DAYSPA is the magazine of spa management. Spa owners and spa managers turn to DAYSPA for spa management trends, spa management tips and more.
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What triggers cellulite formation is not completely understood. It is more likely to occur with aging, when the skin loses elasticity. Weight gain can result in cellulite. Estrogen, insulin, noradrenalin and thyroid hormones may also contribute to cellulite production. Genetic markers related to metabolism, poor circulation and/or tendencies toward distribution of fat under the surface of the skin all factor into cellulite formation. Unhealthy diets and sedentary lifestyles may also contribute to the condition. High-tech equipment and medical procedures to combat cellulite are constantly in development. However, you don't need a fancy new machine or an on-staff MD to help clients beat the battle of this particular type of bulge. There are dozens of topical treatments available for in-spa services and to stock on your retail shelves. To get the skinny on exactly how they function, DAYSPA asked some companies that make them to talk about the most effective cellulite-fighting ingredients, both brand-new and tried-and-true, in today's topical arsenal. Plus, we've grilled a couple of spa owners about how they use and promote these sveltifying must-haves. Read on—it's smooth sailing ahead! Sleek ret Agents Many ingredients that help reduce the appearance of cellulite originate in plant and sea life. For all its products, Phytomer calls on sea grape extract, a buckwheat family fruit that grows on flowering seaside plants, and helps to rebalance the messages that genes send to fat cells and fibroblasts—those cells found within connective tissue that secrete collagen. "Fat cells receive too many messages to store fat, and not enough messages to burn it," says Angela Eriksen-Stanley, Phytomer's director of education. "This leads to expanded fat cells that create a disorganized subcutaneous layer in which clusters of fat create a dimpled surface on the skin. Left to their own devices, fibroblasts don't receive enough messages to produce collagen IV, the type of collagen that keeps those fatty clusters organized and structured." Sea grape might be considered a "message facilitator." Other key ingredients: halopteris scoparia, a brown seaweed extract that further stimulates the 72 DAYSPA | APRIL 2013 SEA GRAPE EXTRACT Many ingredients that help reduce the appearance of cellulite originate in plant and sea life. synthesis of collagen fibers for firm and toned tissue, says Eriksen-Stanley, and palmaria palmate, a red seaweed that boosts blood circulation into cellulite (which is typically oxygen- and nutrientdeprived), and helps to drain excess fluid trapped in adipose tissue. These ingredients are all put to use in Phytomer's Acti-Gene Contour Cellulite-Reducing Bi-Gel. Marine algae and guarana, a plant in the maple family, are key ingredients in pronalen firming, a proprietary herbal complex that helps to metabolize fat cells. Myriceline, a flavonol derived from the southern bayberry, reduces lipid storage, discourages new lipid deposits and activates destruction of accumulated fat. These two ingredients join forces in Environ's Body Profile Gel. Master educator Candace Noonan explains that the gel should be used twice a day at home, as well as during professional treatment. "We can enhance its effectiveness in a spa wrap treatment," says Noonan. "Heat softens and swells the skin to afford maximum absorption. With both home and in-spa application, these ingredients can improve the look, feel and appearance of the skin." Seaweed was one of the earliest discoveries in the fight against cellulite and, as mentioned, it is still used in many of today's formulations. Now, however, it's combined with other ingredients to create powerhouse formulas, notes Guinot's director of education, Elizabeth Murchison. "Seaweed, enzymes, caffeine and vitamin E are still some of the best ingredients, especially when joined together," she says. Guinot offers its Double Slimming Targeted Treatment for recently formed cellulite, and Silhouette Refining Stubborn Cellulite Gel for the more persistent variety. Caffeine is another commonly used cellulite buster. "When applied to affected areas, it speeds © THINKSTOCK/ISTOCKPHOTO SHAPING THE FUTURE