Although we love summer, getting into little dresses, shorts and bikinis can make most of us want to run for cover. Dry skin, stretch marks and the dreaded orange peel can leave the slimmest of us feeling self-conscious. We caught up with Lesley Clough, skin care expert for beauty brand Sisley, to find out all about cellulite. What is it? Why do we get it? How can we get rid of it? And more importantly what ingredients work!Read on to discover more.
What is cellulite and why do we get it?
Cellulite commonly appears in the thigh and buttock area and has a lumpy or rippled appearance. The condition is caused by water retention and circulatory problems that may result from a variety of factors including hormones.
Can it affect all women?
Yes, it can affect all women, even those who are not overweight. The degree of cellulite varies but more than 90% of women have it.
Is cellulite linked to diet and exercise?
These factors do not prevent cellulite but they can help reduce its appearance. To reduce and prevent the problem a good diet helps and regular exercise can help to tone the body, improving circulation.
Is it true that some products can actually reduce the appearance of cellulite?
Tests have proven that some products can, for instance the Sisley Celluli-Pro can transform the quality and appearance of the skin making it visibly more toned and beautiful.
Does applying creams which contain caffeine really help get rid of cellulite? If so, why?
Caffeine is an indispensable active ingredient in a body-contouring cream - it has properties help to combat fatty deposits
What other key ingredients in anti-cellulite products should we look out for?
Rice Peptides slow down fat storage.
Orange Blossom helps maintain and increase the concentration of cyclic AMP, our body's ‘natural fuel' for eliminating fat.
Boldo leaf has a direct impact on lipogenesis which is formation of new lipids. It does this by helping to reduce fat storage in adipocyte cells.
Hibiscus flower is good for its high content of organic acids, including alpha-hydroxycitric acid which has body-contouring properties.Do monthly toning and detoxifying spa treatments really make a difference to cellulite?
Yes they make a huge difference - the more attention and time you spend dealing with the problem the quicker the outcome you will have. Using a cream alongside a spa treatment twice a day will help you see results quicker.
It doesn't seem to matter how much weight I lose I can't get rid of cellulite on my bum, what could be the cause?
This could be caused by not drinking enough water to flush out the toxins which help to increase circulation, or a likely cause could be hormones.
I suffer from orange peel on my stomach which can be very embarrassing; can you recommend a treatment or product to improve it?
Sisley's Celluli-Pro should be used on specific areas including the stomach and other contouring products can help this area too.
Some cellulite creams are so expensive, is it really worth paying extra?
When buying products, the most important factor is to look at the ingredients - unique formulas and high end ingredients will help with the prevention and appearance of cellulite
What is the difference between cellulite gels and firming creams?
A cream allows the incorporation of a greater number of fat soluble ingredients, notably vegetable oils and butters which is not the case in a gel formula. Also, a cream is better for massaging the product in, allowing for the ingredients to become more enhanced due to the mechanical messaging action.
Does body brushing really help eradicate cellulite?
Yes, along with using a treatment daily and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Body brushing is a simple technique that stimulates blood and lymph flow, encouraging a good circulation and new cell growth.
What factors make cellulite worse?
Smoking causes damage to the small blood vessels which increase the risk of cellulite. An unhealthy lifestyle, birth control pill, pregnancy and menopause can also make the problem worse.
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