Take action now and smoother flesh could be yours for summer. The P&J’s YL magazine declares war on the dreaded orange peel effect
Body-baring season is upon us. Even if you’ve been putting in overtime at the gym, cellulite can still blight your skin. But pay a little dedicated attention to your dimply bits and you can improve the appearance of cellulite before you reunite with your bikini.
Skincare expert Jill Zander, of the Jill Zander Skin Rejuvenation Clinic, has been treating cellulite for years and knows all the insider tricks for diminishing the orange peel effect.
“Cellulite is often hereditary, so it’s likely your family members will be suffering from the same problem,” Zander says. “Around 95% of women have a type of cellulite somewhere on their body and even skinny people aren’t immune.”
Bust the myths and say goodbye to cellulite for summer and beyond.
CELLULITE TYPES
Grab a mirror and inspect your dimples under a harsh light to suss out your cellulite. There are three different types, according to Zander: “Adipose cellulite is a firm cellulite with orange peel effect on loose skin, oedematous cellulite is caused by fluid retention with ‘soft’ cellulite often on loose skin, and fibrotic cellulite is hard, compact cellulite with orange peel effect.”
DIMPLE GRADING
Once you’ve identified your ‘type’ of cellulite, you can grade it to find out exactly how much groundwork you need to put in. “There are four different grades of cellulite,” Zander says. “We have special cellulite diagnosis plates so that we know how best to treat it.” For the lucky minority, grade one is no visible cellulite, even when skin is pinched. Grade two is no visible cellulite when lying down or standing but an orange peel texture when skin is pinched. Grade three is visible cellulite when standing that disappears when lying down, and grade four is visible cellulite when standing and lying down.
MOVE YOUR BODY
Get moving and shaking to give orange peel flesh the boot. “Cellulite forms in areas with the least circulation, so without activity, it’s very hard to budge,” explains Zander. “Everyday energising movements and skin-warming exercises will have you saying adios to dimpled skin if you are consistent.” Running, swimming and brisk walking are the best forms of exercises for increasing blood circulation and loosening the fat tissues from those hard-to-budge areas.
SUPERCHARGE YOUR POTIONS
The best time to utilise all those cellulite-busting potions? Not once you’ve got out of your bed, but when your body’s at its most active. Zander says: “Get moving and you’ll find the potions you invest in work better. Following exercise, your metabolism and your blood circulation are stimulated and the products you apply will be better absorbed, helping to activate the cellulite-fighting ingredients.”
DIY DISPERTION
Paying your cellulite regular attention can really pay off in the long run with dry body brushing, thorough massage and contouring scrubs all making a difference. Try and make it part of your daily routine, like brushing your teeth. Zander recommends: “Ideally, try and body brush daily, stroking in the direction towards your heart, or try strong-handed massages on the thighs, which will increase fat dispersion if done on a regular basis.”
HEALTHY HABITS
If you really want a conscious uncoupling from your cellulite, lose the lazy streak. “Unfortunately, cellulite is a big fan of females with inactive careers so if you’re desk bound in your job you need to remind your rear to keep in shape.” Take desk breaks, talk to colleagues rather than email and go on regular water runs, as drinking h2o helps flush out toxins. Eating water-rich foods like watermelon is another potent way to lessen puckered skin.
DIMINISHING DEVICE
If you’ve been taking regular anti-cellulite steps but not seeing results, call in the professionals for some bikini body SOS. Cellulite occurs when fat cells swell, becoming hard and unable to drain effectively. “We have been receiving superlative results using a new treatment called Lipotripsy, which harnesses painless radial wave therapy,” Zander says. “It allows the fat cell walls to become healthy and permeable again, meaning the fat can naturally drain away.”