Oh, cellulite.
Our genetics are the biggest cause of cellulite. Exercise, diet, hormones, laxity of the connective tissue, and our overall lifestyle can attribute to the expression of cellulite.
If we want to create a smooth silhouette, what can we do? Let’s talk technology first.
They’re have been many medical treatments that have provided some good results, but mostly have been disappointing and costly. Two new machines that came out this year have some promise, but time will tell if they can create anything more than temporary results.
Stubborn Toxins
Most treatments use a vacuum feature that creates swelling which only delivers a temporary result. It can be beneficial by creating a “detox” of the area and better circulation, but there are many ways to create this on your own via exercise, saunas, massage, etc. The homecare massager “Body Belle,” is an amazing way to boost blood and lymphatic flow. It also stretches the fibrous tissue to improve elasticity. This strengthening of the connective tissue is key.
Dermal Bonding
When the skin on our body looses elasticity and the connection between all the layers weaken, cellulite looks it’s worst! We need to strengthen the relationship between all the layers. Stretching, yoga and Pilates can really help. I target this factor at my clinic by mixing radio frequency skin tightening treatments with CIT collagen building treatments to get the skin pillowy and youthful looking.
Daily Rituals
Exfoliating on a daily basis in the shower is essential. It wakens up the skin, and preps it for the topicals you apply during your morning beauty ritual. You can use the body brush head on your clarisonic or you can get create your own homemade sugar scrubs. Add a little rosemary oil to your recipe for blood flow. The one skincare line for the body that I’ve seen deliver real results is called Kayo. Their Concentrated Slimming Serum creates not only amazing instant results, but also truly accumulative benefits. The Vitamin Boost is essential for rebuilding the skin. For a supportive supplement, I love ATP by Meehan Formulations. This formulation keeps your body clean and fine-tuned by energizing your cells and keeps you fit on a truly molecular level.
Hormones
Cellulite can be related to hormone imbalances, specifically an excess of estrogen and a deficiency in progesterone. It’s so important for women to get their hormones checked regularly. It has an astronomical effect on our skin. You can create a hormone-balanced climate through naturopathy and even easy diet changes. Other internal contributors to cellulite are low thyroid, adrenal dysfunction, and blood sugar imbalance.
Cellulite can be a telling sign that we need to shift things in our whole-body health routine. Giving some extra love to ourselves is a priceless investment on our path to living our most vital life. Empowering our bodies empowers our lives.
Image via LVBX Magazine
THE WANDERING AESTHETIC: ON BUILDING A TRAVEL BEAUTY ROUTINE
Planning to get away this weekend? Whether you're globe trotting or a quick road trip, it’s important to prepare your wandering beauty routine.
PREPARATION
First, make sure to eat healthy a few days before you leave. Eat lots of leafy greens and stay away from foods and drinks high in sodium and carbohydrates that will dehydrate your skin.
Try and book a hydrating facial a day or two before you depart. No treatments that entail heat or heavy exfoliation. Oxygen infusions, LED, hyaluronic and peptide masks are go-to treatments at my practice.
If you want to pack light, coconut oil is a great option. Although I’m not a fan of frequent use of coconut oil on the skin, you can apply this head to toe as your moisturizer, use as a cleanser, a lip balm, and apply to the tips of your hair if you need some extra conditioning.
Cleansing wipes are great for the late lazy night when you don’t want to have to take the time to wash your face.
Remember to pack your probiotics! Keeping your gut clean while you travel will make your skin happy. Or you can eat foods with probiotics and drink organic probiotic drinks.
For a simple and fun make-up look, go for a bright lip color, mascara and a bronzer with SPF. I prefer powered SPF when I travel. I don’t have to deal with reapplying layers of cream and I don’t have to worry about the powder getting hot and breakings down like liquid sun protection.
Leave your harsh products at home. Strong glycolics, retinols, etc. These don’t travel well and can make you more sun sensitive. If you have sensitive skin its good to discontinue these products a few days prior to your departure.
EN ROUTE
If you’re flying, try and stay away from alcohol, but if you have to take the edge off, order a greyhound. The grapefruit helps to keep you face from getting puffy.
Apply a good occlusive hydrator as soon as you buckle up. This will prevent your skin drying out via the strong air conditioning.
Pack a skin-friendly satin pillowcase in your carry on. This way, if you want to rest your cheek on the headrest, or the airplane pillow, you can make sure your skin stays clean and no harsh irritants from the fabrics will bother your skin or cause a breakout. You can also replace the hotel pillowcase with yours during your stay. Stiff, cheap pillowcases can be rough on your hair and skin.
Try and listen to soothing music or a guided mediation on your way to your destination. Skin doesn’t like stress! I always travel with my favorite lavender oil. I put a drop on the bottom of my neck. This way I only smell something beautiful, this is especially helpful when you’re in tight quarters with other travelers.
BUMPS IN THE ROAD
I’ve had patients call me in a panic that have used eye masks that made their eyes swell or ate something that made their face swell up. If this happens take a Benadryl and use cold compresses that you can chill in your hotel ice bucket.
If you’re going to have drinks with limes in them, be careful not to get lime juice on your hands or skin and then exposing it to the sun. Some people can hyperpigment from this.
Too much sun? Chill some aloe vera gel and keep reapplying. Make a cool bath for yourself, even add ice. Get an oatmeal soothing bath mix from the drug store or you can add a cup of apple cider vinegar. You will feel instant relief.
If you find yourself jet lagged and bored in the middle of the night, try not to sit in front of that high intensity magnifying mirror and get too excited extracting every pore. If you do, make sure to apply an anti-bacterial gel so you don’t cause a major break out.
Wishing you all safe travels, and remember to leave beauty wherever you go!
Mia Belle
Photo courtesy of LVBX Magazine!
Vaginal Rejuvenation, it’s not what you think it is. Know the whole story.
There are multiple treatments out there that are referred to as “vaginal rejuvenation,” but it may not be what you think.
At my clinic, I have created a protocol for my patients that combines muscle fitness with a medical device called Thermiva. This treatment creates amazing health and aesthetic benefits for women without being invasive. There is no recuperation period and no downtime. This protocol is an amazing and life-changing alternative to antibiotics, surgery, synthetic lubrication, painful sex, midnight trips to the drugstore, and countless hours at the doctor’s office.
Unfortunately, there has been a lot of misinformation regarding vaginal rejuvenation. The treatment I offer is not about “body shaming” women. This treatment provides women with an empowering and non-surgical option to relieve them of a variety of feminine issues.
Many women have issues pertaining to vaginal and bladder health and are given few to no result driven options. In fact, even the discussion of these issues is laden with shame and judgment. But why? We make sure to take care of our teeth and gums, keep toned by going to the gym, get facials, etc. Why do we shy away from giving extra care to one of the most important parts of our bodies? Sexual activity, periods, nutrition, hormones, clothing, detergent, exercise – pretty much all we do has a direct effect on our lady parts.
Keeping the vagina, internally and the vulva externally, strong and healthy can prevent and reverse the following issues:
–Urinary incontinence
–Urinary tract infections
–Yeast infections
–Bladder prolapse
–Lack of desired lubrication
–Orgasmic disorders
–Nerve sensation
–BV: Bacterial vaginosis
–Vaginal laxity
–Difficulty retaining tampons
–Pelvic prolapse
How it works: Thermiva uses radiofrequency energy to gently heat the tissue to rejuvenate, heal, and strengthen the vagina. We can restore the area to health and create an improved quality of life instead of just masking the symptoms. Thermiva is extremely safe and has many years of proven clinical results.
The patented, disposable hand piece is specifically designed to treat the vagina and vulvar structure without any discomfort. Treatment time varies from 30-45 minutes. Most of my patients just feel heat and light pressure. Many find it relaxing and are very excited with their instant results resulting from their first treatment. The treatment protocol I have designed which has led to the most desirable results is 3 treatments spaced a month apart. Upkeep is yearly, although some patients will come back 6-9 months later to treat the vulva for aesthetic reasons.
I am so proud to be able to provide such an important breakthrough for women’s health. I have always been a passionate women’s health advocate and I want women to know that there is no need to live with pain, discomfort, or a limited lifestyle any more. Reach out to us or another knowledgeable provider to get information about Thermiva and the help you deserve. Being a woman is a beautiful thing!
Photo courtesy of LiveBoxMag
