Body & beauty

Blitz cellulite: Ditch the dimples

If you thought that cellulite would never budge, you need our plan, says Anna Brown

If you thought that cellulite would never budge, you need our plan, says Anna Brown
You may be happy with your figure, but even if you’re slim, your heart might sink at the sight of lumpy flesh on your thighs.

Have you tried different creams, detoxifying wraps or gulped your way through litres of water in a bid to banish it, but never noticed a difference? With 90 per cent of women in the UK suffering with cellulite, you’re definitely not alone. Dr Howard Murad, LA Dermatologist and author of The Cellulite Solution (£7.99, Piatkus) knows a thing or two about the problem. “Can we cure cellulite? No, but we can manage it with an inclusive approach combining a number of factors; that’s the solution,” he says.

What is cellulite?

“Confusion constantly arises over what cellulite actually is,” says consultant dermatologist Dr Krishnan Das. “The term was coined by the French in 1850 and its full name is edematous fibrosclerotic panniculopathy, which does sound scary but is in no way a disease or disorder. Post puberty cellulite is natural and very normal.”

He continues: “Fibrotic bands of connective tissue pull down on their superficial anchor points where they attach to the tissue and skin. Then the adipose, or fat cells, start to become isolated, cluster and increasingly swell, pushing up against the skin. The blood vessels are then unable to dilate properly and this aggravates the microcirculation, reducing the body’s metabolic exchange, so a vicious cycle sets in.”

Other factors, such as oestrogen levels, race, weight, age and genes also play a role by making us predisposed to cellulite. So is there anything we can actually do to become free from the dreaded dimples?

What works?

Most of wouldn’t think twice about parting with a few pounds for the newest cellulite cream. Dr Mario Russo, Cosmetic Derma Surgeon at The Rejuvenation Clinic, reveals why one cream will never cure all. “Before you do anything at all, take a look at your cellulite in a full-length mirror. It could be caused by something you didn’t even realise,” Dr Russo explains. “We see cellulite as just one problem, but there are three types of cellulite, with different characteristics, so it’s important to know more about which one you’ve got before you try to treat it.” Look out for the following factors to help minimise your cellulite:

1. Oedematous cellulite

This appears puffy and feels spongy to the touch. It’s commonly found in people suffering from water retention, taking HRT, or those who stand a lot at their place of work. The lymphatic system does not have a pump or prime mover like the heart; therefore you need to drink more water and take more exercise to assist the body in draining the waste.

2. Adipose cellulite

This is soft to the touch and visible as large dimples. It’s normally found on someone who has a slow metabolism or is slightly overweight as their adiposities, (areas with fat cells) will have a reasonable amount of fat droplets stored within them. You may not necessarily be overweight all over, but may hold excess fat in a particular area such as the waist, thighs or buttocks so changes in diet may help to speed up the metabolism.

3. Fibrous cellulite

This is firm to the touch and looks less severe than it actually is. It’s normally found on someone with good muscle tone who exercises on a regular basis. If we exercise beyond the body’s natural ability to dispose of excess by-products from metabolism, then lactic acid, toxins and other waste can hang in the system and harden around the fat cells, which explains why you often see very fit people with cellulite.

Work off those dimples

Although it can be genetic, much can still be done to minimise the appearance of cellulite with exercise. Running is ideal for toning the leg muscles, but personal trainer Jason Lindsay from The Fitness Café has plenty of other suggestions. “The power plate is very good for lymphatic drainage and breaking down fatty tissue cells in the muscles, especially if you’re using it for squats and lunges. Kettle bells are great for shaping legs, and you can use them in your own home too as they’re fairly inexpensive. Pilates, which can be done in the home or at a class is not only relaxing and brilliant for core stability, but also helps to elongate muscles, creating a leaner physical appearance.”

Similarly, yoga trainer Subodh Gupta recommends low impact exercise. “Walking targets the areas where cellulite is mostly formed: thighs, abdomen and buttocks, so try to fit some walking time into your day, whether it’s walking the dog or taking the stairs. Yoga is also excellent because it gives the gluteus (buttocks), the quadriceps (front of the thighs) and hamstrings (back of the thighs) a real workout. It also balances hormones and reduces stress so it’s an all-round winner.”

Yoga is an all round winner when it comes to beating cellulite

Dr Murad is similarly concerned about stress levels and their role in cellulite formation. “Stress affects the body and the skin will show it. If you want to minimise your cellulite, work on a holistic, yet integrated approach, making sure you reduce your stress levels. You should also manage your expectations when it comes to ‘miracle’ creams, as this can add stress if cellulite is something you’re concerned about.”

Brush work

Tips for body brushing, with Weleda’s Loraine Murray

Dry brushing is widely recommended to exfoliate and stimulate circulation in areas prone to cellulite. To get started:
Buy a good quality natural bristle brush or loofah.
Commit to brushing every day and do it before your daily shower.
Work from toe to top, making sure that strokes are always towards the heart.
Moderate pressure. Go lighter on areas like the chest and firmer where skin is thicker like the soles of the feet.
Use a circular motion five to six times for each movement.
Avoid any areas where you have a skin infection, rash or open wound.

Do they work?

The cellulite market is worth £56 million in the UK. Many cellulite creams are inexpensive to buy but do they make a difference? “Many cellulite creams don’t penetrate below the epidermis, so what we’re really seeing is a temporary moisturising effect which doesn’t always last,” says Dr Das.

Dr Russo is also sceptical. “There are a wide variety of cosmetics on the market today which claim to remedy cellulite,” he says. “Know your ingredients and look out for creams that contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, as these are more effective in stimulating blood flow. The areas affected by cellulite are usually dry and damaged, therefore needing additional moisture, increased blood supply and protection. If you use a cream, make sure you massage it into the area, but whatever creams you apply, without diet and exercise you’ll only get a minimal result.”

Massage your way to smooth thighs

Try these tips from Lotte Tisenkopfa of Madara natural skincare

1. Apply your chosen oil, stroking firmly, working from toes upwards to encourage circulation.

2. Use a gentle kneading technique with fingers for smaller areas like the upper arms and knees. Use hand kneading on larger areas like the stomach, thighs and bottom to bring the blood closer to the surface.

3. Use your fists, pressing firmly to break up fatty deposits so your body can deal with them naturally.

4. Use the ‘S’ massage technique by grasping a large portion of the problem area in each hand, making sure thumbs are at right angles and twist flesh in opposite directions to form a letter ‘S’ with the folds.

5. Relax muscles and grasp portions of the affected area with both hands as if wringing out a wet towel.

Brush work

Tips for body brushing, with Weleda’s Loraine Murray

Dry brushing is widely recommended to exfoliate and stimulate circulation in areas prone to cellulite. To get started:

Buy a good quality natural bristle brush or loofah.
Commit to brushing every day and do it before your daily shower.
Work from toe to top, making sure that strokes are always towards the heart.
Moderate pressure. Go lighter on areas like the chest and firmer where skin is thicker like the soles of the feet.
Use a circular motion five to six times for each movement.
Avoid any areas where you have a skin infection, rash or open wound.

Eat yourself smooth

Eating less won’t rid your thighs of dimples and sudden weight loss could actually make the problem look worse, but experts across the board agree that dietary changes can alter the severity of cellulite. “Many people who suffer with cellulite also have constipation. It all connects to congestion in the body so you need to keep everything moving with good, fibre-rich foods and plenty of water,” says nutritionist Alison Duker (eatbetternow.wordpress.com). “Certain foods can exacerbate the problem, like caffeinated drinks, which are dehydrating, making the circulation sluggish. Alcohol is another culprit as it burdens the liver, reducing its function. A few units a week is fine, so ideally opt for a good quality antioxidant-rich red wine or single measure of vodka, soda water and fresh lime which contains no sugar except within the alcohol itself, plus the water aids hydration,” she says.

So are there any specific anticellulite foods we should be stocking up on? Dr Murad suggests goji berries, which are full of amino acids for the production of elastin and collagen in the fibrous tissue. He adds: “Eating fresh fruits and vegetables will give you the right amount of vitamins and minerals your body needs to work at its peak and get the circulation going.”

“When you’re staring in the mirror, you’re just focusing on the cellulite, which isn’t what other people see” says Dr Umapathy Sundari, consultant psychiatrist. “Zoning in on one imperfection becomes an all or nothing view on the problem and it can spiral into negative thinking which affects your self-esteem. If you’re concerned, take action with diet and exercise, but don’t fixate on the problem. You’ll have much more fun on the beach this summer if you love yourself just the way you are and celebrate your assets,” she advises.

Get topical

These products can help as part of a dedicated anti-cellulite plan

1. Prevage Body Total Transforming Moisturiser, £95, combines the benefits of the antioxidant idebenone and high potency tripeptide complex.

2. Barefoot Botanicals Rosa Fina Cellulite Massage Cream, £26.95, uses guarana and grapefruit extracts to stimulate the metabolism.

3. Alva Intensive Refining Cream, £25.55, uses organic coffee to promote fat burning and yeast extracts to promote firmer looking skin.

4. Vitaltone £13.99 uses natural herbal extracts to combat cellulite by improving blood circulation and fat metabolism. Available from simplyvital.com.

5. Caudalie Contouring Concentrate, £26, is packed full of essential oils including grapeseed oil to reduce the appearance of dimpled skin.

6. Baldwins Detoxifying Body Oil, £3.30, helps remove cellulite-forming toxins from your body with essential oils of grapefruit, fennel, juniper and Cyprus.

7. Dermalogica Ultimage Buffing Cloth, £10, is a great way to boost a sluggish system and beat the dimples with a vigorous rub down in the shower.

8. Comfort Zone Body Strategist Remodifier, £41.50, has unique self-heating properties to aid absorption of active cellulite-zapping ingredients.

Get help!

Try these salon treatments to help shift stubborn dimples

Rioblush Carboxy Therapy

Dr Jules Nabet gets impressive results with this hitech treatment that uses carbon dioxide to trick the body into increasing blood flow to the dimpled areas. This provides a surge of oxygen and nutrients resulting in improved circulation and smoother, firmer skin.

Costs £150 at the Soma Centre in Kensington. For details call 020 7361 1995 or go to somacentre.co.uk

Velashape

Uses a unique combination of light energy and infrared rays to heat the skin and increase oxygen diffusion in cells. Available across the UK or try the Bikini Body Booster, which includes velashape.

Costs £150 at the London Medical & Aesthetic Clinic. For more details go to lmaclinic.com or call 020 8342 1100

Espa Stimulating Hip and Thigh Treatment

Stimulates the circulatory and lymphatic systems with seaweed, salt and oil exfoliation followed by a detoxifying massage with cleansing essential oils.

Costs £60 at the Malvern Spa and across the UK. For details visit themalvernspa.com, call 01684 898 290 or visit espaonline.com.

Eminence Organic Herbal Cellulite Treatment

An invigorating exfoliation and wrap, this uses minerals from an underground thermal lake in Hungary along with stinging nettle and paprika to stimulate and detoxify areas of cellulite.

Costs from £52. For your nearest salon call 01527 834 904.