The Glow Equation: SOD, Cellulite & The Science of Radiance
Radiance isn’t just skincare.
It’s molecular resilience, shaped by antioxidants, circulation, and metabolic balance. For years, beauty has obsessed over surface treatments, chasing instant results without addressing the biochemistry of glow. But science and Ayurveda know better.
There is one thing that still eludes all. It is a phenomenon found in nearly 90% of women and has yet to be cured. That thing that puts the thunderstorms in short-shorts Summers.
Cellulite is not about ‘fatness’. It is about cellular health. From water retention to inflammatory and circulatory processes, the world-facing dermis exhibits its malfunctions. The real question is: ‘who doesn’t like oranges’? (Image: AKJAMPublishing)
Cellulite.
Sure, there are creams, techniques and more recently collagenase injections in its multi-billion-dollar global market. But we are a society of minimal effort. Miracle pill, please. With the throng of options available in the height of ‘wellness’, it is difficult to know which one is suitable.
“Cellulite is not just a cosmetic concern. It is a product of inflammatory adipose remodeling. Research in adipocyte biology reveals that cellulite-prone skin exhibits dysfunctional lymphatic circulation, metabolic endotoxemia, and increased lipid storage beneath the dermis. ”
AKScientist tested a dietary supplement that incorporates an antioxidant superhero from melons (Cucumis melo L). A powder form of superoxide dismutase by SkinSips is flavored and a petite travel companion. It claims to smooth skin and reduce cellulite. The research findings diverged from some claims while supporting other assertions.
Shapers have seen a rise in popularity as thigh sizes have grown. But have they? Apparently, Ms. Marilyn Monroe was a size 10. She had the real glow. This is an exhibit of Sara Blakely’s Spanx at Pirouette Abecedarium. (Image taken at MoMA NYC by AKJAM Publishing)
THE SCIENCE
One factor that is not difficult to comprehend is that cellulite is inflammation. Ayurveda recognizes that each leading dosha presents its own type of inflammatory response and byproduct.
Superoxide Dismutase (SOD): The Skin’s First Line of Defense
Aging, pollution, stress. Our skin is under constant attack from reactive oxygen species (ROS) that accelerate damage. But nature, ever strategic, equips us with superoxide dismutase (SOD), an enzyme designed to neutralize oxidative radicals before they wreak havoc on collagen, DNA, and hydration levels. Think of it as our built-in anti-aging mechanism, dismantling free radicals before they settle into fine lines and uneven tone.
SOD is biology’s answer to skin resilience, converting superoxide radicals into oxygen and hydrogen peroxide- before being further detoxified by catalase and glutathione peroxidase. Without it, cellular damage escalates, leading to accelerated aging, inflammation, and weakened defense against environmental stressors.
In Ayurveda, this principle aligns with Pitta balance, where excess heat and oxidative damage require cooling, anti-inflammatory support. Ingredients like amla, turmeric, and guggulu naturally boost antioxidant activity, enhancing SOD pathways to counteract environmental stress.
While SOD does not directly cause water retention in the thighs, research suggests that oxidative stress influences vascular permeability and fluid balance, which can contribute to lymphatic inefficiency and localized swelling. Persistent Kapha imbalances, leading to sluggish circulation and fluid stagnation, require Ayurvedic detoxifiers like punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa), ginger, and mustard oil to counteract excess moisture retention and enhance lymphatic flow.
Svelte high-metabolizing Vata is not impermeable to this affliction. Circulatory, lymphatic and tissue deficits contribute to cellulite formation. Since Vata has less fat and more dryness, their derma’s inadequate elasticity cannot distribute fat evenly. Furthermore, excessive movement and stress aggravate the condition. Hydration and warm oil massages alleviate cellulite from worsening.
Cellulite & Water Retention: An Ocean’s Skin Deep
An ocean of cellulite. Water retention-related cellulite is minimized with lymphatic massage and a lepana (herbal mask). Adding diuretic herbs like punarnava to the latter in addition to a circulation-increasing massage addresses problematic areas. (Image: Evening Storm (1942) by Marsden Hartley taken by AKJAM Publishing)
Forget the outdated myths. Cellulite is not simply about fat. It is about inflammatory adipose remodeling, lymphatic dysfunction, and metabolic imbalances. Studies in lipid metabolism and connective tissue regeneration confirm that cellulite-prone skin experiences fluid buildup, poor circulation, and excess fibrin deposits, creating a dimpled texture that resists superficial treatments.
Water retention further exacerbates cellulite, leaving skin looking swollen, puffy, and less firm. The culprit? Lymphatic stagnation, hormonal shifts, and capillary permeability, all of which Ayurveda addresses with diuretic herbs, circulatory enhancers, and detoxifying botanicals.
“Boerhaavia diffusa, a staple Ayurvedic herb, has shown diuretic effects by modulating aquaporins and sodium transport, encouraging water elimination. Combined with mustard oil and ginger, circulation improves, reducing interstitial fluid buildup that worsens cellulite appearance.”
Ayurveda uses punarnava, mustard oil, and ginger to stimulate lymphatic flow, increase circulation, and encourage fluid elimination, reducing the visibility of cellulite before it settles into deeper tissue. Research confirms that improving lymphatic drainage and increasing microcirculation can significantly reduce cellulite’s appearance more effectively than invasive treatments alone.
The Results
SkinSips come in two flavors, lemon and mango.The manufacturer Bionov claims its primary ingredient SOD B® Dimpless reduces waist and “visible cellulite” in 28 days. Bionov “clinically” tested 41 women up to the age of 50 years, while the approximate number of women who are potentially afflicted by cellulite is over 153 million. (Image: AKJAM Publishing)
While AKScientist did not observe a reduction in cellulite in a minimal cellulite model, they found cellulite increased in visibility and distribution along with water retention. These effects were reversed at 30 days of discontinued use. SkinSips was used according to manufacturer’s instructions and upheld a high level of daily activity. Though a positive response to fatigue was observed, it was inconsistent. Thus, the effect on energy levels remain inconclusive. Skin hydration or ‘glow’ improved and was maintained up to 1.5 months of irregular or discontinued use. The immediate prevention of IBD/IBS suggests that the addition of Sunfiber (guar gum fiber) to the SkinSips formula may also enhance SOD’s ability to inhibit inflammation along the gut-brain axis.
“Modern research confirms Ayurveda’s core philosophy: gut health reflects skin health. Guar gum fiber, a soluble prebiotic, enhances intestinal microbiome composition while stabilizing blood sugar fluctuations- both essential in managing inflammation-related skin concerns.”
Tested against an alternative SOD sourced from the rose family did not prevent GI discomfort, reduce cellulite or increase skin hydration (‘glow’). SkinSips states incorporating their product for a minimum of 30 consecutive days results in “clinically-backed cellulite and waist reduction”. The clinical results are presumably from Bionov Inc, the patent-holding supplier of SOD B® Dimpless. According to Bionov’s website, their clinical study population consisted of 41 participants. According to clinical study guidelines and acknowledging that the afflicted population is over 153-million, 150-1500 people should have been included for reliable confidence levels.
BOTTOM LINE
Inflammation and fat deposits impede the first rung of the ladder to a dimple-free bottom line. Addressing cellular optimization is intuitive, but the effectiveness of SOD requires a larger study population to yield a higher confidence level. (Image: A sculpture by Michelangelo Pistoletto at Lévy Gorvy Dayan taken by AKJAM Publishing)
Beauty is Cellular.
The future of beauty isn’t about quick fixes. It is about enhancing the skin’s ability to repair itself. From SOD-powered antioxidant defense to adipose circulation, lymphatic flow, and metabolic regulation, every layer of radiance begins at the cellular level.
Ayurveda doesn’t just treat beauty. It cultivates it from within, ensuring skin reflects balance, resilience and vitality.
Because radiance isn’t created. It is unlocked.
And when Ayurveda and science align, glow becomes inevitable.
