Slim Shapes Anti Cellulite Cream contains herbs that help to prevent fat accumulation, improve blood circulation and boost the antioxidant level of the skin.
Bayberry or the fruits of the Myrica species are noted for their strong antioxidant properties. Studies have revealed that bayberry could strengthen the cutaneous antioxidant defense system. (Alam A, Iqbal M, Saleem M, Ahmed S, Sultana S. “Myrica nagi attenuates cumene hydroperoxide-induced cutaneous oxidative stress and toxicity in Swiss albino mice.” Pharmacol Toxicol. 2000 May;86(5):209-14). Myrica cerifera also improves blood circulation. (Chistokhodova N, Nguyen C, Calvino T, Kachirskaia I, Cinningham G, Howard Miles D. “Antithrombin activity of medicinal plants from central Florida.” J Ethnopharmacol. 2002 Jul;81(2):277-80). The antioxidant and the antithrombin properties of bayberry aid cellulite reduction.
The scientific name of wheat is Triticum vulgare. The oil extracted from the germ of Triticum vulgare, commonly known as wheat germ oil, is a nutrient dense moisturizing agent. Wheat germ oil is a rich source of vitamin E and alpha-linolenic acid. Both vitamin E and alpha-linolenic acid are known for their powerful antioxidant effect. They are especially effective in protecting the tissues from oxidative stress. (Alessandri C, Pignatelli P, Loffredo L, Lenti L, Del Ben M, Carnevale R, Perrone A, Ferro D, Angelico F, Violi F. “Alpha-linolenic acid-rich wheat germ oil decreases oxidative stress and CD40 ligand in patients with mild hypercholesterolemia.” Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2006 Nov;26(11):2577-8). Applying wheat germ oil to cellulite might help to mitigate oxidative stress, which would help to increase blood circulation and improve lipid metabolism, making the skin smoother.
In vitro studies with Cyperus rotundus have demonstrated the antioxidant property of the herb. (Yazdanparast R, Ardestani A. “In vitro antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity of Cyperus rotundus.” J Med Food. 2007 Dec;10(4):667-74). When applied to the part of the skin affected by cellulite, Cyperus rotundus extract might inhibit formation of fatty lumps beneath the skin by inhibiting lipid peroxidation. Studies have revealed the anti-platelet activity of Cyperus rotundus. By reducing platelet aggregation, this medicinal herb helps to improve blood circulation. (Seo EJ, Lee DU, Kwak JH, Lee SM, Kim YS, Jung YS. “Antiplatelet effects of Cyperus rotundus and its component (+)- nootkatone.” J Ethnopharmacol. 2011 Apr 26;135(1):48-54). Increase in blood circulation is a prerequisite for reducing and preventing cellulite development.
Ocimum sanctum or the tulsi plant is used in religious ceremonies in India. It is also revered for its medicinal properties. It is a rich source of alpha-linolenic acid, which helps to reduce body fat. (Suanarunsawat T, Boonnak T, Na Ayutthaya WD, Thirawarapan S. “Anti-hyperlipidemic and cardioprotective effects of Ocimum sanctum L. fixed oil in rats fed a high fat diet.” J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol. 2010;21(4):387-400). The lipid-lowering effect of Ocimum sanctum might benefit people troubled by cellulite. Ocimum sanctum is also noted for its antioxidant properties. It could dissolve the small fatty deposits by reducing lipid peroxidation. (Ramesh B, Satakopan VN. “Antioxidant Activities of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Ocimum sanctum Against Cadmium Induced Toxicity in Rats.” Indian J Clin Biochem. 2010 Jul;25(3):307-10).
Groundnut or peanut is packed with vitamins, minerals, amino acids, essential fatty acids and potent antioxidant phytochemicals. Each peanut seed contains around 42 to 52 percent oil and 25 to 32 percent protein. Peanut oil is one of the best sources of oleic acid and linoleic acid. (Ozcan MM. “Some nutritional characteristics of kernel and oil of peanut.” J Oleo Sci. 2010;59(1):1-5). Both the antioxidant fatty acids are beneficial for the skin. Oleic acid speeds up the topical delivery process, enabling the ingredients in the skin care product to penetrate the skin with ease. (Tanojo H, Boelsma E, Junginger HE, Ponec M, Bodde HE. “In vivo human skin permeability enhancement by oleic acid: a laser Doppler velocimetry study.” J Control Release. 1999 Mar 8;58(1):97-104).
Essential fats are indispensable for the skin. The balanced composition of essential fatty acids in olive oil makes it a popular ingredient in skin care products. It is a source of skin friendly nutrients such as oleic acid, phytosterols, carotenoids and phenol compounds. (Viola P, Viola M. “Virgin olive oil as a fundamental nutritional component and skin protector.” Clin Dermatol. 2009 Mar-Apr;27(2):159-65).
Almond and almond oil helps to smooth the skin. It aids rejuvenation of skin cells. It helps to reduce the levels of low-density lipoproteins or bad fats in the body. Almond oil is even effective in healing scars. (Ahmad Z. “The uses and properties of almond oil.” Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2010 Feb;16(1):10-2).
Piper nigram or black pepper possesses powerful antioxidant properties. The active components in black pepper could suppress lipid peroxidation, which is one of the major causes of cellulite formation. (Liu Y, Yadev VR, Aggarwal BB, Nair MG. “Inhibitory effects of black pepper (Piper nigrum) extracts and compounds on human tumor cell proliferation, cyclooxygenase enzymes, lipid peroxidation and nuclear transcription factor – kappa-B.” Nat Prod Commun. 2010 Aug;5(8):1253-7).
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