Archive for November 14th, 2007
Cellulite treatments
You can identify whether a person has cellulite by pinching an area of skin tissue. If the skin dimples or has a rippling appearance similar to orange peel, then they probably have it. Cellulite is also a lot more noticeable when the skin is cold.
The build-up of cellulite can be reduced by a healthy diet and exercise. Keeping the body well hydrated and avoiding an excess of alcohol and coffee are a strong recommendation as these are among the worst offenders for causing cellulite.
Smoking and diuretic pills, laxative and diet pills also enhance the likelihood of developing cellulite when taken on a regular basis. Salt should also be kept to a bare minimum due to the fact it causes water retention. Exercise is also the key for good condition and the fight against cellulite problems. A good exercise regime is probably half the battle when fighting cellulite.
Most topical applications obtainable on the market do not exclusively treat cellulite although they create a smoother texture by making the skin look plumper and smoother. This effect is only temporary however and it will require you to use constant applications of creams and potions to keep up the effects. This can prove costly and time consuming.
The dimpling effect of cellulite can be reduced by using creams which contain Aminophylline. This is a bronchodilator that causes a chemical reaction which enables the fat cells to be changed into fatty acids which are able to slide through the walls of the cells into the bloodstream. These creams should be used quickly and sparingly and also kept away from heat.
The skin’s quality can also be improved by retinols and Alpha Hydroxy Acids which are found in some lotions. The elimination of the surface layer of dead skin cells can be speeded up by using cellulite lotions containing lactic acid and glycolic acid. This method is increasingly being used to fight cellulite problems in many beauty salons, however they come at a price!
Creams to treat cellulite also contain Vitamin A derivatives or Retinoids which are applied at night time since daylight destroys Retinol. Although it is debated whether Retinol is efficient at removing cellulite, it is also used to improve the skin’s circulation and softness. Certain anti cellulite lotions contain caffeine and some now also contain herbs which improve the skin’s texture and tone.
Some beauty salons advise their customers to wear a particular line of pantyhose and panties made from an unusual mesh fabric. These products are also supposed to provide a flattering exercise to the skin and adipose tissue by complimenting the body’s movements. This exercise is supposed to stimulate microcirculation allowing the fluids in the tissue to be drained. However this can be open to some interpretation.
There are also massage and rollers available that use the same principle. Although these methods do not remedy the underlying cause of cellulite, they reduce the appearance of it for cosmetic relief. However you should always bear in mind that excessive massage on areas that are affected by cellulite can cause breakage in the tiny capillaries under the skin.
Eczema in Remission Steps to Take and Keep It That Way
If your eczema is in remission then good for you! Now it is time to take steps to ensure that it won’t be coming back anytime soon. But how do you do that? First, relax and take time out for yourself whenever you can. Stress plays a huge role in the incidence of eczema flare-ups so the more you can do to calm yourself and enjoy life the better! Enjoy quality time with family and friends, participate in activities you enjoy and pursue hobbies that make you happy. Laughter goes along with having a good time and laughing is akin to a mini-workout according to researchers. US cardiologist Dr. William Fry says that, “100 to 200 laughs are equivalent to ten minutes of jogging or rowing.” Not only that but laughter lowers an individual’s blood pressure as well as the level of stress hormones and it encourages the work of the immune system. Laughing is really good for you so do it as often as possible to keep stress at bay and therefore eczema flare-ups as well.
Don’t slack off with your moisturizing regime just because your eczema has gone into remission. Remember that it could turn on a dime so keep up your excellent hydration rules. Moisturizing often is such an essential part of living with eczema, regardless of who you are, your age or how often it does, or doesn’t flare up. Skin that is well hydrated on a daily basis is healthier skin than dry skin. It holds in natural oils very well and its healing capacities are greater. Use emollient oil in the bathtub when you are taking one of your quick power baths or showers (with lukewarm water, not hot or scalding!). Apply your moisturizing cream, lotion or ointment immediately after exiting the bath or shower, when your skin is still damp and more responsive to the replenishment of moisture. Always read the ingredients on labels for skin care products carefully and avoid any products that contain alcohol or any form of scent as these can serve to irritate and dry out your skin worse. Some of the best choices for all around moisturizers for eczema skin include Vaseline, Alpha Keri, Aquaphor, Curel, Eucerin, Moisturel, and Lubriderm.
Avoid common irritants that could cause your eczema to show itself again. Don’t wear scratchy material such as wool, and don’t wear clothes that are restrictive or don’t fit your body properly. Stay away from harsh soaps, cleansers, detergents and air sprays that might put your eczema problems back into circulation. Avoid chemicals and solvents (such as paint thinner and turpentine) and do your best to keep your home as free of pet hair, dust and mold as possible.
Keep in mind that extremes of temperature, whether they be high or low can aggravate eczema, even when it is lying dormant. Stay inside on these kind of days, or at least for a portion of the day and plan your outdoor physical activities when the weather is mild and more “middle of the road.” As well when you do exert yourself, either through work or through physical activity such as exercise, don’t allow yourself to become overheated or to sweat excessively. This could possibly signal your eczema to come out of hiding.