Why your body holds onto fat (even when you’re doing everything right)
Most body care works on the surface. But your skin doesn’t.
For decades, body care has been positioned around one primary benefit: hydration.
And while hydration plays an important role in maintaining skin softness and comfort, it doesn’t fully explain why certain areas of the body remain resistant to change, even with consistent care, movement, and a balanced lifestyle.
To understand this, we need to look beneath the surface.
Your fat cells are not passive - they’re responsive
Fat cells are biologically active and constantly responding to internal signals.
These signals determine whether fat is stored or released.
One of the most important messengers in this process is cyclic AMP (cAMP) - a molecule that plays a central role in lipolysis, the breakdown of stored triglycerides into usable energy.
When cAMP levels rise, fat cells receive a clear instruction:
👉 release stored energy
What naturally increases cAMP?
Your body already activates this pathway in response to everyday physiological signals, including:
- movement and exercise
- increased energy demand
- stimulants such as caffeine
- cold exposure
These are all ways the body naturally encourages fat release.
Which is why lifestyle plays such a critical role in body composition.
But here’s where it becomes more complex
cAMP doesn’t stay elevated for long.
An enzyme called phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) is responsible for breaking it down.
In simple terms:
👉 cAMP turns the signal on
👉 PDE4 turns it off
When PDE4 activity is high, the fat-release signal is short-lived even if your body is doing all the right things.
Supporting the signal: a more intelligent approach
Modern cosmetic science is beginning to explore how topical formulations can support these signalling pathways.
Viniferol®, derived from upcycled grapevine shoots, has been studied for its ability to:
- inhibit PDE4 activity
- support intracellular cAMP levels
- promote lipolysis signalling pathways
In simple terms:
👉 it helps keep the “release” signal active for longer
What this means for visible skin appearance
As fat cells release stored contents, their volume may reduce.
On the surface, this can translate to:
- a smoother appearance
- less visible puffiness
- more refined texture
- improved contour
This is not weight loss but a cosmetic effect driven by supporting the skin’s underlying processes.
Beyond fat signalling: supporting skin quality
Grapevine-derived actives are rich in polyphenols, including resveratrol-related compounds.
These have been widely studied for their ability to:
- protect against oxidative stress
- support collagen pathways
- help calm low-grade inflammation
- maintain overall skin resilience
Together, these effects support skin that appears:
✔ firmer
✔ more elastic
✔ more balanced over time
A shift in how we think about body care
Body care is evolving.
From simply moisturising…
to supporting biological processes.
From surface-level results…
to long-term skin behaviour.
Where Vinifirm fits in
Vinifirm Contouring Crème was developed with this next-generation approach in mind.
By combining:
- Viniferol® (upcycled grapevine active)
- nutrient-rich plant butters
- hydrating and barrier-supporting ingredients
…it supports both:
✔ the skin’s surface
✔ and the processes happening beneath it
The takeaway
Your body already knows how to regulate fat storage and release.
The real question is:
👉 how long those signals stay active
Because when you support the signal -
you support the outcome.
.
References:
- Baillie GS et al. Phosphodiesterases and cAMP signalling (2005)
- Sorg O. Oxidative stress and skin ageing (2008)
- Berman AY et al. Resveratrol and skin biology (2017)
Written by Ginette Blackbeard
