Recently my sister asked me for advice on how to get rid of cellulite...
So Sandy, here is your answer and I am sorry it is not an easy straight forward one.
I am no professional expert but have had cellulite all my adult life. I have tried just about every treatment known to man over the last 33 years and have “studied” this condition every opportunity I can. I have seen really fat women with no cellulite and very skinny ones with chronic cellulite. I run and stand at the starting line of every race looking at the legs around me and am surprised at how many strong athletic women have cellulite. Some in a mild form and others really badly. I have also found that, in my opinion - based on all my informal research that it seems to be hereditary.
When I was in my late teens the Elancyl system was all the rage. This was a hand held massager that held a bar of soap containing ivy extract and used in the shower to massage the cellulite away. So just when I thought I knew everything about this subject I have just googled Elancyl only to find out that there are 3 different types, Embedded – thighs, hips and bottom, Localized – abdomen and Cellulite accompanied with a bloated feeling, Oh and yes Elancyl still make products for cellulite.
There are many products on the market, the latest being Elixia® BodyShaper Cellulite Contour Crème which we stock and have had many favorable reports from our customers on this product. However, I have been advised that it is not for post menopausal women as it is estrogen based so have not tried it myself.
Chanel have a fantastic product called Body Excellence Slim formulated with ADIPOFIT ™ - a unique active ingredient designed to respond to reprogramming the body’s slimming system at the heart of adipose cells. Trials have shown that after 4 weeks of use there is a reduction of up to of 4.3cm in key areas.
Clarins too have a treatment called HighDefinition Body Lift “ Cellulite Smoother” which, when combined with their Self - Massage Body Contouring Method, delivers excellent results.
I have used creams, lotions and potions drank copious amounts of water, eaten buckets of celery and parsley, squatted and lunged hundreds of kilometers on my two short legs and had liposuction back in the eighties . All to no avail!
What I have discovered though is that whilst cellulite cannot be cured it can be camouflaged and be made to appear to look better by some very simple tricks. I believe it is all about sluggish circulation and the storage of lumpy fatty deposits under the skin.
So this is my regime:
Dry Brushing
Using a Manicare cellulite bristle brush I start at my ankles and in long sweeping strokes brush my legs, hips and buttocks up towards my heart. I also do my arms and torso for good measure. This breaks down toxins, increases circulation and assists in lymphatic drainage. There are many benefits to dry brushing including:
• helps to shed dead skin cells, which can help improve skin texture and cell renewal.• increases circulation to skin, encouraging your body’s discharge of metabolic waste
• helps to tighten the skin because it increases the flow of blood thus increasing circulation
• helps with muscle tone and more even distribution of fat deposits.
Here is a Link to a Dry Brushing tutorial.
Elevation
When done I lie with my legs elevated for awhile before having my shower.
Essential Oils
I am also a great believer in the properties of essential oils. Using a jojoba carrier oil from Jurlique I blend in a few drops of Jurlique’s essential oils in grapefruit, lavender and lemongrass and quickly massage this into my legs using upward sweeping strokes. I choose jojoba because it is nourishing oil with a fine light weight texture easily absorbed into the skin. You only need a small amount - about one teaspoon full per leg
Tanning
Finally I keep my legs tanned. Using a great body exfoliate like Burt’s Bees Cranberry and Pomegranate Sugar soap I exfoliate twice a week and then use a gradual build up tan - my all time favorite being Sugar Baby’s Suntanned Sweeties in Bronze Bombshell. If I have a special occasion to go to it’s off to INDULGE at Berwick for a Tuscan Tan spray tan.
DIET
Watch what you eat. I try to eat fresh healthy food and avoid sugar..I also still drink plenty of water and green tea
I know that this might sound like a lot of hard work but it really takes no time at all. Most research suggests it is better to do this in the morning but I prefer to do mine at night whilst watching TV. Luckily I have this time on my own while hubby is doing his book work in the study and it now only takes me about half an hour. As with all things you need to be patient and give it time as visible results are not immediate. It takes about 30 days to see the difference but you will start to feel better within a few days.
Just a final observation. I recently purchased a Circulation Booster as I was having trouble with my feet and legs. I use this religiously for 30 minutes a night and firmly believe that this has helped the appearance of my cellulite. Mind over matter???? Perhaps - but feeling good about yourself gives you the confidence to accept your body for what it is and get out there and enjoy life. I refuse to hide my faults and cover my legs and proudly walk on the beach in my bathers because I know that I have done all I can and in this regard I am the best I can be. Not that I will ever take my foot off the pedal as I would hate for it to get worse.
Bye for now!
