Is your Summer Body Ready?

If ‘orange peel’ thighs are threatening to cast a shadow on your summer, you’re not alone. Up to 80% of us list cellulite as a beauty concern. Here are a few tips to help minimise the appearance of cellulite. What causes cellulite? Cellulite is actually a fancy name for collections of fat that push against the connective tissue beneath your skin thus changing the surface of the skin; the dimple effect. The causes of cellulite are not well understood, but there are several theories:

• Hormonal factors
• Genetics, Sex and Age
• Diet - people who eat too much fat, carbohydrates, or salt and too little fibre are likely to have greater amounts of cellulite.
• Lifestyle factors - cellulite may be more prevalent in smokers, those who do not exercise, and those who sit or stand in one position for long periods of time.

 

Changing your lifestyle habits

Reducing your overall fat intake is possibly half the battle. Lower the amount of processed food, alcohol, caffeine, sugar and saturated fat in your diet.  Eat a healthy diet of fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, yogurt and high-quality protein. Foods rich in vitamin C can be beneficial, as they help to keep your connective tissue strong and possible reduce the dimpling effect.  Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits, kiwi fruit, blackcurrants, strawberries, tomatoes, peas, peppers and broccoli.

Make a move and sweat

Jogging, aerobics, cardio, pilates, dancing classes, whatever – just take your pick and stick to it. Developing muscle structure will do wonders if you are determined to rid you legs of cellulite. The best way is to combine cardiovascular exercises like running with strength training. If you want to attack cellulite in just one area, like butt or tights, ride a bike and then add leg-weights or some pilates. When you do regular sweaty exercise you are not only helping stress relief and giving yourself an endorphin rush, you are also minimising fat build-up and boosting your blood circulation thus stimulating the Lymphatic system. This will help expel your body of unwanted toxins through your skin. Exercise will also help to improve the overall appearance of your body by firming and toning your body.  So, even if your cellulite is there, the overall appearance of your body will be more flattering.

Regular Body Exfoliation

When it comes to healthy beautiful skin, regular exfoliation is key. If your skin is feeling very dry, scaly, and you have micro bumps on the surface, exfoliation may help, as it can lift off the upper layer of skin cells without causing irritation. Just a few minutes once or twice a week can help with circulation and promote healthy looking skin.  You can perform this invigorating body scrub while in the shower.

Massage

A circulation-boosting massage is fantastic for helping skin feel firmer and more toned. Using firm upward stroking movements, massage the hips, thighs and legs. When the skin is firmly massaged, the blood flow increases as well as does the lymphatic drainage, this instantly stimulates the area and helps to break down any build-up of waste.

Our product recommendations:

Treatment Product

• Payot Cellui-Ultra Performance

Exfoliations

• AHAVA Gentle Body Exfoliator
• ASAP Revitalising BodyScrub
• Dermalogica Exfoliating Body Scrub

Body Moisturisers

• AHAVA Firming Body Cream
• ASAP Revitalising BodyMoist
• Alpha-H Firming Body Therapy

Body Treatment Kits

• Dermalogica – Spa Body Therapy kit