The ingredients that really work
With new formulas hitting the market weekly, how do you know
which toning creams actually work? Although there is little scientific proof of
its effects, caffeine is included in nearly all cellulite creams, because
experts believe it increases lipolysis, the breaking down of fat cells into
fatty acids. Caffeine is one of the most effective fat- releasing ingredients,
but it is barely soluble, so the skin has difficulty absorbing it because of
the size and shape of its molecules, explains Lionel de Benetti, Chef scientist
at Clarins. That is why it is often mixed with other natural firmer like sunflower
extract and horse chestnut, as in Clarins High Definition Body Lift, $53, or
cocoa and Yacon (a type of South American potato), which feature in Nuxe Body
Contouring Serum for Embedded Cellulite, $37.
First off,
Biotherm’ s new Firm Corrector
Caffeine aside, there are several new natural actives being
touted as the next big thing in the war against orange peel. First off,
Biotherm’s new Firm Corrector, $60, contains a marine algae called L.Ochroleuca,
which firms cells from within, boosting the collagen fibre framework and
leaving your skin looking taut. It will radically change your shape, but it
will lessen the wobble factor as you walk down the beach. Harnessing more deep-
sea actives, Melvita’s new Algascience Contouring Serum, $44, uses three types
of algae to target fat cells around the clock. Or, for a two- pronged approach,
Weleda’s Birch Cellulite Oil, $30.4, used twice daily alongside a dose of
Weleda Birch Juice, $15, a detoxifying elixir of organic silver birch leaves,
will cleanse your system and smooth skin at the same time.
If a lack of curves is your main beach- body bugbear, Pupa
Buttock Enhancer, $59, promises a Beyonce- style booty in a bottle. The hero
ingredient, Volufiline, is extracted from the Asian gardenia plant and works by
boosting the storage of lipids in the adipose (fat) cells to plump them up. In
clinical tests, buttocks were lifted by as much as 1.2cm in eight weeks.
The new and improved way to Body Brush
There is a good reason why beauty editors rave about body
brushing. No matter what your shape or size, it will quickly make your skin
feel firmer and appear smoother. Dry brushing each morning, working upwards
from the soles of your feet in long, sweeping movements towards your heart,
really gives your lymph system a physical boost, which in turn increases the
amount of cellular debris and waste matter it carries out of your body, explain
Liz Earle, co- founder of the Liz Earle beauty company. Try the Elemis Skin
Brush, $28. Its detachable handle means you can easily tuck it away in your
holiday wash bag.
Try the Elemis Skin
Brush
For a 21st century take on the technique at a
sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second which makes it the busy
girl’s body- brushing secret weapon. Not only will it stimulate the lymph system
in the way normal brushing does, it also sloughs away the top surface of dead
skin cells at a rate of knots, so the fat- busting actives in your chosen
toning cream will be absorbed far deeper into the skin and, hence, get to work
on stubborn cellulite quicker. It is also the perfect skin prep to do before
applying fake tan
Nathalie Bomgren model and bodyism trainer
Nathalie claims
the exercises to be quick and addictive
Foodie tip
Before a photo shoot, I always drink a lot of freshly
squeezed vegetable juices to flush out my system and detox. My favourite
slimming blend is a smoothie made of celery, cucumber, spinach and ginger.
Insider secret
Walking lunges are easy to do in the park or in your living
room. Take a large step forwards and go into a lunge position, keeping a sharp
90- degree candle on both knees. Push away from your hell and take a large step
forwards and go into a lunge with your other leg. Repeat 15 times on each
side.
Workout tip
The week before a photo shoot, I will try to train twice a
day. I like to walk or do interval training in the park for 60 minutes and then
do yoga or a 50- minutes session at the gym.
Top treat
Have a deep tissue massage every month to get your
circulation going and soothe any aches and pains. I go to Tania at Neville Hair
& Beauty in London- she has magic hands!
Denise Johns Team GB Vollerball pro
Denise Johns Team
GB Vollerball pro
Workout tip
To tone your bum fast do a Pilates move called ‘clams’. Lie
on your side with your bottom arm stretched out and knees bent at a right
angle, then, raise your top leg open like a clam shell, keeping your feet
together. Do it 12 times on each side, five days a week.
To product
Clinique Deep Comfort Body Moisture, $26.7, gives instant
moisture, smoothes the skin and sinks straight in, so the sand does not stick
to me when I am exercising.
Foodie tip
Eat carbs early in the day, lots of protein after exercise
and greens with every meal.
Insider secret
Jog on the beach. It burns up to 1.6 times more calories
depending on how deep the sand is.
