Does she suffer from cellulite?

I have been searching through photos of active women athletes and I have to admit it is very rare to see cellulite on the exposed thighs or arms. Most athletes are very young and it would make sense that they would suffer less from this problem. However, it seems that active mature female athletes and ballet dancers suffer less than the average woman from dimpled skin.

While searching for photos of female athletes with cellulite I realized how absurd the very few photos I found were and how intrusive the actual photo capture is to the life of a person. It is almost as if the photographer and his audience are relieved to realize that they found some defect they can highlight in an idol or celebrity. If when searching the web for photos of athletes and dancers with cellulite only 2-3 incidents pop up, it means it is not a common phenomenon. When I finally found 2 photos, they displayed the thighs of a famous figure skater sitting crossed legged with very few dimples caused by the pressure of one leg on the other or a photo displaying a very small area of lax skin and a few dimples on beautiful figured thigh of a famous tennis player. If this is the cellulite they are pointing at to prove athletes suffer from cellulite too, it is really not convincing.

Yes some athletes suffer from cellulite too but the prevalence is close to zero compared to the general population.

Cellulite is caused by the enlargement of fat cells that underlie the dermis. The combination of the dermis weakening due to age and the fat cells enlarging causes the uneven dimpled look of the skin. Some theories add that cellulite is more common in areas of the body with slower metabolism and poor drainage.

Women athletes have a lower percentage of fat and significantly less cellulite. This simple fact should encourage us to tackle cellulite prevention by controlling the caloric intake in order to reduce the percentage of body fat. In addition exercising the muscles will improve circulation in the area and improve muscle tone, again reducing cellulite.

Len Kravitz, Phd, writes in his essay “Cellulite: Everything You Want to Know and More” the following sentence: “The subcutaneous fat rests on top of muscle, and if the muscle is weak and flaccid, this can contribute to the ‘bumpy’ effect of cellulite.”

Dr. Kravitz recommends resistance training exercise to target the thighs and buttocks.

For those of us that will not join the force of diet and exercise, there are many “cures” and cellulite reduction treatments offered in the market. Some of them have no effect and some can reduce the appearance of cellulite to a degree. TriLipo is a new technology recently introduced to the market that combines the well established radio frequency technology proven to reduce cellulite along with muscle stimulation. This technology takes cellulite reduction to a new level by targeting the muscles underlying the skin while at the same time reducing the size of the fat cells in the adipose layer using radio frequency. Of course the effects will be enhanced if one combines treatments with a caloric intake reduction and well structured aerobic exercise but reduction of cellulite will also be noted if one undergoes treatments with the TriLipo technology without added exercise.

But, do not misunderstand me… I highly recommend exercise and controlled diet however, it is very hard for me to stand behind my advice and to provide a good living example…I tend to go for the “fixing” technology.

Does sunscreen provide complete protection?

The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of a sunscreen formula states the effectiveness of this cream when applied at an even layer of 2 milligrams per square centimeter, for blocking the effect of UV sunrays that cause sunburns. The SPF level is defined by comparing the effect of exposure to the sun causing burns to a body area with the evaluated sunscreen compared to the burns to a non coated area. SPF 15 means that compared to a body area without sunscreen, the area with sunscreen will require 15 times more UV to be equally burned compared to the same area without sunscreen.
SPF is evaluated per 2 milligrams of sunscreen per square centimeter, unfortunately most people apply less sunscreen than needed. This causes the SPF value to be reduced dramatically hence the person thinks he/she is protected but in reality the effectiveness of the sunscreen is reduced. Thinking that you are protected when in reality you are not is very dangerous as you might linger in the sun for longer.
Another problem with sunscreens is the fact that many of them protect mostly against skin burning, caused by UV-B.  There are three types of UV rays emitted from the sun, the skin cancer foundation has a good explanation about UV classification on their web site. The different types of UV are: UV-A, UV-B and UV-C. Both UV-A and UV-B pass the ozone layer and reach the earth, most of the UV-C is absorbed by the ozone layer and does not reach us.
UV-A is the most dominant UV radiation reaching us from the sun. It is present throughout the year and during all day light hours. UV-A penetrates glass and clouds and has a deeper penetration depth into the skin than does UV-B. UV-A is a main inducer of skin ageing, wrinkles and skin cancer. It is the main contributor to tanning, it does so by inducing changes in the cell’s DNA, the skin darkens due to synthesis of melanin to protect the skin from further damage form the UV exposure. Tanning salons use mostly UV-A as the tanning source, the intensity in the salons can be 12 times higher than the natural UV-A levels from the sun.
UV-B penetration depth to the skin is superficial and it plays a major role in skin burning. As apposed to UV-A, UV-B is present in lower levels during different hours of the day, different seasons and various locations on earth and it does not penetrate glass. Similar to UV-A, UV-B contributes to skin cancer, and skin ageing.
Sunscreens were created originally to prevent skin burning and to block mainly UV-B. In recent years manufactures of sunscreens have added UV-A protection too, however the level of protection from UV-A is not included in the SPF classification. It is important to verify, when purchasing a sun block, if the formula claims to protect from UV-A and UV-B. If not specified it is probably UV-B protection only.
The problem with sunscreen is that people feel protected from the damaging rays of the sun while they really are not safe. Most people will assume that if they apply sunscreen on exposed areas, they can allow themselves to walk freely in the sun during the extreme UV hours (10AM-4PM). This is a very dangerous assumption as applying the sunscreen needs to be in the correct amount and the sunscreen needs to be of good protection values. In addition, no sunscreen provides complete protection and it is wise to always stay away from exposure during the extreme hours mentioned above.
Another misconception is that after about 4PM and in early morning hours (6AM-10AM) there is no need for sunscreen as the UV radiation is lower. Very wrong assumption! As mentioned above, UV-A is present most hours of the day, so be ware!
Most people are not aware that they need to apply sunscreen when driving or sitting in a car, or if sitting in front of a sunny window at home, the windows will not protect you, (unless they are coated with a UV protection film).
Below are the Prevention Guidelines of the Skin Cancer Foundation for wise protection from the sun:

“Prevention Guidelines
•    Seek the shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM.
•    Do not burn.
•    Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths.
•    Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
•    Use a sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or higher every day.
•    Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours, or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.
•    Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months.
•    Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
•    See your physician every year for a professional skin exam.”

If your skin has been damaged by years of exposure to the sun’s damaging rays you might be happy to learn that you can help reduce the damage by treatments offered by various technologies. Sun spots (liver spots) can be removed by skin resurfacing technologies and photo-rejuvenation technologies. In addition, a RF technology exists, that targets reduction of wrinkles, collagen regeneration, skin tightening that improves skin texture and lessens the ill affects caused by UV radiation.  For example, TriPollar RF treatments, have been proven to effectivly reduce wrinkles and tighten the skin.  TriPollar based products are maufactured exclusively by Pollogen Ltd.    You do not have to wait till you are in your forties or later to begin treatments; the earlier you begin the better.
To finalize this write up, it would be nice if we adopted the fashion of un-tanned skin as our ancestors admired during the renaissance and earlier periods. Of course this should not include the discrimination against darker color skin that accompanied the earlier age admiration of non tanned skin.
And finally, if you do spend significant time in the sun, make sure to follow the guidelines mentioned above and minimize the damage to your skin.

I have been grey since my late thirties and have not had the urge to cover the grey. I believe you are as young as you feel or as old as you see yourself. To be honest, it has not been easy to withstand the pressure from society,  friends try to refer me to their favorite hairdresser or even better, say kind words like ”you look very young but you will look much younger if you dye your hair”. The hardest hit was when I came to pick up my son from kindergarten and heard the kids yelling “Your grandma is here to pick you up”!!!! But still I did not fall into the hair dying loop (once you start, it is hard to stop).

Ageing is a state of mind

Fortunately, grey hair has become accepted in some western countries. Images of graying models are accepted and are considered sexy and fashionable. It is not about the hair color, it is about how you carry your body, your skin complexion, what you wear and the energy levels you portray.

Ageing is a state of mind, rather than dyeing hair to conceal gray, I prefer dancing, going to rock concerts and staying young at heart. I think that if you feel younger when you dye your hair, than go ahead and do it, feeling younger makes you younger.

Declaring emancipation from hair dyes does not mean letting age take its toll and leaving all to nature. Personally, I use anti-ageing moisturizing creams every day and try to maintain a rigid exercise program to keep my body and spirit in high energy levels. I am fortunate to work in the aesthetic industry so I have accesses to variable technologies that target the ageing skin. I have found Radio Frequency (RF), particularly TriPollar RF face treatments to be to be very pleasant, relaxing and effective from the very first treatment. What I like about these treatments is the fact that the results are not so drastic so I do not look like I had a face lift. Don’t get me wrong, the results are noticeable, acquaintances that had not seen me for a while have all commented on my fresh looking skin and fine complexion. The wonderful thing about it is that it looks natural and is indeed a natural skin rejuvenation process triggered by the treatment; the skin creates new collagen during a few weeks causing the results to improve over time.

So, if you are in the early graying phase and have been pulling the gray out (ouch!), first, pulling them out will not induce growth of more gray than you pulled out so if you want to continue pulling, go ahead. However, you will have to pull out many more hairs as you progress in age, so let it be and learn to accept the random gray hairs and view it as exotic. Later when your hair is mostly silver it can help to adopt the positive attitude towards your hard earned silver crown and learn to enjoy the respect and beauty earned with silver hair. So, go wild – go gray and enjoy a youthful approach to life with a silver crown on your head.

With proper attention and treatment, ageing signs of the hands can be reduced

Most women and some men (metrosexual men…) apply facial creams, eye creams and other anti-ageing treatments to reduce the signs of ageing of the face and body. However, hands, that are also an important age indicator, are failed to be addressed by many. Hands are the most exposed body part to ageing elements like water, house-hold chemicals and the sun, major skin ageing inducers that can be dealt with through proper measures. When dealing with ageing of hands, the symptoms include: ageing spots, thinning of the skin, general thinning of hands and protruding veins. The skin in general, including skin of the hands, produces less collagen as we age hence causing thinning of the skin, thus causing the veins to protrude and the hands to look bonier.

With proper attention and treatment, ageing signs of the hands can be reduced and the hands can look a few years younger. For those of you still young with beautiful hands, make sure to take measures to postpone ageing of hands by applying sunscreen to your hands twice a day. It is also important to wear gloves when washing dishes or if handling house hold chemicals. This will protect your hands from dryness and from the harsh effects of cleaners, detergents etc’.

To help with dry skin, apply cream at night and wear cotton mittens over the cream to enhance absorption.
A few technologies and some invasive methods have been introduced to address the different aspects of ageing hands. Combination of technologies will enable a full spectrum of treatment, however it is important to understand these options in order to ensure the correct sequence of treatment protocol as one technology can interfere with the effectiveness of other technologies if performed in an inappropriate order, timing etc’.
Photorejuvination technologies ( IPL and fractional laser) are well established methods for skin rejuvenation. These methods can help with the reduction of age spots and general improvement of skin appearance of the hands due to induction of new collagen growth and removal of age spots. Healing from photo rejuvenation treatments can take a few weeks because the skin is purposefully damaged to cause superficial skin injury, that induces scabbing, peeling and healing.
Dermal fillers, which are normally deployed for facial wrinkles, can be used for the hands too (for example Restylane) in order to restore “plumpness” and improve the general appearance. If you decide to combine dermal fillers with photorejuvination technologies, it is important to undergo the photorejuvination treatment prior to the use of dermal fillers to ensure that you do not interfere with the dermal filler’s action. It is also important to allow the hands to completely heal before undergoing the next type of treatment.
For treatment of protruding veins on the hands, an invasive cosmetic surgery is available where the veins are removed (of course the doctor will asses the blood vessels on the hands to ensure that the surgery does not damage the blood supply). This surgery requires a long healing duration (a few months) and is usually performed on one hand at a time.
A non invasive safe technology for the improvement of hand appearance is TriPollar RF (Radio Frequency). TriPollar RF treatments can be performed during lunch break short  office visits with no down time and with no need for healing. These treatments induce formation of new collagen in the dermis, hence improving skin texture and resulting with smoother, younger looking hands. TriPollar RF treatments can be combined with photorejuvination treatments to enable removal of age spots along with improvements of skin texture. If combining these two technologies, make sure that the hands have completely healed after the photorejuvination treatments before starting the Tripollar treatment protocol.

Can we get rid of cellulite?

What do people do to improve their body image?

Body lifts

Body lifts are invasive procedures that involve cutting away excess skin following drastic weight loss, pregnancy or age related skin laxity. Body lifts will improve firmness and enhance body contour but will not help with cellulite. If your reason for a body lift is poor texture of skin and cellulite, take into consideration the scars left by this invasive procedure and look for other options as body lifts do not improve skin texture and do not aid with the appearance of cellulite.

Liposuction

Liposuction is an invasive procedure for the reduction of localized fat and for improving body contour. Liposuction will assist people with large fat deposits in specific areas like the thighs, abdomen, arms etc’. Liposuction is a complicated procedure that should not be taken lightly. Side effects include infections, bruising and  uneven skin texture. Extreme side effects can lead to death. But as we are discussing cellulite in this post, liposuction will not help with reducing cellulite, if anything it can even increase the appearance of uneven skin. One option is to combine Liposuction with Trilipo technology.  The liposuction will reduce the fat and TriLipo will tighten the skin and help with cellulite reduction.

Anti cellulite socks and shoes

Special anti cellulite stockings and shoes have been introduced to the cellulite fighting market. The shoes claim to enhance blood circulation and the socks aid with micro massaging the legs to improve circulation and assist with cellulite reduction. One concern regarding the socks/stockings is in cases were the socks are too tight and can actually constrict blood circulation and increase spider veins or cellulite.

Exercise or Electric Muscle Stimulation (EMS)

Exercise increase circulation and improves venous return, so does EMS which is a technology deployed by sport trainers and spas to improve muscle tone. However both methods will not improve the appearance of cellulite once it is already present.

The TriLipo technology solution
For cellulite reduction one needs to target the fat cells in the adipose layer of the hypodermis skin layer. These cells are the source of cellulite as they increase in size and push up against the dermis. TriLipo technology uses RF energy to target the fat cells in the adipose layer. Due to increased metabolism induced by the heat generated by the fat cell’s resistance to the RF energy, the fat cells release liquid fat  into the extracellular area. The release of these fatty acids causes the fat cells to shrink. The additional Muscle activation induced simultaneously with Tri-Lipo RF in the  device, enhances the effectiveness of cellulite reduction. Not only is the size of fat cells in adipose layer reduced but in addition the drainage of the released fat is enhanced due to increased venous return induced by the muscle activation by the Tri Lipo. In addition, the Maximus device induces an “internal massage” effect on the adipose layer, activating the muscles causes them to push up against the adipose layer “squeezing” more fat out along with the pushing down massage effect caused by the applicator while performing the TriLipo treatment.

Celllite reduction with trilipo tequnology

The Maximus system-powered by TriLipo technology,  is an excellent option to target cellulite, not only will it reduce the size of the fat cells in the adipose layer, it will also improve the skin due to generation of collagen and tightening of existing collagen, hence improving skin surface c and enhancing the results of cellulite treatment by the Maxi mus.

Voss Andreae sculptures are inspired by his scientific knowledge

The exhibition “Bodies”, that has been circling the planet, takes the integration between science and art a step further and turns science into the art pieces.
However, art and science are further linked by art work that is inspired by biological and physiological structures. Julian Voss-Andreae is an artist that combines his scientific background with his creations. He studied physics at the universities of Berlin, Edinburgh and Vienna and focused on Quantum physics for his graduate research. Voss Andreae has created large sculptures that are inspired by his scientific knowledge. Among his sculptures is the installation Unraveling Collagen.  According to Voss Andreae: “Unraveling Collagen is based on the structure of collagen, the most abundant protein in humans. In this sculpture I placed the initial emphasis on the structural role collagen plays in our bodies. The triangular cut-outs reveal the dominant force lines, reminiscent of contemporary steel construction. Collagen is mostly known for its role in aging: It is responsible for skin elasticity, and its degradation leads to wrinkles that accompany aging. During the creation of the piece, I departed from the actual molecular structure and opened up the intertwining helices towards the top which connects the piece metaphorically with aging.”
It is quite fascinating and symbolic that Voss Andreae chose to create the unraveling collagen rather than “healthy young collagen”, it is the natural process of nature and is actually a truer symbol of life and time line of the living body rather than a perfect intact triple helix collagen fiber.
“Fighting” the aging process of the collagen is the target of technologies in the beauty and aesthetic industry. It is the desire of most ageing women and men too, to slow down the signs of ageing and to repair the damage already done; this is achieved by stimulation of new collagen growth and tightening of the existing collagen hence mending of the “unraveling” collagen.

Collagen is mostly known for its role in aging

Picture taken before cleaning the beach

I have selected to photograph very dirty beaches in my vicinity, clean them and then photograph them after they are clean.
The planet is ageing in a very ugly manner; a walk on the beach in some areas is a depressing adventure,  the footprint of our consumption is everywhere. I have actually found tooth brushes, facial cream tubes, moisturizers, combs, hairspray cans and much more, spread on the most amazing beaches. Most of these items did not land on the beautiful sand because of the beach goers; they actually ended up on the beach through the sea and through city gutters.
As consumers, it is our responsibility to dispose of garbage responsibly, we can also help by purchasing only things we need and when we do purchase, don’t necessarily choose the cheapest, it is important to purchase items that will last and will not end up in the landfill after one use.

I started my B&A project a few months ago. I apply sunscreen (SPF 30) over my favorite antiaging moisturizer to keep my middle eastern skin protected, I wear long sleeve shirts even on hot days and I try to operate early in the morning or late afternoon. While cleaning, I always meet people that join the “party”, some help clean and some will help carry the bags to the nearest garbage collecting zone.
I must admit that since I have started looking closer at the garbage at the beaches, I am careful about avoiding taking bags when I shop and am vigilant about recycling bottles, batteries, cans and what ever can be recycled.
Help the planet avoid “ageing”, join the antiageing treatment for the beaches and areas around you by joining cleaning groups and by disposing of garbage responsibly.
Below are some photos of some cleaning projects I executed.

After cleaning, the beach looks so appealing

I would recommend going for plain organic green tea

Green tea has been investigated and researched to determine its medical and health related benefits. It has been claimed to reduce the chance of certain cancer, heart disease, improve ratio of HDL/LDL cholesterol, increase bone density and much more. Many of the listed benefits attributed to green tea are of anti ageing nature, and are related to prevention of conditions typical to the ageing population. In the past decade, green tea has been associated with weight loss too.
Basically, there are two ways to control weight: reduction of food consumption (energy intake) or increasing energy expenditure (EE). Fat oxidation (fat metabolism) and thermogenesis (heat generation) in the body are under the control of the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) – the “fight or flight” branch of the nervous system. Just before any activity, the SNS is activated to produce the energy needed for the mission, this process includes activation of chain reactions that process glucose and fatty acids to release energy needed for the activity or for increasing body temperature. Triggering of the SNS involves neurotransmitters like norepinephrin which is released by the brain and by the SNS and triggers the chain reactions in the cells it attaches to. Since increasing metabolic rate and increasing temperature requires energy, it makes sense to try and target the SNS path for the sake of “burning energy” hence weight control.
Green tea is rich in Flavonoids, particularly tea catechins, which have been tested to have an inhibiting effect on the enzyme that breaks down the neurotransmitter and hormone mentioned above norepinephrin. In addition, Catechines increase insulin sensitivity, thus increasing glucose uptake within the skeletal muscles.
A study conducted at The University of Birmingham, UK, examined the effect of green tea extract on fat oxidation rate and on glucose tolerance during moderate intensity cycling in healthy men.
The study results exhibited a 17% increase in the oxidation rate of fat compared to the control group treated with placebo. The study also demonstrated an increase in Insulin sensitivity therefore, less insulin is needed to control glucose blood level, hence more glucose can be “processed” with less insulin (keeping glucose blood level lower with less insulin).
This means that consuming green tea will actually cause one to “burn” more fat while exercising and at rest.
This study is one of several that demonstrate the effectiveness of green tea for increasing the rate of fat metabolism. A different study demonstrated a 30% increase in metabolism rate during rest when green tea is consumed.
If you plan to “shape up” in a healthy manner, without starving yourself, and by increasing physical activity, it is a good idea to also add green tea to your diet. However, losing weight will not necessarily improve skin texture and appearance. It is a good idea to combine diet and lifestyle changes with existing technologies that target specific aesthetic issues, like cellulite, that cannot be improved by diet, green tea or exercise. Combining strong will with the help of existing technologies can also increase the incentive to diet as the results will be faster and better.
So, next time you need to choose a tea bag from a variety of existing beverages, select the green tea package and enjoy the healthy outcome. (I would recommend going for plain organic green tea, without flavors.)

Slyle-M Clinic staff. Ms. Muraki Hiroe second from LEFT

Ms. Muraki  Hiroe, of Style-M and the Matsukura clinic in the fashionable Omotesando Hills district in Tokyo Japan, has been voted as the No1 aesthetician 2 years in a row by a few magazines in Japan.
Being voted as the No 1 Aesthetician in Japan is not a trivial or minor honor, taking into account the high value the Japanese culture places on beauty, body care, aesthetics of appearance, generally talking the art of beautifying the body to its highest level.Ms Muraki Hiroe studied in Tokyo and is still in the process of studying while working as an aesthetician for the past 15 years. Ms Hiroe does not see herself as a master, she acknowledges that her wide and diversified knowledge along with her constant search for methods and technologies that obtain results in an effective and efficient way, are what placed her on top of the ladder. According to Ms. Hiroe, many aestheticians are into general healing and treatments that will be pleasurable for the minute, while her focus is on the obtaining lasting results.
Ms. Hiroe’s advice to beginning aestheticians is to invest in education and strive to achieve higher levels of knowledge. The more one knows, they will understand what they are doing and how to combine the best methods to obtain the best treatment protocols. Ms. Hiroe wants to focus on different good treatment methods and combine them to obtain the best results.

Ms. Hiroe treating with the apollo device

To a question regarding her favorite present treatment, Ms. Hiroe answered without hesitation “The apollo is my favorite now”. (I stressed while I presented the question to Ms. Hiroe that she does not have to answer ” the apollo” just to please me…). Ms. Hiroe loves working with the apollo because she sees wonderful results, it is very pleasant for the client being treated and there is no pressure and stress while treating.
At present, Ms Hiroe is studying a method that works through adjustment and very specific alignment of the bones and muscular structure to improve structure and facial contour (This is very different than chiropractic work). She works mainly on the facial structure and is just about to take examinations.  We wish you luck Ms Muraki Hiroe, we are sure you will do very well.