Time to time, especially when life gets busy and stressful, everyone has moments of forgetfulness. Having a poor memory can always be frustrating although it can be a normal thing. There are various factors that play a role in memory loss, such as genetics, neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and Dementia. However, lifestyle and diet have also a major role in memory too.

• Exercise​

Exercise is important for overall mental and physical well being. Researchers at the University of British Columbia showed that aerobic exercise actually increases the size of the hippocampus, the part of the brain associated with memory storage. Other studies have shown that exercise can increase the production of neuroprotective proteins and boost the growth and development of neurons which leads to better brain health. Even an average amount of exercise for short periods can improve memory, cognitive performance in all age groups.

• Get Enough Sleep

Research shows that if you are sleep deprived, you could be negatively impacting your memory. Poor memory has been linked to lack of proper sleep because sleep is an important factor in memory processing in which short-term memories are boosted and changed into long-lasting memories. The body heals and recharges itself during sleep and the brain gets rid of toxins, which researchers found to lower the risk of Alzheimer's. It is recommended to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep for all adults.

• Healthy Diet

​Eating healthy is not only important for your physical health, but your mental health too. Try to eat fruits, vegetables, low-fat protein sources, such as fish, beans and skinless poultry. What you drink counts, too, which means too much alcohol can lead to confusion and memory loss, so can drug use. Studies have shown that people who consumed fruits and vegetables had a lower risk of memory decline and dementia compared to people who ate less nutritious foods. 

• Stay mentally active
  

Like physical exercise helps keep your body fit, mental exercises or mentally stimulating activities may help your brain keep in shape and prevent memory loss. These activities could be new things you have not done or things that you do not usually do. Try reading, doing puzzles, playing cards or computer games. You may also volunteer at a local charity or school or take different routes when driving. Learn to play a musical instrument that you always wanted to but never did. Trying out new activities or learning things will help you with your memory.

It is recommended to check with your doctor if you're worried about memory loss, especially if memory loss affects your ability to complete your usual daily activities or if you notice your memory getting worse. The doctor will likely do a physical exam, as well as check your memory and problem-solving skills. Doctors recommend managing chronic conditions such as depression, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity and hearing loss. The better you take care of yourself, the better your memory is likely to be. In addition, review your medications with your doctor regularly.

Lumpy and uneven skin on hips, thighs or buttocks is usually a sign of cellulite. Cellulite generally develops when the skin in certain areas of fat is pulled downward to the deeper tissues from tissue bands that are connected, which then creates an uneven, rough skin surface. Due to the connective tissue division, fat and muscle,  cellulite affects women more than men which is around 80 to 90 percent of women, however cellulite is not dangerous or painful. Cellulite can be found commonly on hips, thighs, abdomen, breasts, buttocks.

The buildup of fat underneath the skin is what causes the cellulite and some women are more influenced by it than others. Number of cellulite and how noticeable it is can depend on the genes, body fat, age, and thickness of the skin. Women with all body types can get cellulite and it is more common in females than males which is due to the distribution of fat being more visible in women. The appearance of the cellulite is usually due to collagen fibres between the skin and muscles separating the fat into multiple pockets. This reveals the rippled connective tissues underneath the skin. This is also because the skin loses elasticity and it becomes thinner as you age, however, cellulite can be caused also by hormones, poor diet, unhealthy lifestyle, increased toxins, genetics, weight gain and pregnancy.

The visibility of cellulite can be reduced by topical treatments however, the effects may not be long lasting. The skin appears smoother and firmer by applying creams which makes the skin tighter and also adds moisture. These kinds of creams should be applied regularly to reduce the visibility of cellulite. Due to the fat cells still existing beneath the skin, creams cannot remove the cellulite but temporarily lessen the appearance. 

Caffeine is a common ingredient in topical cellulite treatment creams. It increases blood flow to the area and also works as a diuretic, to increase the amount of water and salt expelled from the body as urine. That can change the water content of the fat which can reduce the visibility of cellulite.

Creams or products that contain 0.3 retinol may also reduce the appearance of cellulite by helping to thicken the outer layer of the skin. Like other topical products, you have to be applying it regularly to see the results. You have to keep in mind that retinol can cause skin sensitivities such as dryness, redness, peeling and sensitivity to the sun. Cellulite cream was shown notable results when it was combined with personal dietary recommendations. Study found out that the cream appeared to amplify the benefits of dietary control in reducing the appearance of cellulite marks. 

You may also check out anti-cellulite and firming products on home care at Carisma Spa & Wellness. We will be listing some of our favourite products below: 

• CELLULI NIGHT COACH INTENSIVE CELLULITE SLEEPING MASK - 150ML - For stubborn cellulite. Ultra-melting anti-cellulite night gel that activates the cells responsible for eliminating fat.
• ACTI-GENE CONTOUR CELLULITE-REDUCING BI-GEL 150ML - An unprecedented formula which visibly tackles the appearance of cellulite. Its secret: a high-performance advanced ingredient which acts on “slimming genes”
• RESURFASLIM PEEL AND SLIM CREAM 2-N1 150ML - For smoothing effect. Ready-to-slim express and exfoliator with visible results on cellulite, excess curves and stretch marks.

• Cryolipolysis

Cryolipolysis or also known as CoolSculpting, is a noninvasive procedure which removes cellulite by freezing the fat cells under the skin. This leads to the body absorbing the fat contents due the breaking of the fat cells. To dissolve an inch of fat takes several treatments which may take 3 or 4 months to see a visible reduction in cellulite. 

• Cellulaze

​Cellulaze is a type of a laser treatment procedure that breaks up the connective fats tough bands beneath the skin that make cellulite more visible. This procedure can thicken your skin and improvements can be noticeable after a couple of treatments and last 6 months or longer.

• ​Cellfina

​Cellfina is a nonsurgical procedure. During the procedure, a needle is used to break up the tough bands under the skin to get rid of cellulite on the thighs and buttocks. Results can be seen in as little as three days and can last up to three years.

• Acoustic wave therapy

This treatment was developed to reduce cellulite and it works by vibrating the connective tissue in areas of the body vulnerable to cellulite. This helps to stimulate and increase collagen production, improving the appearance, texture, and elasticity of the skin. Several treatments are needed in order to see results.

Exercise can help you reduce body fat, which makes cellulite less noticeable. Choose an exercise program that combines aerobic exercise and strength training this way can will help you burn body fat, and tone and define your muscles. A body that is more muscular will look and feel smoother and firmer.

Dry brushing technique is said to stimulate blood and lymph flow, remove dead skin cells, and stimulate new cell growth. It may support detoxification and stimulate your nervous system.

Your diet may affect cellulite, so it’s important to eat a balanced, healthy diet. A healthy diet can also help you to maintain a healthy weight. Reduce processed and high-sugar foods that can lead to the accumulation of toxins and fat in the body, and increase your fibre intake.

Dehydration can make cellulite more noticeable. Water flushes your body and removes toxins that can cause cellulite. Make a point to increase your water intake. It’s recommended that women drink at least nine cups of water each day.