![]() ![]()  Cellulite Solutions
Key Tips for Bringing Your Sexy Back
Every girl dreams of the day when she can have a dimple-free derriere and say goodbye to cottage cheese thighs caused by cellulite. Affecting eighty to ninety percent of women, this dimpling of the skin is a combination of fat, water and toxic wastes and usually appears on the thighs, arms and derriere. Cellulite is commonly considered an issue for those who are overweight and according to Dr. Susan Taylor, author of Beautiful Skin of Color, this makes it a particular problem for African-American, Caribbean and Latina women in which obesity rates are on the rise. But skinny girls get cellulite too. Hormones, aging and genetics can also lead to the "orange-peel effect," making it a concern for slender women as well. "Although I've never had an issue with my weight, when I turned 30, I started to notice cellulite on the back of my thighs," says New York native Monique Saunders. Cellulite occurs when the skin's collagen starts to break down and dermal elasticity becomes weakened. As a result, fat pushes into the fibrous bands and connective tissues creating a cottage-cheese pattern under the skin's surface. Even though there is no topical cure for cellulite, there are several options to help you tighten up.
You Just May Be What You Eat
"A diet that offers skin-nourishing nutrients is one of the best ways to care for cellulite," notes Dr. Howard Murad, author of best-selling book The Cellulite Solution. According to Murad, weak blood vessels can cause the dermis to deteriorate because it lacks the proper nutrients whereas strong blood vessels increase circulation, which helps to strengthen the dermal layer. He suggests essential fatty acids, found in flaxseed, sunflower and olive oils, to hydrate the cells; healthy protein from beans and whole grains to rebuild damaged tissue; citrus fruits and dark berries for their antioxidant and anti-aging properties; and, anti-inflammatory foods like broccoli and spinach.
Exercise—Just Do It!
Adding body-sculpting routines to your exercise regimen is another way to improve cellulite. For the best results, combine cardio with strength training to burn fat and build muscle. "When I went back to the gym on a regular basis, I noticed an immediate difference," says Saunders who opted for the Stairmaster, Elliptical machine, resistance bands and free weights to get rid of the waffle-like pattern on her legs. Laura Dixon, owner of Harmony, Mind, Body Fitness in Chicago, also recommends yoga and Pilates to increase firmness. "[Pilates] exercises include props and rollers that massage the body and break up fatty deposits." If you can't find time to go to a gym, invest in an MBT shoe, designed to help you sculpt while you walk or run. MBT, which stands for Masai Barefoot Technology was inspired by Masai tribesmen who walk barefoot, are slender and have no back or cellulite issues. Swiss engineer Karl Müller describes the world-wide patented shoe as physiological footwear: it emulates
the benefits one receives from walking barefoot on natural, padded
ground (like sand) via its multi-layered, curved sole. Clinical studies, as well as real women swear by its effectiveness. MBT shoes cost about $250 and are available at Blissworldcom, Nordstrom.com and Zappos.com, among other outlets.
Medical Treatments
Endermologie, a treatment similar to a deep-tissue massage, has proven extremely effective. A dermatologist or a qualified spa esthetician performs this non-surgical method with a hand-held motorized device that rolls and suctions the skin. The process is designed to break up and disperse fat cells. Most women notice improvement after twenty 40-minute sessions but it only offers a temporary solution since cellulite comes back when regular treatments stop. Wellbox created an at-home version of this machine so women could treat their skin at their leisure. Price: Each treatment costs anywhere from $40 to $50 per session, with monthly sessions required to maintain the results.
Mesotherapy, an injection of vitamins, plant extracts and a variety of medications (including drugs for asthma and arthritis) is another treatment option. From the series of tiny shots, the ingredients are absorbed by the mesoderm (layers of fatty tissue) to stimulate cells. This "fat-melting" concoction is not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration therefore patients risk infection and extreme allergic reactions. Bruising is the most common side effect and at least fifteen sessions are needed to see improvement. Price: Each treatment can cost anywhere from $200 to $600 per session, depending on your location.
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