The first article in the series is “What is cellulite” and the third article is “Is cellulite normal?”. On this article we are presenting cellulite anatomy in detail and also the subject of pre-cellulite.

Western diet and lifestyle, civilisation diseases and cellulite

Western diet and lifestyle, civilisation diseases and cellulite

A 2019 paper published in the journal ‘Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy’, examined the profound impact of Western diets and lifestyles on the global epidemic of obesity, and chronic non-infectious degenerative conditions, collectively termed "civilisation diseases" - to which we might include the aesthetic condition of cellulite, as the exact same causes of civilisation diseases also result in cellulite development. These conditions/diseases include type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), cardiovascular diseases (CVD), cancer, autoimmune disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, and others. The paper argues that these conditions (to which we include cellulite), are rare or absent…

How can infrared and red light therapy fight inflammation

How can infrared and red light therapy fight inflammation

Red/infrared light therapy works by shining light on the body, where it’s absorbed by specific molecules called chromophores. One key chromophore is cytochrome c oxidase, found in the mitochondria—the powerhouses of cells that produce energy. When red (about 630nm) or infrared light (about 830nm) hits this molecule, it boosts energy production by increasing ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the cell’s energy currency. It also causes a small burst of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are molecules that can signal changes in the cell. Other chromophores include calcium ion channels, which might respond to blue or green light, and water molecules, which absorb infrared light. All these interactions lead to a chain reaction: ATP rises, ROS briefly spikes, and nitric oxide increases, all helping cells function better and reducing inflammation…

Sucralose (and all artificial sweeteners) can lead to weight gain and make cellulite worse

Sucralose (and all artificial sweeteners) can lead to weight gain and make cellulite worse

In recent years, many people have turned to non-caloric sweeteners like sucralose to enjoy sweet tastes without adding calories to their diet. These sweeteners are popular for weight management, but there’s growing debate about whether they might actually affect hunger and health in unexpected ways. This study explores how sucralose impacts the brain’s appetite control compared to regular sugar (sucrose) and water. The research focuses on a part of the brain called the hypothalamus, which helps regulate hunger, and examines how it reacts differently in people with varying body weights - healthy weight, overweight, and obese - and how it can indirectly affect cellulite…

When you lose weight where does fat go?

When you lose weight where does fat go?

Given the importance of obesity these days, we would expect people who deal with it all day, i.e. doctors, dieticians and personal trainers to have a bit of a grasp of the science of adipose tissue. So when scientist Ruben Meerman asked these professionals the question "When somebody loses weight, where does the fat go?", the vast majority of them answered that: fat becomes energy (something that is only possible with nuclear fission, E=mc²); fat becomes faeces (a pathological state); fat becomes muscle (a biological impossibility) …with all answers being patently wrong, of course…

Does red and infrared LED light help with pain?

Does red and infrared LED light help with pain?

Yes, it can. Multiple quality studies (randomised and placebo controlled) have shown that pain (back pain musculoskeletal pain. or other pain) can be relieved immediately after red / infrared LED light therapy treatment - and can also be reduced in the long run with repeated treatment. Red/infrared light therapy (laser or LED) can also help with injury healing, in combination with other modalities, such as physiotherapy, or on its own, as research has shown. Specifically for pain reduction, higher light intensities…

Do men get cellulite?

Do men 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…

Centella asiatica / gotu kola: how it works for cellulite and other skin conditions

Centella asiatica / gotu kola: 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…

How does ultrasound cavitation reduce cellulite fat?

How does ultrasound cavitation reduce cellulite fat?

Ultrasound-induced cavitation is a phenomenon that occurs when high-intensity sound waves are used on certain tissues, such as human skin. When the intensity of the sound waves is strong enough, it can create small gas bubbles in the tissue. These bubbles can then quickly collapse, releasing energy in the form of heat and force. Research has shown that this process can reduce the amount of fat and shrink the size of fat cells in the skin.

BPA, micro- and nanoplastics, forever chemicals and cellulite

BPA, micro- and nanoplastics, forever chemicals and cellulite

Do you want smooth, cellulite-free legs? Detoxify your life from endocrine disrupting chemicals, xenoestrogens, phthalates and BPA, found in plastics…

Apigenin (from parsley, chamomile and celery) may help prevent cellulite

Apigenin (from parsley, chamomile and celery) may help prevent cellulite

A new study, published a few days ago (December 2023) looked at the potential antioxidant, anti-aging and anti-cellulite potential of a family of aromatic plants called Apiaceae or Umbelliferae. Common apiaceae plants include ajwain, angelica, anise, asafoetida, caraway, carrot, celery, chervil, coriander, cumin, dill, fennel, lovage, cow parsley, parsley, parsnip and sea holly…

Pterostilbene, resveratrol and hyperpigmentation

Pterostilbene, resveratrol and hyperpigmentation

Pterostilbene is a chemical found in plants that has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties make it potentially useful for preventing skin cancer and other skin conditions. However, until recently, there had not been any research examining the effects of pterostilbene on pigment production in the skin…

How unhealthy foods cause skin ageing via glycation

How unhealthy foods cause skin ageing via glycation

We know for a few decades now the detrimental role of glycation on body ageing, especially that of blood vessels and skin - and consequently cellulite. (Of course, you will never read that in any “beauty” article in high-end consumer magazines. For them anti-aging is all about using using SPF 50 even in your sleep, exfoliating day and night and having lots of botox and fillers. Oh well…)

Brown fat, white fat, thermogenesis and cellulite

Brown fat, white fat, thermogenesis and cellulite

Have you ever heard of white fat, beige fat or brown fat? I know it may sound weird, but indeed fat comes in three colours and each of them is different. White fat tissue is known to store fat, making you, well, fat. Could you lose that fat, as well as cellulite, by turning your white fat tissue a few shades darker, i.e turning it into "beige fat" or perhaps even “brown fat”?

Is cellulite hereditary?

Is cellulite hereditary?

Is cellulite hereditary? Two studies say yes. There are two studies (both with a control arm) that looked specifically to the influence of specific SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) in our genetic code that can significantly increase your chance of cellulite.

How does infrared / red light therapy work?

How does infrared / red light therapy work?

Energy in every single cell of the human body is produced in specialised cell compartments called mitochondria. Mitochondria is where oxygen is utilised to produce ATP, the energy currency of the cell. If mitochondria malfunction then the whole cell malfunctions and underperforms. On the skin, this can lead to aesthetic problems (dull, irritated, inflamed or unhealthy skin). In other organs and tissues this can lead to a poorer state of health, lower energy levels, slower recovery from injuries etc…

Does vaping or smoking cause cellulite?

Does vaping or smoking cause cellulite?

Many women notice that smoking has made their cellulite worse, sometimes in a matter of months. There is a lot of misinformation about everything to do with cellulite, so in this article we will examine how smoking (and vaping) affects cellulite and weight gain…

Collagenase injections "to get rid of cellulite": the delusion is over

Collagenase injections "to get rid of cellulite": the delusion is over

These medicalised beauty procedures have quite often led to an artificial or even deformed look on the face or the body; quite a lot of adverse reactions; and in the end little actual benefit. A good example of this trend for instant results via the unnecessary and irrational butchering of internal tissues, are collagenase injections to literally dissolve down the excess collagen found in cellulite. This is achieved with a collagen-dissolving enzyme found in an injectable called “collagenase clostridium histolyticum-aaes”…