Cellulite is a common concern for clients, as it is estimated to affect at least 85 per cent of women.

Clients would like to get rid of the lumpy, bumpy appearance of cellulite with minimal time and effort; however, smoothing out the dimples is best achieved by adhering to a three-pronged plan of non-invasive treatments, home-care product, and a healthy lifestyle regimen.

Causes of cellulite

Cellulite forms in the subcutaneous layers of the skin due to dehydration, swelling of fat cells caused by hormone fluctuations, and chronic inflammation. Oestrogen causes subcutaneous fat cells to swell, cutting off circulation, which produces an inflammatory response within the skin, creating dimples.

Stress can cause cellulite. Cortisol, the stress hormone, triggers fat storage, which has been shown to disrupt circulation.

As people age, their skin begins to sag as elasticity and firmness are lost. The tighter the skin, the smoother it looks.

Clients often ask what they can do to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Below are the three proven steps to reduce cellulite.

1. Devices

There are devices that use one or several of the following modalities to reduce problematic areas of cellulite. In essence, they all work to break down fat so the body can eliminate it through its natural detoxifiˆ­cation process.

Endermologie: It combines suction to pull up the skin while rollers massage to break up the excess fat, which is then absorbed by the body and discarded.

Devices using heat are the most popular method to reduce cellulite. The heat breaks down the fat cells, as well as contracts tissue below the skin’s surface, promoting skin tightening. Modalities that utilise heat include radio frequency, ultrasound, infrared light, and lasers. Many devices use more than one method of heating to obtain optimal results, some also include suction and/or massage.

Coolsculpting, on the other hand, reduces cellulite by freezing fat cells. Since fat cells are more sensitive to cooling than skin cells, these treatments damage the fat cells while leaving the skin intact. The fat cells eventually die and the inflammation triggered allows the body to carry away the damaged cells through the lymphatic system.

2. Topicals

Topical products and tools assist in the reduction of cellulite, but realistic expectations must be given. It is necessary to exaggerate the importance of consistency.

Vitamins A and C are two of the most commonly used ingredients in skincare, as well as in cellulite creams due to their antioxidant properties and their ability to support collagen synthesis. Antioxidants fight off harmful free radicals that can break down collagen. This, along with the rebuilding of collagen, allows for optimal skin tightening.

Caffeine is likely the most commonly used ingredient in topical cellulite products. It dehydrates the area for a temporarily smooth appearance, but also plays a role in cellulite reduction by enhancing fat metabolism.

These are just a few; there are several other ingredients used. The main purpose of these topicals is to increase circulation, fight free radicals, enhance collagen production, and break down fat deposits.

Dry Brushing is another topical method to reduce cellulite and eliminate the build-up of toxins. However, it must be done correctly.

Brushing movements should be circular and always in the direction of lymphatic flow, as our lymphatic system is responsible for removing contaminants in the body. The use of a plastic, silicone or wooden hand-held massager with protruding fingers are also commonly used to break down the cellulite trapped in-between the layers of skin. Either of these methods should be used in the troubled area for at least 10 minutes daily for best results.

3. Lifestyle

Cellulite is usually the last bit of fat the body releases since it is surrounded by stubborn fibrous tissue. Therefore, even with treatment, a consistently healthy lifestyle is a must to prevent cellulite from occurring or recurring.

A balanced diet is the first step to gaining a healthy lifestyle. A low-fat and high-fibre diet including plenty of fruits and vegetables is key to eliminating excess fat. Avoiding excess sugars, fats and carbohydˆ­rate, and alcohol, which can easily be stored as fat, is also necessary. Additionally, lecithin-rich foods like soy, eggs and spinach help strengthen cell walls, improving the appearance of cellulite.

Drinking plenty of water will help keep the body in a healthy state and promotes natural elimination of toxins from the body. Eight 8-oz glasses each day is the standard recommenˆ­dation.

Consistent exercise is another way of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and preventing and/or reducing cellulite. It is most often recommended to work out at least three to four times a week, including both cardio and strength training for cellulite reduction. At the very least, walking 30 minutes, five days a week will improve circulation and fight the build-up of fat.

Another part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle is to eliminate avoidable toxins. Smoking is a prime example of a product that increases toxins and causes asphyxiation, which in turn slows down proper circulation, leading to more pronounced cellulite.

Incorporating these three simple steps will greatly improve the appearance of even the most stubborn cellulite.

Michelle Vernon is a licensed aesthetician who operates the Body Studio Skincare located at 23 Central Plaza, Kingston 10, and Fairview Shopping Centre, Montego Bay. She may be reached at telephone 908-0438 or 684-9800; IG@bodystudioskincare; E-mail: bodystudioskincare@gmail.com; Website: www.bodystudioskincare.com.