Fashion and Image

Understanding Cellulite Posted on Health and Fitness What is Cellulite? Cellulite is a common yet often misunderstood condition that primarily affects women. It manifests as dimpled, lumpy skin on areas like the thighs, buttocks, and abdomen. Although it’s a natural phenomenon, the appearance of cellulite can be a source of concern for many people. How is Cellulite Formed? Cellulite forms when fat deposits push through the connective tissue beneath the skin; think of a squish toy covered in the net. If the toy gets squished, it pushes through the net in the form of little lumps. These little lumps are seen as cellulite through the skin. Several factors contribute to its development: Genetics: Your genes can determine how your body stores fat and how susceptible you are to cellulite. Hormones: Hormonal changes, particularly in estrogen levels, play a crucial role in cellulite formation. Estrogen can influence fat distribution, blood circulation, and the skin’s structural integrity. Lifestyle Factors: Poor diet, lack of physical activity, dehydration, and smoking can exacerbate cellulite. These factors affect the skin’s health, circulation, and fat storage. Age: As you age, your skin loses elasticity and becomes thinner, making cellulite more noticeable. Weight Changes: Significant fluctuations in weight can stretch and weaken the connective tissue, making cellulite more visible. Effective Treatments for Cellulite Please note while there is no permanent cure for cellulite, several treatments can help reduce its appearance: Topical Treatments: Creams and lotions containing caffeine, retinol, and other active ingredients can temporarily tighten the skin and improve its texture. However, these effects are often short-lived if not used continuously and in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle. We love Environs Contouring cream: This lightweight and quick absorbing contouring cream, when gently massaged into the skin, assists in visibly improving the appearance of dimpled, unevenly textured and lax skin, targeting areas such as the jawline, upper arms, abdomen, buttocks, thighs and knees. It also assists to protect the skin from free-radical damage. The skin looks and feels more hydrated, silky and nourished. Massage Therapy: Techniques like lymphatic drainage massage and dry brushing can improve circulation and reduce fluid retention, making cellulite less noticeable. Diet and Exercise: Maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise routine can help reduce body fat and improve muscle tone, which may minimise the appearance of cellulite. Exercise like massage also improves circulation. Laser and Radiofrequency Treatments: These non-invasive procedures use energy to heat the skin, stimulate collagen production, and break down fat cells. They can provide longer-lasting results compared to topical treatments. Subcision: A minor surgical procedure that involves inserting a needle under the skin to break up the fibrous bands causing the dimpled appearance. This treatment can offer significant improvements, but it’s more invasive. Acoustic Wave Therapy: This method uses sound waves to break up the fibrous bands and stimulate collagen production, improving skin texture and elasticity. Conclusion Cellulite is a natural part of the human body, and while it cannot be eliminated, various treatments can help reduce its appearance. Embracing a healthy lifestyle and considering professional treatments can lead to noticeable improvements. Remember, beauty is diverse, and cellulite is just one of the many aspects that make us unique. I hope you find this article helpful! If you have any other questions or need more information, feel free to ask. Suggested Articles You May Also Like Processed vs Ultra Processed Foods Processed vs Ultra Processed Foods • December 30, 2024 • No Comments Processed vs Ultra Processed Foods Posted on Charlene Hartung, Curated Understanding the categories of processed … Wise Words Wise Words • November 5, 2024 • No Comments Wise Words Posted on Charlene Hartung, Curated Suggested Articles You May Also Like Processed vs … Charlie’s Favorite Things Charlie’s Favorite Things • November 5, 2024 • No Comments Charlie’s Favorite Things Posted on Charlene Hartung, Curated This month, I have three delightful things … Book Review: Spare By Prince Harry Book Review: Spare By Prince Harry • November 5, 2024 • No Comments Book Review: Spare By Prince Harry Posted on Charlene Hartung, Curated “Spare” is the memoir … 1 2 Next »

Part 2: Pigmentation Posted on Fashion and Image In our previous article on pigmentation, we discussed what pigmentation is and the different causes of pigmentation. If you have pigmentation and have already identified the type of pigmentation it is, all you’re probably thinking is … tell me how to get rid of it. I wish I could sit here and tell you there is one magic potion that will help; put it on, go to sleep, and you wake up spot-free tomorrow morning. On the contrary, treating pigmentation requires patience and diligence. If you are still unsure what type of pigmentation you have, consult your skincare therapist to assist you with determining the type of pigmentation and the best possible treatment that would best suit your lifestyle and your pocket. It would be a good start if not on professional products or a good home care routine. Ask your skin professional for products containing vitamin C (good for lightening and brightening and a good antioxidant), low levels of vitamin A, Niacinamide, etc. Introduce low levels of acids such as glycolic and lactic acid to help with exfoliation and, thus, cell turnover. The most important thing is a good broad-spectrum SPF; by using it religiously, you can already reduce pigmentation, especially post-inflammatory pigmentation, and prevent pigmentation from getting worse. You have to get your skin to perform optimally before progressing to any intensive treatments and or products, if your barrier is not healthy you could do more harm than good. Another vital ingredient to have in your products for daily use is a tyrosinase inhibitor such as kojic acid, ascorbic acid, resorcinol, or thiamidol. Many skincare ranges have their own patented tyrosinase inhibitors, which can be new ingredients or a combination of a few. A tyrosinase inhibitor is key to this journey as it basically prevents your skin/melanocytes from making any pigment/melanin. And as always, Mother Nature doesn’t disappoint. Use unsaturated fatty acids found in natural oils such as avocado oil, argan oil, grapeseed oil or evening primrose oil; there are loads more, but remember to see better results by combining these natural oils with at least a medium-strength tyrosinase inhibitor. Now that you’re doing all you can at home start with a series of advanced aesthetic treatments such as chemical peels, microneedling or laser. At the same time, you are on the tyrosinase inhibitor to help resurface and produce new cells. Remember to adhere to strict aftercare and homecare when undergoing these advanced treatments; remember the aim is a healthy barrier and glowing skin ???? Suggested Articles You May Also Like Charlie’s Favorite Things • November 5, 2024 • No Comments Charlie’s Favorite Things Posted on Charlene Hartung, Curated This month, I have three delightful things … Book Review: Spare By Prince Harry • November 5, 2024 • No Comments Book Review: Spare By Prince Harry Posted on Charlene Hartung, Curated “Spare” is the memoir … Navigating Loss • November 5, 2024 • No Comments Navigating Loss Posted on Curated, Guest Contributions My father was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate … Processed vs Ultra Processed Foods • October 4, 2024 • No Comments Processed vs Ultra Processed Foods Posted on Charlene Hartung, Curated Understanding the categories of processed … 1 2 3 … 5 Next »

Pigmentation refers to the colouration of your skin, hair and eyes. Our epidermis has specialised cells called melanocytes, which act as little factories producing melanin. We have two types of melanin in our skins: eumelanin, which is a brown/black pigment of your skin, h and Pheomelanin, which is a yellowish-red pigment. Variations of skin colour depend on the amount and functioning of your melanocytes/pigment factories.

Style: How to Wear a Blazer Posted on Fashion and Image You’re a “mom on the go” and wish you could also wear a blazer. As I am also a mom of 3, I know (between breastfeeding, driving to school, kids eating lunch and getting dressed in the car for the next activity, driving back and forth) some of the struggles is real trying to decide whether you will stay in your activewear the whole day or make the effort and change into a more stylish outfit.I actually really love blazers. I would have loved to wear a very glamorous outfit with a blazer and high heels every day, but since that is not quite possible now with my current lifestyle, I just incorporated a few changes so that I can still have a similar look but a bit more casual. Since a blazer is a very sophisticated item, the trick is to KEEP the rest of your outfit as plain/casual as possible. I will share my personal top 5 tips on How to wear a blazer more casually: 1. Wear it with sneakersThis is probably my biggest tip that will, in an instant, change the whole outfit into a casual one 2. Pair it with a jeanOpt for a light wash jeans rather than a dark jean as it is a more casual option. 3. Wear a t-shirt underneathMy favourite is a plain white t-shirt….but for an even more casual look, you can add a graphic/printed t-shirt. 4. unbuttoned and Cinch/roll up the sleevesA blazer will instantly look more casual when kept unbuttoned. 5. Keep the accessories plain.Just a stud earring and maybe a thin small necklace will keep the outfit casual (a crossbody bag will also give a more relaxed look) Suggested Articles You May Also Like Charlie’s Favorite Things • November 5, 2024 • No Comments Charlie’s Favorite Things Posted on Charlene Hartung, Curated This month, I have three delightful things … Book Review: Spare By Prince Harry • November 5, 2024 • No Comments Book Review: Spare By Prince Harry Posted on Charlene Hartung, Curated “Spare” is the memoir … Navigating Loss • November 5, 2024 • No Comments Navigating Loss Posted on Curated, Guest Contributions My father was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate … Understanding Cellulite • November 5, 2024 • No Comments Understanding Cellulite Posted on Health and Fitness What is Cellulite? Cellulite is a common yet … 1 2 3 … 5 Next »

Lets Talk Wide Leg Jeans and How to Style Them Posted on Fashion and Image Wide-leg jeans continue to trend, which means there are many different styles to choose from: high rise, low rise, cropped, relaxed fit, curvy fit, dark wash, etc. It all depends on what type of look you are going for and what suits your body. Last week, I saw a variety of wide legs. You can buy jeans at Cotton on Dunes Mall if you want to test out a few to see which type fits you best. Because the Wide leg already adds quite a lot of volume at the lower part of your body, it can be a bit challenging to wear it in the winter. You would probably also want to wear a few layers on the top part without looking too bulky all over. I will share with you how I would style my wide-leg jeans this winter….. BASE So, for a start, I would go for a fitted Wide leg; by this, I mean’s more fitted than a relaxed, the area around your waist that loose fit. Then, for the top part, I would try to stick with one of the rules I almost always follow, and this is to keep the outfit balanced by wearing a tight/fitted top if the lower part is bulky and vice versa. And then, I will definitely tuck in the top; I think this is probably the most important thing for me as it defines the waist, further elongates the legs and just overall gives a well-polished look. SHOES My first choice would be a nude pointed shoe/boots with a little bit of a heel, or if I can’t wear a heel, then a flat pump, also nude with a pointed or square type of toe. (When wearing flats just be careful for a bulging effect at the lower leg.) THE LAYER PIECE I would choose a structured blazer or even a cropped leather jacket to wear over the top/sweater. For a second look, I would try wearing a coat with a wide leg. This can be a more daring look to pull off, But I will once again keep the coat structured, especially at the shoulders and waist; I would also keep the coat open so that you can still see that defined waist (see photo below). To play it safe, I would go for a wide leg and a coat that’s almost the same colour so that the line where the coat stops isn’t so obvious and doesn’t cut off my body at the wrong place. Hope you enjoyed this and that it inspired you a little bit. Until next time.  Suggested Articles You May Also Like Charlie’s Favorite Things • November 5, 2024 • No Comments Charlie’s Favorite Things Posted on Charlene Hartung, Curated This month, I have three delightful things … Book Review: Spare By Prince Harry • November 5, 2024 • No Comments Book Review: Spare By Prince Harry Posted on Charlene Hartung, Curated “Spare” is the memoir … Navigating Loss • November 5, 2024 • No Comments Navigating Loss Posted on Curated, Guest Contributions My father was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate … Understanding Cellulite • November 5, 2024 • No Comments Understanding Cellulite Posted on Health and Fitness What is Cellulite? Cellulite is a common yet … 1 2 3 … 5 Next »