Skin Care News

Cellulite – Understanding Cellulite and its Causes

Posted on September 11, 2009 with No Comments

Our mission is generally to provide reviews, news, product overviews and some helpful tips and advice. But, every once in a while, we decide to dig-in to some boarder-line medical and physiological causes of skin -related problems. This is often motivated by a comment someone makes that we find goes in the wrong direction – such is the case with cellulite.

A common misconception of what causes cellulite and how do you get rid of cellulite centers around weight gain and weight loss respectively.

Most folks believe the cause of cellulite – the bumps, lumps and uneven appearance – is the result of being overweight. While excessive with or obesity is a contributing factor, it is a secondary factor nonetheless.

The primary causes have to do the poor tissue health.

In a nutshell, the continued loss of moisture in the skin combined with the breakdown of collagen fibers under the epidermis allow fat and fluid build-up to “float to the surface” of the tissue, thus giving the “cottage cheese” or lumpy appearance.

Though gaining weight certainly provides ammunition for increased appearance of cellulite – particularly on the legs – hormone changes during pregnancy, menopause, aging, or medication, lack of a poor overall diet, and poor exercise habits – often have more to do with cellulite symptoms that simply gaining a few pounds.

Taking a closer look at cellulite

Connective tissue under the skin consists primarily of elastic fibers referred to as collagen and elastin. These fibers give our skin an underlying flexibility and elasticity – and essentially “hold us together”. The connective tissue is supported by fine capillaries that bring blood and nutrition and fluid circulation that add nutrients and hydration.

An unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, poor daily hydration, or changing hormones can deplete adequate nutrition or circulation that can lead to lack of blood flow and nutrition deliver.

Lack of nutrition and blood supply leads to a breakdown of collagen that lessens the strength and resilient nature of the connective tissue. Over time, fat deposits move up through this connective tissue – “parking” just under the skin’s top layers – giving the characteristic and signature cellulite look of lumpy, uneven appearance.

So, what can be done to get rid of cellulite? Well, there are really only three options. One, you can embark on along-term plan of healthy eating and exercise and hope for the best. You can drop a bunch of money on surgical procedures and “tucking” to lipodissolve or liposuction out the residual fatty deposits (that still require on going exercise and healthy diet), or you can opt for topical skin care products such as cellulite creams.

These creams often have firming agents that replenish connective tissue and improve its health. Long-term use combined with a more healthy diet can help you avoid and get rid of cellulite deposits.

StriVectin-SD – Product Review

Posted on August 19, 2009 with No Comments

Botox injections are all the rage nowadays when it comes to temporarily removing wrinkles and leaving your face a lot less wrinkly and more “youthful-looking” than before, all the jokes about how downright creepy a deadened, frozen face looks aside. However, aside from this Botox injection trend, there’s also another way of achieving a more youthful, less wrinkly you—and it’s a lot less of an unnatural process to boot. We’re talking about the top-recommended Strivectin-SD, of course.

Now, the concept of the stretch mark cream is hardly as innovative or new as Botox, but there’s a good reason why Strivectin-SD is so popular anyway. In fact, it’s not that much of a “stretch” to say that this product is among the best-selling and most famous topical stretch marks products next to skin resurfacing. Hundreds of vendors have published lists that have the Strivectin-SD as a consistent, high-level performer.

Then again, lists are one thing, and trying out the cream for yourself is another thing entirely. Is it worth the hype it’s receiving? The ever-growing stretchmarks cream market is inundated with all sorts of creams, ointments, liniments, cleansers, and whatnot, so you have to take even the top ten lists of merchants with a grain of salt. The proof, after all, is in the pudding, and the actual conclusion lies within the Strivectin-SD’s stretch mark solution, scar reducing ability itself.

Moreover, the constant comparisons to this cream and resurfacing are partly induced by the company itself. The product’s slogan is actually, “Strivectin-SD: Better Than Botox”. It takes a lot of moxie to claim such a thing, but it inevitably leaves consumers suspicious and more than a little skeptical. For people who’ve tried out the Botox procedure and staunchly support it, they’d probably take personal offense at the gall of alleging that a comparatively cheap anti-aging cream applied daily is more effective and impressive than a $500 or so cosmetic treatment.

As a note, this particular product from StriVectin was orginally designed as a treatment for reducing and diminishing stretch marks. Interestingly, women noticed that it tightened the skin where it was applied and wrinkles disappeared. So, as chance would have it, women began using it as a “wrinkle cream”. As a follow-on, StriVectin introduced a new product (Eye Cream) with a few less-harsh ingredients specifically for wrinkles. Thus our review may seem a bit confusing. Effectively we’re evaluating its (their) success at both – wrinkles and stretch marks.

Checking out Strivectin-SD reveals first and foremost that, no, it’s not superior to Botox or isn’t even the next best thing to Botox. To be true, it’s just about as effective as any other anti-wrinkle cream currently available in the market.

On the other hand, it’s quite potent and it’s undoubtedly among the better anti-aging topical agents available right now. It’s particularly effective against fine lines and early onset wrinkles. Using this as daily maintenance on your face will at the very least help you age gracefully, if not look ten years younger in the long run.

The verdict? The product is worth recommending, but it is definitely overrated and very expensive compared to other products that contain essentially the same ingredients and provide similar results – both as a stretch mark cream or wrinkle cream. It gets 7.88 out of 10 stars, with points mostly taken from its expense and the fact there are very worthy competitors – on both fronts.

The Best Treatment for Skin Rashes

Posted on July 13, 2009 with 1 Comment

Skin rashes are any disturbance in the skin that causes it to change in texture or color. They are often accompanied by some level of discomfort brought on by the itching and swelling – and in some cases pain and soreness. Skin rashes may be generalized and occur all over the body or they may be localized and occur isolated to one small area.

Skin rashes are caused by a myriad of reasons. They could be the symptoms of certain chronic illnesses, especially systemic varieties such as Lupus and Lyme disease. Irritants and abrasions from chemicals and other external sources as well as allergic reactions can also result in a rash on the skin.

Different microbes including fungi, bacteria, and viruses or microscopic parasites such as mites, sand flies and lice can also cause skin to breakout and become infected or result in open wounds if not treated.

(This product can be purchased at www.skinenergizer.com by clicking on this link: Emu Oil)

How Emu Oil Helps Treat Skin Rashes?

Emu oil is a topical product that helps reduce discomfort and irritation associated with a rashes, abrasions, burns or itchiness – while it helps promote proper healing. Emu oil has natural components that are proven to reduce pain and swelling.

It also contains components that encourage the regeneration of healthy skin – a key benefit for reducing irritated tissue and stopping itching. It has natural properties – Omega 3′s and Vitamin E – that help reduce the growth of bacteria and other microbes that can worsen the condition – it is an anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-microbial.

It penetrates deep into the skin tissue to treat well below the skin’s surface. When paired with other elements such as Vitamin E, it also helps carry these important ingredients deep within the dermal and subcutaneous layers of tissue allowing for maximum penetration and therefore maximum effectiveness.

Emu oil is simply amazing when it comes to healing skin rashes and lessening their discomfort. It is also an effective part of regular skin maintenance that helps to prevent irritations from ever starting.

It helps to ward off viruses, bacteria, and other potentially harmful microscopic organisms. It keeps the skin properly moisturized without leaving a greasy film making it ideal for use any time and every time.

Tips for Smoother Skin – Part II

Posted on June 15, 2009 with 4 Comments

In the first post on smoother skin, we talked about the “top 3″ of proper care – cleansing, hydrating (moisturizing), and treating. Each are equally important to prevent enlarged pores, avoid rashes and keep your complexion soft and smooth.

Not to get to detailed, but we (the consuming public and manufacturers) can break down each of these areas and take a closer look at some things that work and some that don’t – and why.

There are a lot of skin care products for smoother skin – they come in a wide range of applications, mix of ingredients and a multitude of bases. The market has been segmented to the extreme as everyone looks for the miracle product that will make us look younger. Cream, abrasions, exfoliators and moisturizers all vie for the dollar you are going to spend.

But do they work?…do they help?…really? Well as a researcher, formulator and manufacturer, I would argue that it depends on the ingredients and what your goal is. I’m ot trying to talk in circles, but that’s what it boils down to.

For instance, moisturizers have been considered a regimen staple going back a long time. I remember my Mom applying a mask every night. The general purpose is to rehydrate the tissue. Even years ago, we recognized dryness and tightening and believed re-hydration was good. In fact, it was and is. The cool thing now is we have so many more effective ingredients than 40 years ago.

In the past 10 years, the most popular ingredient for moisturizers has become Hyaluronic Acid. It has found its was into wrinkle creams, solutions for skin rashes, burn treatments, and for chronic or acute drying. It is naturally found in our cells and becomes increasingly depleted as we age.

Many biologist and dermatologists believe it is the accumulated effects of free-radical damage that causes us to lose and produce less hyaluronic acid. If so, it certainly is a convenient response to why tissue becomes thin, dry, and wrinkled as we continue to age. So, to re-hydrate and moisturize look for creams or serums with Hyaluronic Acid. The effects are almost immediate.

Another couple of ingredients to loo for are Aloe and Emu Oil. Aloe most of us are familiar with. It makes a great base for a cream – especially serums. Its widely used in beauty and anti-aging products – working well for facial and wrinkle solutions, especially as an eye smoother.  One of the challenges older men and women have is neck wrinkles.  Particlularly sun damage and natural aging can show premature wrinkles on the neck giving the appearance of unsmooth skin.  If this is what you are experiencing, look for the best neck cream that can add moisture and reduce the sagging wrinkles at the base of your neck.

Emu oil is less well known, but has become a premier (and fairly expensive) ingredient for pitted acne scar treatment, burns, and stretchmarks. I’ve put up a few posts regarding Emu Oil, and at the risk of oft repeating myself, it is great. It has been used for years in Australia and New Zealand for wound healing. It deep moisturizes, and clinical studies have shown it is super-effective at both repairing and improving the complexion. A pretty good combo.

So, there are a few things you should look for when considering products for smoother skin. Each help soften, reduce enlarged pores, help retian moisture, and in some cases, help purify tissue to rid bacteria, oil and dirt.  Another idea you should consider is using skin tightening exercises for the stomach if you have been dealt the hand of flabby skin on the tummy.  These exercises will help give you smoother skin by improving and strengthening underlying muscle and connective tissue.  They will also help improve tissue flexibility, thus tightening the abdominal area.

Oily Skin Cleanser

Posted on June 14, 2009 with 1 Comment

Oily deposits often accumulate on the forehead, nose, and around the chin where the greatest concentration of sebaceous glands exist on the face. An oily skin cleanser can help regulate oil production and give your complexion a softer, healthier look.

Forming the signature “T” across the brow, down the nose and nostrils, and extending to the chin and neck, sebaceous glands secrete sebum. Heredity plays a pretty significant role as does heat, humidity and products you may or may not use on the facial area – even aging is thought to be a cause.

Oil can combine with dirt and left-over product residue to clog pores that can then lead to acne and sometimes rosacea. You can effectively clear oil skin with a mask, cream, toner or wash. The key ingredients to look for are Zinc or alpha hydroxy.

Zinc naturally, also known as Zinc PCA or Zincidone in its complex form, is well known for controlling oily skin. It helps regulate sebum on applied areas and is effective for use in cleansing and “purify” pores. Alpha Hydroxy behaves in a similar fashion. It is often an active ingredient in exfoliating products such as microdermabrasion creams and for acne care.

A little bit of research can help you find the best oily skin wash – there are several available that are effective. The key is to understand that getting and keeping an oil-free complexion may also require watching what you eat and considering the effects of the environment on your facial tissue.

Foods high in saturated fats are known to invigorate the sebaceous glands. For some, dairy products may not be your friend either. As I mentioned, high humidity and heat play a role as well.

An oily skin cleanser should be considered part or a well-rounded regimen that focuses on tissue health. Keeping your complexion free of dirt and unhealthy makeup is a great start. Using a purifying moisturizer at night works well also.

Anti wrinkle creams can help, though we recommend serums vs. creams. The best are based in Aloe rather than water and often contain ingredients such as Hyaluronic Acid that improves hydration without the use of a cream base to address dryness, aging or wrinkles.