The natural oils and acids together with it’s caffeine content have been shown to make an effective remedy against cellulite. Cosmetics manufacturers have even started using it in their anti-cellulite products as well as other skin care ranges but is it possible to make your own cellulite treatments at home?

Anti-Cellulite Exfoliating Scrub

Take a hand full of used ground coffee and mix with a few pinches of sea salt. To bind the ingredients together and moisturise the skin, add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Massage the scrub into your skin using a circular motion before rinsing with warm water.

Coffee Body Scrub

To make your cellulite body scrub you need to grind a hand full of whole organic coffee into a fine powder and mix with about twice as much brown sugar. Then mix this powder mixture with sweet almond oil until it forms a paste. You can also add a couple of drops of vanilla extract and and vanilla essential oil.

After being stored in the fridge for at least two weeks, the coffee rub is ready to use. Simply massage in to the skin using circular motions and then rinse thoroughly with warm water.

How does it work?

Poor circulation means that your body cannot get rid of toxins and excess water in the body that can lead to cellulite. When applied to the skin, caffeine acts as a stimulant to increase blood flow throughout the body.

Alternatives

If you don’t fancy the idea of scrubbing yourself with coffee, why not take a look at one of the latest cellulite treatments, Slendex Anti-Cellulite Crackle Mousse. Developed by pharmacists in the UK, it contains 3 active ingredients to remove & prevent the fatty deposits that cause cellulite.

Har Vokse is one such product from Norway. It has received massive press coverage with the large majority positive.

What is Hår Vokse?

Har Vokse uses two products that are designed to be used together and promises new growth and thicker hair.

Hår Vokse Hair Regrowth Spray

A healthy scalp means healthy hair so this regrowth spray works by cleaning the skin on the scalp and nourishes hair roots. This spray should be applied to damp hair twice a day.

Hår Vokse Hair Supplement

Ingredients contained in the supplement promote thick and shiny hair regrowth and nourish & condition from the inside. You can take 1-2 supplements per day before meals depending on how your hair re-growth is progressing.

While it is possible to use either product on their own, the makers have designed them to work together for best results.

You might have seen similar promises advertised on the back pages of the sports section in the papers but how well does HarVokse actually work?

What ingredients cause hair regrowth?

All of the ingredients in the Hår Vokse products are natural and organic with the following 6 being the main components;

Zinc Gluconate – This naturally occurring ingredient has been used for hundreds of years for it’s ability to heal wounds and more recently to treat acne. It’s essential for healthy skin and therefore people with low levels of zinc serum can develop Alopecia (hair loss). Many studies have shown that Zinc Gluconate can assist people who have Alopecia to trigger fresh hair growth.

Green Coffee Extract – Since being featured on the American Dr Oz show, green coffee extract has become a weight loss sensation but its effects on hair growth are not as well known. Studies suggest that the powerful antioxidants in green coffee extract inhibits the production of chemicals within the body that cause hair loss. This extract is made from the coffee beans before they are roasted which is why it’s called ‘green’.

Marine Polysaccharides – Leading pharmacy clinicians in Norway, discovered that this fish protein, when mixed with vitamins, can regulate the exchange of nutrients & minerals between the scalp & hair follicles. Since hair is composed of approximately 88 percent keratin protein it takes good, healthy sources of protein to make great healthy hair. Leading experts even recommend protein supplements or protein rich shampoo for healthy strong hair.

Centella Asiatica – This small, herbaceous plant is native to parts of Asia where it is considered quite nutritious and used for it’s antioxidant properties, treating skin conditions and even reduce cellulite. It has also been shown to increase the tensile strength of skin as well as promoting hair and nail growth.

Grape Seed Extract – This strong antioxidant protects the cells of hair roots and keeps them from coming out. Anti-aging skin creams often use this ingredient for its skin growth and regeneration properties because of its proven ability to encourage blood flow in the scalp and push blood to the hair follicles.

Amino Acids – Two different amino acids are included in Har Vokse. L’cysteine and l’methionine have been shown to have a protective effect on human hair follicle growth by bolstering the circulation of nutrients inside the roots of the hair.

Hår Vokse Bad Points

• Since this hair growth product has only recently become available in the UK there are very few reviews written in English
• While effective in the early stages of hereditary hair loss it’s not recommended for those who are already completely bald

Good Points

• Made from natural ingredients
• Completely safe to use with no side-effects of HarVoske
• Hair growth results are supported by studies
• Works for both men and women
• Does not cause undesired hair growth on the body
• Worldwide shipping

Hår Vokse Review Verdict

Hår Vokse claim that you should see noticeable results within 8-12 weeks however some testimonials suggest that it could take as little as 2 weeks! The impressive list of ingredients supports these claims with many of them already used in hair growth products but never before in combination together.

Losing hair can damage confidence, lower self esteem, causing anxiety, stress and even depression so why not regain control and restore your hair’s former glory? This is one of the only clinically proven solutions to both prevent hair loss and stimulate re-growth.

Where to buy Hår Vokse?

Since it’s launch, Hår Vokse is only available from it’s official website which has UK or worldwide shipping. Several packages are currently available with the two products bought together currently on offer at £59.90.

We have reviewed many of the best cellulite creams and even appetite suppressants but did you know that a growing number of experts agree that cellulite can be significantly reduced by eating certain foods?

Cellulite is a sign that your body is polluted which results in a build up of fatty deposits and toxic by-products of the food we eat.

Food you should eat

Foods that are high in concentrated fats or carbohydrates can slow the digestion of protein. This can lead to a build up of wastes and toxins in the body and therefore increase cellulite. You should for example, try to avoid eating pasta with chicken in the same meal.

Raw foods retain all their nutrients so if you want the most benefit from fruit and vegetables try to avoid any cooking. Peppers, tomatoes, cabbage, parsley and citrus fruits are all excellent raw plus they all help strengthen capillaries and so prevent the orange peel effect.

Certain berries contain high levels of antioxidants which help to flush the body from cellulite causing toxins. Next time you are shopping, pick up some raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, cranberries or blackberries.

Bananas and mangoes are renowned for boosting blood flow, which helps prevent cellulite so stick some of them on your shopping list too.

Some foods can help to reduce the amount of water retained in the body. Drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water a day is always good for cellulite but you don’t want it to cause bloating. To prevent this, try eating more cucumber, celery, onions and especially asparagus.

Not all fatty foods are bad for cellulite. Oily fish, nuts and seeds contain fatty acids, which help your body to metabolise fat.

Top 5 food tips to reduce cellulite

• Avoid eating concentrated fats or carbohydrates together with protein rich foods
• Raw fruit, vegetables and salads
• Oily fish, nuts and seeds
• Bananas and mangoes
• Cucumber, celery, onions and asparagus

As well as these top 5 food tips you should also drink lots of water to flush out toxins stored in fat tissues.

The dimpled appearance of the skin caused by fat deposits or lipid droplets that are just below the surface of the skin. Along with Liposuction and expesive surgery there are numerous therapies for the treatment of cellulite available but most don’t work.

Is this review we take a look to see if the celebrity endorsed Slendex is any different.

What is Slendex?

If you have done any amount of research in to Slendex online then you might be left wondering exactly what is Slendex. The official website actually sells two products, both aimed at reducing cellulite but in very different ways.

Slendex Anti-Cellulite Crackle Mousse

Slendex Cellulite mousse has been developed by pharmacists in the UK and contains several key ingredients that include Chlorella Vulgaris (Microalgae) Extract, Aesculus Hippocastanum (Horse Chestnut) Extract, Schinus terebinthifolius (Pink Pepper) Seed Extract, Palmaria Palmata (Red Algae) Extract and Caffeine. It works using combination with Pink Pepper Extract, Red Algae Extract and Microalgae extract to target cellulite.

Biokonja Appetite Control

Although not designed to directly reduce cellulite, Biokonja Appetite Control is sold together with Crackle Mousse to aid weight loss as an appetite suppressant.

Its ingredients include Glucomannan which is the fiber derived from the root of the Konjac plant. Often used in weight loss pills, this ingredient can promote a feeling of fullness, decrease appetite and can inhibit cholesterol absorption.

The other main active ingredient is the less proven Niacin. Also known as also known as vitamin B3, this natural ingredient helps regulate metabolism that can lead to weight loss.

How does Slendex Crackle Mousse Work?

Firstly, it’s called ‘crackle’ because it literally provides a pleasant ‘fizzing’ effect that begins to tone the skin.
The mousse should be applied twice a day by massaging it into those problem areas such as thighs and hips and let the active ingredients get to work;

Pink Pepper Extract – the effects of pepper extract as a fat burner are well known and used to good effect in diet pills.

Red Algae Extract – this natural ingredient promotes micro-circulation and reduces excess water retention. This is exactly why you will often see it used in spa treatments.

Microalgae Extract – restructures the skin to enhance firming and smooth out the orange peel effect associated with cellulite.

These three active ingredients are designed to work together to break down the fat that cause cellulite. This means that skin is not only left smoother and more toned but you also lose weight at the same time. Its often hard to work the parts of the body effected by cellulite and extra fat. Areas like the tummy, thighs and hips can be targeted as you apply the mousse.

Advantages over similar products

• No greasy residue, the mousse is completely absorbed into the skin
• Recommended by celebrities Billie Faiers and Debra Stephenson

Slendex Verdict

If you are looking for an appetite control product to help to loose weight as part of your cellulite reduction, there are cheaper and more effective solutions out there. The ingredient Niacin for example, has been linked to insulin resistance and can even cause weight gain in some people.

The Slendex Crackle Mousse is not proven to work but comes with backing from celebrities that include Billie Faiers and Debra Stephenson.

Where to buy Slendex

Currently, the only place to buy Slendex if from their official website. Order today and your Cellulite treatment will take 3-5 working days to arrive in the UK and up to 15 days for the rest of the world.

Their range of products use light therapy to treat acne, pain relief or even the signs of aging. In this review we look at the Zap and Clear+ to see if they are as effective as the best acne creams and serums.

Tända Clear+

The Tanda Clear+ is different to other acne light treatments like the LMS Spotlight because it uses a combination of blue light together with sonic vibration and gentle warming.

Blue LED light has been clinically proven to kill the bacteria that causes acne by using a phototoxic effect. When used with sonic vibration and heat, the skin pores open up so the bacteria have no where to hide.

With a large 16.7cm² treatment area, the Clear+ device can be used on lots of spots at the same time. There are no known harmful side effects of LED light therapy so it doesn’t matter if the treatment areas overlap.

Good Points

• works for all skin types
• Most people see results within 1-2 weeks
• no known harmful side effects of light therapy
• treatment heads can be easily cleaned between uses

Bad Points

• The large head of the Tanda Clear+ doesn’t contour well to the forehead area
• Not recommend for deeper, more cystic acne
• You will need to charge the built in battery every 4-5 days

For best results you should cleanse your skin and use the Tanda Clear+ for 3 minutes on the affected area twice a day. Although most people see results after 1-2 weeks it is possible to see improvements to your complexion in just 24 hours!

Because the blue light kills the bacteria that causes acne, if used as part of your daily skincare routine, you can prevent future breakouts entirely.

What’s in the Tända Clear+ Kit?

• Clear+ cordless rechargeable handpiece
• Clear+ treatment head (replacements available)
• Recharging stand & Power supply
• Goggles (although it’s safe to use without them)
• User manual

Tanda Zap

The smaller Tanda Zap is a pocket sized beauty tool that clears individual acne blemishes and works in exactly the same way as the Clear+.

Ideal for targetting smaller areas of acne or spot breakouts, the treatment time for the Zap should be 2 minutes twice per day. The vibration stops automatically after 2 minutes so that you know when the treatment time is up.

When used as a zit Zapper, the AAA batteries that come with the device last for about 50 treatments so if you need to treat large areas of your face then it’s much better to go for the Clear+.

Pros

• Pocket sized acne treatment
• Safe and easy to use

Cons

• The LED treatment head lasts 1,000 treatments and can’t be replaced like the Clear+

The Tanda Zap costs £89.95 from Amazon.

Tanda Light Treatment Therapy Review Verdict

Some people find that acne creams and topical skin care products can cause dryness, irritation or even pain so acne light therapy is a great alternative since it has no side-effects and is completely safe for all skin types.

The Tanda Clear+ and Zap are very easy to use if a little expensive to buy. Not only will you need to keep the batteries charged but the LED treatment head will need to be replaced after around 6,000 uses.

About Salcura

Antiac Acne Clearing Spray is made by Salcura who have been producing products to treat skin problems since 1990. Developed by German bio-scientist, Dr Martin Schiele, they use unique a combination of natural ingredients to treat skin complaints.

Unlike many acne treatments, Salcura only use pure and natural ingredients chosen for their bio-scientifically proven ability to deal with infection (fungal or bacterial), inflammation and skin damage.

Award Winning Acne Spray

As part of the Channel 4 program, Embarrassing Bodies: Live from the Clinic a range of acne products were tested including, Clearasil, Synchroline Aknicare Five Product Set, No No Skin Acne Treatment System, Simple Kind to Skin Refreshing Facial Wash and Salcura Antiac Skin Therapy Spray.

Each product was trialled for one week by five acne sufferers with Salcura Antiac Skin Therapy coming out on top. The testers claimed that the spray ‘stopped the shine and got deep down into the pores to banish blemishes’.

How does Antiac Acne Clearing Spray work?

Antiac Acne Spray can be used on on all skin types to neutralise many types of bacteria that cause acne. It combines an effective steroid and chemical free, nutrient rich formulation that is absorbed quickly into the skin, disinfecting skin pores.

One of the key ingredients is Sea Buckthorn Oil which is a natural fatty acid that containss Omega 3, 6, 7 and 9 to helps rejuvenate and nourish skin cells.

Natural anti-bacterial oils in the spray include Tea Tree Oil, Aloe Vera Oil, Manuka Oil and Nerolina Oil. Studies have shown that each of these oils have anti-bacterial benefits for the skin with Tea Tree Oil used in many natural acne products like Clear Skin Max.

Antiac Acne Clearing Spray also contains the distinctive fragrance of Australian Sandalwood Oil but this ingredient has also been shown to treat infections by its anti-septic, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory action.

How to use Antiac Acne Clearing Spray

Once you have washed and dried your skin, the spray should be applied to the affected area and lightly massaged. You can also soak a cotton pad with Antiac and thoroughly wipe the affected area to cleanse the skin.

There is no need to rinse as the natural active ingredients will be quickly absorbed and are non-greasy. For best results, you should apply the ance spray at least twice a day as part of your daily routine.

Benefits of using Antiac

• Helps to eliminate spots, pimples, blackheads and white heads
• Can protect skin cells and remove toxicity
• Helps to balances the pH of your skin
• Aids the acne scar self healing process
• Acts as an anti-microbial agent
• Fast and deep skin absorption

Bad Points

• Its a spray so you will need to be careful to not get it near your eyes
• Even the fumes can cause eyes to water
• Some people may find the smell unpleasant (similar to TCP)

Antiac Acne Spray Review Verdict

This is an award wining skin product that makes a great choice for anyone looking for an acne treatment that uses only proven natural ingredients. A spray application can also be far more practical and economical than an acne cream but the smell of this product might put a few people off using it.

This new technology can be an expensive way to treat acne but this acne light therapy range are more affordable than most.

Spotlight is made by the UK’s leading supplier of red light therapy products with over 2 million units sold. LMS Spotlights have been developed according to the specifications and standards set by leading experts in Red Light Therapy.

How does LMS Spotlight work?

Some acne light therapy devices use blue light but Spotlight uses red. Red light has been show to have anti-inflammatory effects and is responsible for better healing and increased rate of collagen production.

The effects of red light were originally discovered by NASA who found that it helped plant life. From there it was taken and use for treating scar tissue, burns, skin cancer and acne.

LMS Spotlights use a very specific light wavelength combined with a proven power level and treatment time. This ensures delivery of the optimum level of light to the skin, proven to improve our skins natural healing abilities.

When cells are stressed by a spot, Nitric Oxide levels increase which inhibits the cell’s energy manufacturing process affecting the skin’s natural ability to heal itself. The primary effect of the RLT in LMS Spotlights is to penetrate the skin cells to force out Nitric Oxide and stimulate anti-oxidants. This has been shown to reduce cellular stress and increase cellular energy (ATP) leading to improved healing and repair of the skin in a wide range of medical conditions including spots and acne.

LMS Spotlight Range

All of the products in the Spotlight range work in exactly the same way but they have been made for different skin coverage needs.

LMS Spotlight: 3

The smallest in the LMS Spotlight range has been designed to look like a lipstick. It’s compact size makes it ideal for treating individual spots. Powered by a single AAA battery, this acne light pen will last for 50 treatments, each lasting three minutes.

Price: £29.99 £25.99 from Argos Online with FREE delivery

LMS Spotlight: 8

Ideal for treating a few spots at a time, the LMS Spotlight 8 has enough red lights to treat 1.6sq cm of skin with every 1 minute application. Just like the other products in this range, it’s designed to blend in with the contents of any cosmetics bag.

Price: £49.99

LMS Spotlight: 24

LMS Spotlight 24 is the largest in the range and designed to be used for one minute, three times a day to for treat large areas of spots. The 24 red lights are powered by 4 x AA batteries to treat acne at home.

Price: £69.99 £57.99 from Argos with FREE delivery

LMS Spotlight Benefits

• natural and safe acne treatment
• no evidence of any side-effects
• totally pain free
• spots can clear in as little as 24 hours
• LMS Spotlights clinically approved

Bad Points

• Designed to look like cosmetic products means that they are probably not the first choice for men with acne
• Batteries not included
• Can cause temporary redness at the area treated

LMS Spotlight Verdict

Treating acne with red light will not work for everyone. These produts are made to treat mild to moderate acne without the use of drying creams or irritating lotions.

Red light therapy treatment is generally recommended for its anti aging benefits so to find a range of devices using it for acne treatment is unusual. Blue light therapy is the more often used to treat acne since it has been shown to kill the bacteria causing the spots. If you like the idea of using a device like these to treat acne then it’s well worth looking at the more advanced Tanda Light Therapy products.

When using LMS Spotlight to treat acne the most important thing to keep in mind patience and persistence is needed for best results.

If you are one of the many people who have tried some of the best selling acne treatments like Clear Skin Max or The Murad Acne Complex Kit but seen little or no improvement then acne light therapy might be the answer.

What is Acne Light Therapy?

Sunlight or UV light has long been known to improve acne. The reasons for this are not fully understood but it is thought to be due to antibacterial and other effects of the ultraviolet spectrum. Some of the visible violet light in sunlight activates a porphyrin (Coproporphyrin III) in Propionibacterium acnes which damages and ultimately kills the bacteria by releasing singlet oxygen.

Obviuously long term exposure to UV light to treat acne is likely to cause skin damage or even skin cancer so acne light treatments have been developed using the blue and red light wavelengths.

Best Selling Acne Light Treatments

There are many acne light therapy products available to buy, ranging from small light pens to larger devices designed to be used at home.

Tända Clear Acne Light Therapy Treatment

This powerful, sleek and convenient handheld device is one of the more expensive acne light treatments. It delivers clinical levels of blue LED light therapy in combination with a sonic vibration and gentle warming for clinically proven results.

It’s large treatment area means that you can clear more acne faster than other devices plus the makers claim that it can deliver 6,000 three-minute treatments with replacement heads also available.

Price: £195.30 | Tanda Clear+ Review

LMS Spotlight: 8

This much smaller acne light pen has been designed to look like a premium cosmetic to fit easily in a handbag, so you can keep your skin care routine going throughout the day. Unlike larger devices, this pen is made for treating smaller areas so more suitable for mild to moderate acne and spots.

When used 3 times a day for a minute per treatment clinical trials of LMS Spotlight have shown a 20% improvement after 2 weeks and a 50% improvement after 4 weeks.

Price: £49.99 | LMS Spotlight Review

Are there and side-effects of light therapy?

At-home light therapy machines usually have very few or no side effects. In some cases, the treatmentcan cause slight irritation or redness but normally only in very sensitive individuals. The level of UV light in these devices is very low and appears to be well within the range of safety.

Do Acne Light Treatments Work?

Since the first acne light therapy product for home use were developed in 2000, several studies have taken place. Study results have ranged from “statistically insignificant” clearance all the way up to 81% clearance of acne.

Most studies suggest that and overall improvements of on average 76% for 80% of patients occurs over three months. In addition to this, most studies show that blue-red light performs better than benzoyl peroxide and the treatment is far better tolerated. However it’s also worth pointing out that approximately 10% of users experienced no improvement in their acne but as with most products, they can not be expected to work for everyone.

There are however, several things we can all do to help dry eyes before it becomes a problem.

Take breaks from reading

When you read or work on a computer for long periods of time, you often forget to blink. This stops fluid from getting spead over your eyes causing them to dry out. It can be difficult to remember to blink but you can take a break every ten minutes or so or close your eyes every so often just for a few seconds.

There are even programs you can download free online that will remind you to take a break if you can trust yourself!

Use a humidifier

Air at home or in your office can become dry, especially in the winter so where possible try to use a humidifier. This will increase the humidity in the air to moisturise your eyes. Some humidifiers also use small silver particles to kill bacteria and viruses while other will filter pollen, mold and dust mites. This will all help to minimise irritation to the eyes.

Take your Vitamins

The delecate layer which spreads tears across the surface of the eyeball when you blink will benefit from taking vitamin A. Good sources of vitamin A include carrots, yams, sweet potatoes, cantaloupes and fish oil.

As well as vitamin A, other beneficial supplements for dry eyes include vitamin C, vitamin B6 and omega-3.

Warm eye wash

A little heat will stimulate your glands to produce more oil to keep your tears from evaporating as fast. A wash with a moist warm cloth twice per day for about 10 minutes will

Drink more water

This might sound obvious but drinking more water will help to keep your whole body hydrated including your eyes. It won’t solve your problems entirely but will help.

Eye Drops

Adding eye drops is a quick and easy way to help your body produce more tears or correct an imbalance in the composition of tears. Most people will only need a few drops per day to prevent dre eyes but always check that you are buying the right type for your eyes. Eye drops like Rohto cost as little as £6.65 and are designed to work for as many of the different causes of dry eyes as possible.

Who are eye drops for?

Your eyes depend on the flow of tears to provide constant moisture and lubrication to maintain vision and comfort. Eyes can become dry when there is a problem with the tear film that normally keeps the eye moist and lubricated. It can occur as a result of various conditions and can cause pain, light sensitivity, redness or a gritty feeling as if sand is in the eye.

Your tears are made from complex mixture of water, fatty oils, proteins and electrolytes. This mixture helps make the surface of your eyes smooth and clear while helping protect your eyes from infection.

Eye drops like Rohto are perfect for people who have an imbalance in the composition of their tears or those who don’t produce enough tears to keep their eyes comfortably lubricated.

The challenge for eye drop manufacturers is to create a drop that works for as many of the different causes of dry eyes as possible and this often results in a confusing range of different formulations.

How does Rohto work?

Rohto Dry Eye Relief contains a unique patented formulation of two functional ingredients, Hyaluronic Acid and Tamarind Seed Polysaccharide. These work together to restores the isotonic balance of the tears.

Hyaluronic Acid is a natural substance found within our skin and eyes that has high water retention properties that reduce evaporation. It is an excellent natural eye lubricant which prevents damage to cells caused by physical stress. Well used in eye drops, Hyaluronic Acid has also been approved for use in eye surgery.

Rohto also contains HydraMed, a polymer composed of natural derivatives of the Tamarind seed, which mimics one of the natural elements of the tear film to maintain this watery layer.

Bad Points

• Some people may experience temporary blurring when the drop is first contacts the eye but this should clear within a couple of minutes

Rohto Benefits

• Clinically Proven to improve the condition of the tear film in less than 1 month of regular use
• Rohto is effective to treat tear imbalance and those who don’t produce enough tears
• There are no known side effects
• The replaceable cap means one eye drop vial can be used up to 3 times a day

The range of Rohto Eye Drops

Rohto eye drops can be bought either in a bottle or small re-sealable ‘units’;

Rohto Dry Eye Relief Drops 10ml

his pack contains a 10ml easy to use bottle and is small enough to fit in your pocket or bag and allows you to release a single drop into each eye 2 to 3 times daily. As long as the cap is replaced firmly after each use, the bottle can last 30 days.

Price: £6.65

Rohto Eye Relief 20 Re-Sealable Drops

Each pack contains 20 re-sealable ‘units’ that contain 0.5ml of eye drops that can be used throughout the day.

Price: £7.98