Keep cellulite under control with these top tips

The old theory was that cellulite was caused by toxins building up under the skin, but that’s probably not true. It’s more likely to be the result of poor skin structure, causing the fibres to split. This means fat and, yes, possibly toxins squish out through the holes in the fibres, creating that lumpy effect. In other words, your bottom is rather like an old mattress with the stuffing sticking out! Chances are the problem is genetic, and lies with the X chromosome (only women have this, which would explain why men don’t get cellulite). While all this may mean cellulite isn’t your fault, reducing its appearance is within your control. Strengthening the skin fibres, plumping the skin’s surface and breaking down the stubborn fat and ‘toxin’ deposits can help minimize the look of cellulite. Here’s our list of top techniques.

Body brushing

Some experts claim this is the key to total cellulite removal, saying it helps speed up the lymph system to remove toxins from the body. Of course, it depends on the whole cellulite/toxin theory being true; but as an active lymphatic system helps improve your skin anyway, there’s no harm in trying it. For the best results, dampen your skin, then use a firm-bristled brush to stroke each limb briskly in the direction of the heart. Do this twice daily, but be careful - applying perfumed products directly afterwards can irritate. Wait at least half an hour before using any products.

Diet

Many different eating plans claim to beat cellulite, but there’s no miracle cure -eating watermelon for three days won’t make your thighs dimple-free.

Instead, the best anti-cellulite diet is rich in fruit and vegetables, which help flood the body with water but also contain essential skin-firming nutrients. It’s low in fat (about 25 per cent of your daily calories should come from fat - that’s around 50 grams a day). Finally, it’s low in ‘toxins’ like caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. This will help if the theory on toxins is true, but more importantly these all dehydrate the skin, and dry skin shows cellulite more.You should also drink at least two litres of water a day.

Exercise

Not only does this burn the excess fat that can cause cellulite, it also increases blood flow to the surface of the skin and this plumps the skin, making it less noticeable. For the best results you need to do 30 to 60 minutes of aerobic exercise five or six times a week. Weights also help as they firm the muscles under the skin, which helps disguise cellulite.You should notice an improvement in six to 12 weeks.

Creams

The most important ingredients in cellulite creams now are those called phosphodiesterase inhibitors. In plain, simple English, these stop production of the enzyme that leads to fat storage in our body and so cause the dimples to shrink. Many ingredients have this effect, including caffeine, aminophylline, theophylline, kola nut and guarana. Alongside these are ingredients like menthol or butcher’s broom, which help dilate blood vessels, increasing circulation in the area; gingko biloba which is said to firm the skin, and lemon and fennel, which help detox the body and repair skin. Apply the cream two hours after eating or one hour before - your body will only burn fat when it has none in the bloodstream.
Whatever happens, don’t expect any improvements for six to eight weeks and don’t expect the cellulite to disappear completely - the creams only ever promise to reduce it.

Moisturiser

Plumped-out skin shows cellulite less than dehydrated skin, so it’s a good idea to incorporate body lotion application into your daily regime.

Sunscreen

Cellulite gets worse as collagen and elastin levels decrease in the body. If you always use sun protection you will slow that decrease, and add moisture too.

Fake tan

The darker your skin the less noticeable cellulite will be, as the shadows caused by the dimpling will be less obvious.

Massage

As with body brushing, massage is supposed to speed up the circulation, but kneading the cellulite areas is also supposed to help break down toxins and fat. Certainly, the only approved treatment for cellulite (endomologie) uses rollers to squish and squash the skin, though the pressure used is more intense than you’ll ever manage on your own. If you have the time try it. Using your moisturizer a cellulite cream or detoxifying massage oil, spend five to ten minutes on each area, rubbing, rolling and pressing the cellulite.

Following these tips should help to ensure you keep that pesky cellulite under control. Visit our skin care section for a range of products to help tone and smooth skin.