The Cosmetics Cop Does It Again

I read everything I can that Paula Begoun, the Cosmetics Cop, writes. She has some wonderful info on cosmetic ingredients and scientific research. But I sometimes take issue with her attitude.



I just finished her special report on cellulite treatments. She got to me by the second paragraph when she said, “Despite being a completely benign condition, much like wrinkles, cellulite …”



I’ve voiced my opinion on wrinkles before. I disagree that they are a “completely benign condition”. They are a visible sign of the body’s deterioration from free radicals, UV rays, pollutants, the body’s own autoimmune reactions, disease, inflammation and just plain wear and tear.



There isn’t a consensus on the cause of cellulite but, according to Paula, the three leading theories are: 1. women have unique skin structure on their thighs which causes cellulite to easily form; 2. the connective tissues on women’s thighs are too weak or thin; and 3. vascular changes and inflammatory conditions are to blame.



If cause #1 is borne out, some may consider that benign. But if cause #2 and/or #3 are to blame, I would argue that cellulite (like wrinkles) is anything but benign. While cellulite is not a debilitating disease, connective tissue breakdown (cause #2) and out-of-control inflammation (#3) are certainly not signs of health.



Any safe product that can slow or halt such destructive processes prolongs the body’s youthful healthier state.



Tags: Cosmetics Cop, cellulite, Paula Begoun