It’s
summer and once again and you wish you had some magic trick
to get rid of unsightly dimples better known as cellulite.
Well, you are not alone. Statistics say nine out of ten
women have cellulite. Between the skin and muscle, fat is
held together by collagen fibers. With age, gravity pulls
down and creates a pressure that causes fibers to swell
with fat and fluid. This action manifests as cellulite,
which affects mostly women.
Hormones
affect our skin and perimenopausal (pre-menopause) symptoms
begin around age thirty. When this occurs managing weight
is more difficult as the lymphatic system, (which removes
waste materials), slows down. When the lymphatic system
is overloaded the drainage process becomes damaged. Too
much fluid can cause swelling in the connective tissue.
Toxins that should be eliminated by our lymphatic system
are accumulated when the system slows down.
It
is not uncommon for women to see a redistribution of fatty
cells that show up mainly in the abdomen, hips and buttocks.
While exercise and diet help to tone the skin, the skin
needs to be stimulated from the outside to break down fatty
deposits as well. The body releases excess fluids and toxins
through elimination therefore exercise and diet are very
important.
Tip
1: Bathe
In Rome and Greece you can find ancient ruins of beauty
baths. In spas across the world, healing therapies begin
with water. Using water to renew the body is as good today
as ever before. And it is easy. Just fill your tub with
warm to hot water, add in a cup of Epsom salts and bathe
until you work up a sweat. Then wash your body down with
a washcloth dipped in cool water from the faucet. This is
what holistic therapists call “contrast therapy”.
An additional benefit of bathing is the thermal effect,
which stimulates production of the anti-stress hormone.
A cold rinse after the warm bath stimulates blood flow and
the lymphatic system. ISS bath pick: Diva
Soak astringent minerals and herbs induce perspiration to
release toxins.
Tip
2: Exfoliate
Use a towel to exfoliate dead skin cells and invigorate
the skin. Take the opposite corners of a bath towel and
hold firmly in your hands. Use the middle section of the
towel to sweep back and forth on the skin. Work front and
back from the ankles up to the chest. You have removed dead
skin cells and helped to further enhance your circulation.
ISS exfoliation pick: NEW - Home
Spa Micro-Manage Dermabrasion Kit: Includes a brush, Microdermabrasion
exfoliation cream and a soothing skin gel.
Cellaction
Contour Gel’s key ingredients blend invigorating
botanicals to enhance circulation such as Guarana,
Rosemary and Butchers Broom Extract. Guarana, a small
shrub in Brazil, slowly releases a form of caffeine
that aids the body to produce its own heat to help
metabolic function. A patented ingredient Pronalen™
Anticellulite HSC* complex of plant origin treats
cellulite with iodinated plant glycoproteins. In a
vivo ultrasound study participants using a cream containing
Pronalen™ at 10%, showed reduction in appearance
of cellulite in three weeks. The product is free of
parabens, synthetic colors and fragrance and retains
only the natural color and scent of the herbs. The
cool gel is fast acting to awaken sluggish skin and
diminish the appearance of cellulite. Cellaction Contour
Gel works best when the skin is naturally warmed and
recommended to use prior to exercise or directly after
bathing and before retiring at night. It can be used
regularly to help improve on cellulite, water retention
and overall circulation.
Cellulite
Reducing Recipes
It’s
often said you are what you eat and this is absolutely true!
Your skin, the largest organ, is a reflection of how well
your inner organs are functioning. Skin flare-ups like rashes,
acne, and cellulite are indications of imbalances in the
body. Food offers vital nutrients that the body needs. Our
choices are to fuel our body with healthy foods or fill
it up with toxins. Many times the choice one makes is one
of convenience rather than one that promotes wellness.
When
inflammation occurs in our body it is a sign that the inner
plumbing system is clogged. The kidneys and liver are the
body’s filters. Many delicious fruits and vegetables
help to purify and cleanse these vital organs. Cucumbers
are great for the kidney area. Chlorophyll rich greens like
dandelion and arugula are wonderful for the liver. There
are many recipes that not only taste great, but help the
body to function more efficiently. Eating foods that nourish
the body will reduce inflammation and cellulite.
Since
the skin is made up mostly of water, and cells need to be
hydrated, it is always a good choice to load up on water
rich fruits and vegetables. Fresh fruit juices first thing
in the morning are refreshing and help to give the organs
energy and hydration. Eating salads loaded with greens and
nuts fuel the body with vitamins, minerals and proteins.
Soups that are comforting, filling and nutritious are great
meals themselves or starters to a meal. Here are some of
my favorite age rebelling concoctions that take 15 minutes
or less to prepare.
Citrus
Zing Juice
1 grapefruit
1 orange
1 slice of ginger
Grate the ginger (use a cheese grater) hand squeeze or use
a juice to fresh squeeze the orange and grapefruit. Add
ginger and juice to a cup. Stir and enjoy. Benefits: Citrus anti-oxidants to fight free radical
damage and ginger to enhance circulation
White
Cucumber and Grape Cold Soup
1 cucumber
2 bunches of white grapes (about 20 grapes)
½ white onion or scallion
6 tablespoons of rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon of plain yogurt
3 celery stalks from the hearts of the celery (the inside
pieces)
Flavor twists - add a handful of chives, dill or fennel
In a blender puree all the vegetables into a creamy consistency.
Add sea-salt and white pepper to taste. Makes 4 cups. Benefits: Kidney friendly, adds potassium to the body,
probiotics for friendly bacteria, anti-inflammatory
Pine
Nut and Arugula Salad
¼ cup of roasted pine nuts
2 cups of arugula
½ lemon
½ cup of shaved aged parmesan or goat cheese
Quick Prep: In to a salad bowl put arugula, cheese, and
roasted pine nuts. Squeeze lemon. Add a pinch of sea salt.
Drizzle olive oil on top. Toss together. Makes four small
plates. Benefits: Chlorophyll liver flushing ingredients, lubricates
the cells, anti-oxidant, protein abundant for muscle tone
Summer
Make-Up Tips
Home
Made Tinted Moisturizer:
Take loose powder, and sprinkle into the palm of your hand.
Sprits a dab of water or toner on top and add in a drop
of your favorite moisturizer. Mix together and blend into
your face. ISS Pick: Intelligent Skin
Sense’s mineral loose powder with SPF 17.
No
smudge mascara:
Intelligent Skin Sense has a wonderful lash tinting service
for $35.00. Try our lengthening and thickening mascara in
clear.
Avenue
of Awareness is Backand
presents
“Create
Your Life Breakthrough”
This
seminar combines the wisdom of Tarot with the power of life
coaching. It’s a unique and effective offering of
the spiritual and practical, to help people move forward
in new and meaningful ways.
Seminar:
Hosted by Intelligent Skin Sense (light fare and refreshments
served)
Location: 1275 Post Road, Fairfield, CT
Date: Monday, September 14
Time: 7 pm to 9 pm
Fee: $125.00 per person
* A three session series on Mondays 9-14, 9-21 and 9-28
from 7-9PM is available for $375 per person.
Please R.S.V.P. at 203-557-0868 or mk@intelligentskinsense.com
Space is limited to fifteen persons
For
more information on this event and others or contact us
at info@intelligentskinsense.com.