Beauty
3 no-fuss ways to diminish the appearance of cellulite
Istockphoto Image by: Istockphoto
Beauty
3 no-fuss ways to diminish the appearance of cellulite
Despite the many colloquial terms for cellulite that exist—from cottage cheese to hail damage—we prefer to call cellulite “normal,” because that’s exactly what it is. Cellulite affects up to 90 per cent of women worldwide and typically begins to take its toll on arms and backs of thighs by the time a woman turns 25.
According to Clarins’ International Scientific Communications Director, Caroline Debbasch, “Cellulite is due to an excessive storage of fat within adipocytes, the skin cells that store fat, and an increase in the number of adipocytes.” As these cells enlarge, they “pull” on surrounding tissue, which results in a dimpled appearance.
It is notoriously difficult, if not impossible, to eliminate lumps and bumps completely, but experts tend to agree that women are far from helpless when it comes to diminishing the look of cellulite—or, at the very least, slowing its spread. From dry body brushing to fitness, here are three of the best ways to stay smooth all summer long.
Stimulate skin cells with dry brushing
When we hear the word “detox,” our minds conjure up images of green smoothies and lemon cleanses, but exfoliating the skin through a process known as “dry brushing” also boasts some major body purifying benefits.
According to Verna Hunt, founder and doctor of naturopathic medicine at The Centre for Health and Well Being in Toronto, massaging dry skin with a natural bristle brush not only helps to “revitalize and increase the elimination capacity of the skin to drain toxins via the lymphatic system,” but also “contributes to healthier muscle tone and a better distribution of normal fat stores.” Dry body brushing, in other words, reduces the appearance of cellulite by loosening up the stubborn fat cells that clump together under the skin.
If you are new to the body brushing game, here is how to get started: Beginning with your feet, work your brush in small circular motions up toward the heart. When you reach a problem area, employ a little extra elbow grease to massage the brush deeper into the skin. Keep your bathroom floor flake-free by brushing your body in the shower just before turning on the water.
Pair products with exercise
While dry brushing is helpful in breaking down the fatty cell stores that cause cellulite, the most effective method of eliminating cellulite is a three-pronged approach of body brushing, fitness and product application.
According to Maria Hatzistefanis, founder of Rodial and Nip + Fab (two sister skincare companies), “Working out and incorporating pivotal exercises on areas affected by cellulite is key,” along with applying an anti-cellulite cream, serum or lotion at the end of every workout session. “You need to move your body in order to break down cellulite,” says Hatzistefanis. “Running, squats and lunges are great ways to get your muscles moving.”
Caroline Debbasch of Clarins agrees. While slimming products might work wonders to firm the skin and slow the spread of fat cells, physical fitness is necessary “to increase fat elimination and improve microcirculation,” Debbasch explains. Even thirty minutes of walking a day might be enough to smooth out some bumps.
Camouflage with self-tanner
For some women who have tried it all, cellulite is simply a fact of life.
“If cellulite is very obvious and spread across large areas of the body, it can be difficult to get rid of completely,” says Hatzistefanis, although the combination of dry brushing, exercise and product application can often make a noticeable difference.
“A fake tan is actually a great way to cover up cellulite,” Hatzistefanis explains, especially if you need a quick fix for an impromptu event. Think of self-tanner as an optical illusion for dimpled skin: the deeper the tan, the lesser the contrast between valleys and hills.
As frustrating as the fight against orange-peel texture may be, it’s helpful to keep in mind that cellulite affects the vast majority of women, regardless of age, weight, size and shape. The next time you catch sight of some dimples on your derrière, try to remember: Even models are airbrushed (and you’ve got it going on).
For more fashion and beauty advice, visit our Style Desk blog.
According to Clarins’ International Scientific Communications Director, Caroline Debbasch, “Cellulite is due to an excessive storage of fat within adipocytes, the skin cells that store fat, and an increase in the number of adipocytes.” As these cells enlarge, they “pull” on surrounding tissue, which results in a dimpled appearance.
It is notoriously difficult, if not impossible, to eliminate lumps and bumps completely, but experts tend to agree that women are far from helpless when it comes to diminishing the look of cellulite—or, at the very least, slowing its spread. From dry body brushing to fitness, here are three of the best ways to stay smooth all summer long.
Stimulate skin cells with dry brushing
When we hear the word “detox,” our minds conjure up images of green smoothies and lemon cleanses, but exfoliating the skin through a process known as “dry brushing” also boasts some major body purifying benefits.
According to Verna Hunt, founder and doctor of naturopathic medicine at The Centre for Health and Well Being in Toronto, massaging dry skin with a natural bristle brush not only helps to “revitalize and increase the elimination capacity of the skin to drain toxins via the lymphatic system,” but also “contributes to healthier muscle tone and a better distribution of normal fat stores.” Dry body brushing, in other words, reduces the appearance of cellulite by loosening up the stubborn fat cells that clump together under the skin.
If you are new to the body brushing game, here is how to get started: Beginning with your feet, work your brush in small circular motions up toward the heart. When you reach a problem area, employ a little extra elbow grease to massage the brush deeper into the skin. Keep your bathroom floor flake-free by brushing your body in the shower just before turning on the water.
Pair products with exercise
While dry brushing is helpful in breaking down the fatty cell stores that cause cellulite, the most effective method of eliminating cellulite is a three-pronged approach of body brushing, fitness and product application.
According to Maria Hatzistefanis, founder of Rodial and Nip + Fab (two sister skincare companies), “Working out and incorporating pivotal exercises on areas affected by cellulite is key,” along with applying an anti-cellulite cream, serum or lotion at the end of every workout session. “You need to move your body in order to break down cellulite,” says Hatzistefanis. “Running, squats and lunges are great ways to get your muscles moving.”
Caroline Debbasch of Clarins agrees. While slimming products might work wonders to firm the skin and slow the spread of fat cells, physical fitness is necessary “to increase fat elimination and improve microcirculation,” Debbasch explains. Even thirty minutes of walking a day might be enough to smooth out some bumps.
Camouflage with self-tanner
For some women who have tried it all, cellulite is simply a fact of life.
“If cellulite is very obvious and spread across large areas of the body, it can be difficult to get rid of completely,” says Hatzistefanis, although the combination of dry brushing, exercise and product application can often make a noticeable difference.
“A fake tan is actually a great way to cover up cellulite,” Hatzistefanis explains, especially if you need a quick fix for an impromptu event. Think of self-tanner as an optical illusion for dimpled skin: the deeper the tan, the lesser the contrast between valleys and hills.
As frustrating as the fight against orange-peel texture may be, it’s helpful to keep in mind that cellulite affects the vast majority of women, regardless of age, weight, size and shape. The next time you catch sight of some dimples on your derrière, try to remember: Even models are airbrushed (and you’ve got it going on).
For more fashion and beauty advice, visit our Style Desk blog.
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