I decided to take some high-level anti-oxidants and bought some Pycnogenol (Pine Bank extract).
I took it (when I remembered) and suddenly I noticed that my lumpy bumpy spots seemed to start smoothing out. I wasn't really working out harder or doing anything else so I wondered why it was happening. I pinpointed it to the only change I had made: taking the Pycnogenol.
I'm wondering if anyone else has had similar experiences? And what about the Celluscience "miracle pills" that are being marketed? I'm wondering if those testimonials on their website are really true? I wonder how those work and if they contain Pycnogenol? I cannot find anything about this ingredient on their site so if anyone knows, I'd love to have the info!
More Beauty Buzz...
Showing posts with label cellulite. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cellulite. Show all posts
Friday, June 12, 2009
Monday, April 28, 2008
Remove Arm Cellulite: What works?
The dreaded arm cellulite. You figure you can wear shorts, skirts and capris to hide the legs during summer, but when the scourge pops up on your arms...what to do? Now I can't even wear tee shirts? In ARIZONA? I've had this problem recently (despite relatively skinny arms) and knew I needed to do something. My best solution is as follows:
I've discovered there are a few things that work well:
1. Massage: 
I have a Wellbox and use it for temporary smoothness when wearing short sleeves. If you don't one of these machines, you can lightly massage the area (use kneading motion) for a bit of relief. Also, (don't laugh), you can use a rolling pin or similar item to roll over the area. This will actually help make the area look smoother but only temporarily. Be careful and don't get overzealous--I've actually given myself bruises doing this one!
2. Dry brushing: Using a body brush (needs to be a bit stiff--not too soft), brush your body starting from the
soles of your feet on up (skip chest, face and any other sensitive areas). This will help stimulate circulation and actually help all over cellulite. It's an oldie but a goodie 'cause it does seem to work.
3. Bliss Stimulator: You can get this at http://www.blissworld.com/ This is a little rubber nubbly thing that you use in the shower. I usually soap up over use it over in-shower body lotion (it helps when you use it with a product to give it a bit of slip). This little thing actually works pretty well. Just rub it around in a circular motion and back and forth. It'll really help stimulate the area and the cellulite at least "looks" diminished. As with most cellulite tricks, it only does so much and it only works if you work it. **Note: Don't be swayed by most of the other cellulite wonders they sell--they don't really work.
4. Neutrogena Cellulite Patches: The serum doesn't really work in my experience, but the patches! Wow, those do make the area much smoother (again, temporarily). I've used them on my arms and thighs and slept with them on. I would suggest wearing them two or three nights a week and only if you know you'll be showing off your arms the next day ('cause they can get expensive). Also, if you wear them too often or for too long, they can cause a bit of a reaction (not pretty). Get 'em at your local drugstore.
5. Old fashioned weights: I know, ugh! Truly, the only way I got rid of the stuff (or greatly dimished it) was to bump up my weights and arm workouts. I used to use 3 to 5 pound weights, but when I started using 8 to 10 pounders, I really noticed a difference. Also, vary the workouts; don't just do the same curls and kick-backs. You can also do less reps with heavier weights, but do them often (I think they recommend every other day with a day of rest in-between). I try to do a heavy day (8-10 lbs.) and a light day (3-6 lbs.) and then a day of rest. Seems to work!
What works for you? Let me know! www.agelessbeautypro.com
I've discovered there are a few things that work well:
1. Massage: 
I have a Wellbox and use it for temporary smoothness when wearing short sleeves. If you don't one of these machines, you can lightly massage the area (use kneading motion) for a bit of relief. Also, (don't laugh), you can use a rolling pin or similar item to roll over the area. This will actually help make the area look smoother but only temporarily. Be careful and don't get overzealous--I've actually given myself bruises doing this one!2. Dry brushing: Using a body brush (needs to be a bit stiff--not too soft), brush your body starting from the
soles of your feet on up (skip chest, face and any other sensitive areas). This will help stimulate circulation and actually help all over cellulite. It's an oldie but a goodie 'cause it does seem to work.
3. Bliss Stimulator: You can get this at http://www.blissworld.com/ This is a little rubber nubbly thing that you use in the shower. I usually soap up over use it over in-shower body lotion (it helps when you use it with a product to give it a bit of slip). This little thing actually works pretty well. Just rub it around in a circular motion and back and forth. It'll really help stimulate the area and the cellulite at least "looks" diminished. As with most cellulite tricks, it only does so much and it only works if you work it. **Note: Don't be swayed by most of the other cellulite wonders they sell--they don't really work.
4. Neutrogena Cellulite Patches: The serum doesn't really work in my experience, but the patches! Wow, those do make the area much smoother (again, temporarily). I've used them on my arms and thighs and slept with them on. I would suggest wearing them two or three nights a week and only if you know you'll be showing off your arms the next day ('cause they can get expensive). Also, if you wear them too often or for too long, they can cause a bit of a reaction (not pretty). Get 'em at your local drugstore.
5. Old fashioned weights: I know, ugh! Truly, the only way I got rid of the stuff (or greatly dimished it) was to bump up my weights and arm workouts. I used to use 3 to 5 pound weights, but when I started using 8 to 10 pounders, I really noticed a difference. Also, vary the workouts; don't just do the same curls and kick-backs. You can also do less reps with heavier weights, but do them often (I think they recommend every other day with a day of rest in-between). I try to do a heavy day (8-10 lbs.) and a light day (3-6 lbs.) and then a day of rest. Seems to work!
What works for you? Let me know! www.agelessbeautypro.com
Monday, April 21, 2008
Review Update: Accent for Cellulite & Face Firming
I am such a guinea pig. I try nearly anything--especially for cellulite! You can read my first post about the Accent treatment. After numerous requests from readers, I've decided to give you an update. I've had a full treatment package of 6+ treatments on my worst cellulite area (front of my thighs) and I'm just starting treatments on the back of my thighs. In addition, I've started treatments for firming my face. Here goes...
The treatments last about 35-45 minutes. They consist of running a radio-frequency "wand" over the area (the cellulite body treatments include two probes: one for liquifying and reducing fat deposits and one for skin firming). Now, I'm going to be honest: They can hurt. The wands get very hot (scorching) and sometimes can cause a very painful moment. I've not had any burns or any telltale signs (except for a few bruises where the wand was run repeatedly over a certain area). If you have an experience practitioner, the hot spots aren't so bad, but be prepared either way.
Did it work? Well yes and no. After my second treatment I saw really noticable results so of course I expected amazing results as I went on. Unfortunately I seemed to pleateau and not until after my 6th treatment (plus a stepped-up exercise routine), did I see more good results. I do drink a ton of water, have a decent diet (no yo-yo weight gains/losses) and I work out nearly daily, still I have noticeable cellulite. This has helped, but I do feel I would need more treatments or at the very least, a solid monthly maintenance plan to keep it at bay.
I've started the treatments on the back of my thighs and I'll keep you posted on how they go--not much noticeable yet.
For the face...my face isn't showing extreme age yet. I do maintenance (Thermage, peels, etc.) to keep sagging and wrinkles away. This treatment is mostly as a preventative measure for me. I do feel these treatments are worth it. I am always told I look at least 10 years younger than I am so I guess what I'm doing is working! These Accent treatment for face firming are not bad. They wand does get hot and there have been a few "ouch" moments, but no lingering problems. Plus they feel pretty good when they are just warm. They leave my face glowing and looking and feeling firmer but this is temporary. I will complete the set of 6 and keep you posted.
All in all, Accent has helped "remove" some of the cellulite from my thighs. I need to complete a full set of 6 on the back to see if it goes better than the front. The pictures they show of results are pretty remarkable and honestly, I wouldn't expect these results, but it does help. However, with hours of appts., thousands of dollars and a bit of pain Accent isn't necessarily the wunderkind I was expecting.
www.agelessbeautypro.com
The treatments last about 35-45 minutes. They consist of running a radio-frequency "wand" over the area (the cellulite body treatments include two probes: one for liquifying and reducing fat deposits and one for skin firming). Now, I'm going to be honest: They can hurt. The wands get very hot (scorching) and sometimes can cause a very painful moment. I've not had any burns or any telltale signs (except for a few bruises where the wand was run repeatedly over a certain area). If you have an experience practitioner, the hot spots aren't so bad, but be prepared either way.
Did it work? Well yes and no. After my second treatment I saw really noticable results so of course I expected amazing results as I went on. Unfortunately I seemed to pleateau and not until after my 6th treatment (plus a stepped-up exercise routine), did I see more good results. I do drink a ton of water, have a decent diet (no yo-yo weight gains/losses) and I work out nearly daily, still I have noticeable cellulite. This has helped, but I do feel I would need more treatments or at the very least, a solid monthly maintenance plan to keep it at bay.
I've started the treatments on the back of my thighs and I'll keep you posted on how they go--not much noticeable yet.
For the face...my face isn't showing extreme age yet. I do maintenance (Thermage, peels, etc.) to keep sagging and wrinkles away. This treatment is mostly as a preventative measure for me. I do feel these treatments are worth it. I am always told I look at least 10 years younger than I am so I guess what I'm doing is working! These Accent treatment for face firming are not bad. They wand does get hot and there have been a few "ouch" moments, but no lingering problems. Plus they feel pretty good when they are just warm. They leave my face glowing and looking and feeling firmer but this is temporary. I will complete the set of 6 and keep you posted.
All in all, Accent has helped "remove" some of the cellulite from my thighs. I need to complete a full set of 6 on the back to see if it goes better than the front. The pictures they show of results are pretty remarkable and honestly, I wouldn't expect these results, but it does help. However, with hours of appts., thousands of dollars and a bit of pain Accent isn't necessarily the wunderkind I was expecting.
www.agelessbeautypro.com
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Review: Leg Master: Thigh Maker or Wallet Breaker?
OK, have you seen this infomercial and been so jazzed by the thought of tight, toned legs in just 13 minutes a day that you’ve reached for a credit card (any card) and grabbed the phone? Yeah, me too! Well, I went with an online purchase, but same difference.
I FINALLY got the thing (I waited a few weeks and was almost going to cancel my order when it magically showed up on my doorstep). After getting my guy to assemble it and hoist it up the stairs to my mini-gym, I was anxious to give it a try.
Here’s the deal…
This thing will rock your thighs into submission. I am pretty fit, but I could barely knock out 13 minutes on this thing the first time around. I was holding the hand-rail for dear life while my thighs quivered and begged for mercy. In a word, it was tough. But tough is good, right? It means it’s working.
It’s been about a month of using this about 2-3 times per week and I do feel some firmness and tone in my inner/outer thighs. Is this due to the Legmaster or the Accent treatments or just my increased treadmill runs? I don’t know, but I do feel a real firmness in my inner thighs that I haven’t had in awhile (those of you who live the jiggly-thigh-life know how hard it is to get those inner thighs toned!)
The caveat (there is always a caveat, isn’t there?) The exercises themselves are pretty dull. After a few minutes on this (even with variations) you’ll be bored. They include a workout, which is pretty decent (only 13 minutes) and challenging. It does, however, require you to get off the Legmaster a few times to do lunges, squats, even ab work and push ups. Of course, if you were doing these all along, would you really need the Legmaster?
At first I was a little disappointed to get a workout with a leg machine that required the old-fashioned lunges and squats in addition to using the machine, but I persisted and I’m happy I did. I really do feel the Legmaster helps, but you could probably get just as good results if you’re very commited to lunges and squats on your own. I’m not.
A last note, the workout dvd mistress is very toned and has a body to aspire to, but the “Fabulous!” that she calls out nearly every other second is a bit much. It’s a bit fake and when you’re legs are shaking and sweat is pouring, you feel anything but.
I FINALLY got the thing (I waited a few weeks and was almost going to cancel my order when it magically showed up on my doorstep). After getting my guy to assemble it and hoist it up the stairs to my mini-gym, I was anxious to give it a try.
Here’s the deal…
This thing will rock your thighs into submission. I am pretty fit, but I could barely knock out 13 minutes on this thing the first time around. I was holding the hand-rail for dear life while my thighs quivered and begged for mercy. In a word, it was tough. But tough is good, right? It means it’s working.
It’s been about a month of using this about 2-3 times per week and I do feel some firmness and tone in my inner/outer thighs. Is this due to the Legmaster or the Accent treatments or just my increased treadmill runs? I don’t know, but I do feel a real firmness in my inner thighs that I haven’t had in awhile (those of you who live the jiggly-thigh-life know how hard it is to get those inner thighs toned!)
The caveat (there is always a caveat, isn’t there?) The exercises themselves are pretty dull. After a few minutes on this (even with variations) you’ll be bored. They include a workout, which is pretty decent (only 13 minutes) and challenging. It does, however, require you to get off the Legmaster a few times to do lunges, squats, even ab work and push ups. Of course, if you were doing these all along, would you really need the Legmaster?
At first I was a little disappointed to get a workout with a leg machine that required the old-fashioned lunges and squats in addition to using the machine, but I persisted and I’m happy I did. I really do feel the Legmaster helps, but you could probably get just as good results if you’re very commited to lunges and squats on your own. I’m not.
A last note, the workout dvd mistress is very toned and has a body to aspire to, but the “Fabulous!” that she calls out nearly every other second is a bit much. It’s a bit fake and when you’re legs are shaking and sweat is pouring, you feel anything but.
UPDATE: Several months later: I ditched the cd workout included with the machine and now hop on it during my workouts. I am SO much stronger now that I can literally do it without holding on (something I thought I'd never do when I first got it). My inner thighs are stronger and more toned but still a far cry from the infomercial promises or photos. All in all, this does work if you work it (and really, what doesn't?)
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