Skin and Body Care - Fact and Fiction

The world of skin and body care is slathered with misapprehensions, says a company that has prospered in the field. Perhaps wearing tight pants will stop consumers gaining weight? ◆ I don't need body lotion in summer, right? Because the skin is hot and sticky, if you don't provide it with moisture and nourishment, it loses its vitality. The changes in the season and climate can spell trouble due to dry skin. ◆ If I wrap myself in cling film, will I lose weight? If you wrap yourself in plastic wrap or wear tight-fitting jeans, you might feel like you've become slimmer. But all that has happened is that the fat on your abdomen has now been pushed to a different place. The real fact is that if you put too much pressure on fat, it can cause circulation problems and block toxin removal and the supply of oxygen, harming your overall health including skin and figure. ◆ If you massage your forearm fat, it goes away. Massages do not break up fat. But they can help in reducing fat caused by edema by improving capillary and lymph circulation in the region. ◆ Is gooseflesh genetic? The formal name of gooseflesh is "keratosis pilaris." It is partially genetic in that it usually happens to people with dry-skin conditions like atopy, but there are also other causes. Moisturizing liberally can help prevent the condition. ◆ Does everyone get cellulite when they gain weight? Lumpy cellulite on thighs and forearms is known to form when fat globs push through thin skin layers or when pressure is put on circulation. Besides fat, however, cellulite can be caused by hormonal changes, genetic factors and excessive dieting.