Alright Beauties...
Penny is about to talk about something many of us never want to discuss...
Cellulite. It's a universal pain in the petunia because it affects so many of us regardless of our weight, shape and overall health. Cellulite commonly appears on the hips, buttocks and legs, in 90% of post-pubescent women, but is not caused by being overweight, as many believe. (Being overweight may exacerbate the problem however). Cellulite appears in the subcutaneous level of skin tissue. Fat cells are arranged in chambers surrounded by bands of connective tissue called septae. The result shows areas of the skin being held down while other sections bulge outward, resulting in the lumpy, 'cottage-cheese' or 'orange peel' appearance. The causes of cellulite are poorly understood, and may involve changes in metabolism and physiology such as gender specific dimorphic skin architecture, alteration of connective tissue structure, vascular changes and inflammatory processes.
The question many of us have is "how do we get rid of cellulite without surgery and special treatments (i.e., Liposuction, Mesotherapy, Endermologie, etc)?" My research indicates that
'realistically there is no cure for cellulite.' Some say diet and exercise is the key, while others promote the use of topical products, laser treatments, and spa therapies. There are so many factors to consider when looking at the cause of cellulite...genetics, excess
estrogen, smoking, poor blood circulation, poor lymphatic flow, stress, etc. Penny is confused by it all because I know active, healthy people that are fit but have cellulite, and I also know that my own cellulite got progressively worse the more weight I gained these past few years.
I also have tried only a few anti-cellulite treatments* and found no improvement (*
Nivea Good Bye Cellulite Cream/Patches, massage).
Cellulite has been around for centuries but we are no closer to finding a cause or a cure. One highly recommended book I came across is:
The Cellulite Solution: A Doctor's Program for Losing Lumps, Bumps, Dimples and Stretch Marks, by Howard Murad, M.D. This program outlines simple nutritional and lifestyle modifications, combined with topical treatments (by Murad), which work together to provide the body with all the tools needed to repair uneven, lumpy skin.
It is a controversial topic to say the least. Some believe that no lotion or cream will help cure cellulite because ointments can't alter the connective tissue (septae). However, there are more and more beauty products on the market 'claiming' to reduce the appearance of cellulite each year. Penny advises you to "read between the lines" carefully...cellulite products often claim to diminish the appearance of cellulite...what they don't say is how temporary that result might be. So if you find a product that works for you cosmetically, be prepared to invest in it often for the 'maintenance' of the problem. Topical and spa treatments are also often expensive.
(Read full story...)
Many of you beauties are quite familiar with the rave about Keratin Hair Treatments, but Penny is a novice and has never had one herself. This is the treatment that claims to straighten and smooth your hair, as well as elminate frizz for several MONTHS at a time, without the constant use of blow dryers, flat irons, and other hot tools. The treatment must be done by a professional initially; then they will instruct you on how to care for your hair so that it lasts as long as it should. You do have to take particular care of your hair, and at home products are usually sold at the salons that offer the treatments (and online of course; you all know how Penny loves her online research). LOL! The Brazilian Keratin treatment I've heard many "warnings" about, and most have stayed away from this form of the treatment. However, the Coppola Keratin Complex (Smoothing Therapy) treatment is supposed to work very well without the use of formaldehyde and the harsh chemicals found in a regular chemical relaxer.
