The countdown to swimsuit season has begun and it’s time to get toned and trim if you want to step out in scantily clad swimsuits with confidence. Cellulite is one of the main offenders for low self-esteem in women, so we’ve got expert advice and a our hit list of products that will smooth and slim your bumps and bulges.Dr Esra Ogru, spokesperson for Elixia gave us the low-down on cellulite: why we have it, how to beat it and what ingredients really work.
RESCU: Why is it so common for women to have cellulite?
Elixia: Women are naturally prone to cellulite, irrespective of nationality, size, age or body type. We often hear stories from women who exercise, eat well and live healthily, but still have some visible cellulite. We tend to have a higher percentage of body fat than males, and it most commonly accumulates in thighs and buttock areas while men tend to accumulate fat around their abdomen. Its part of the way we’re made and while our bodies produce oestrogen, we will produce cellulite.
RESCU: What are some other contributors to cellulite?
Elixia: Some of the more common factors contributing to cellulite in women are hormones, genetics, diets that are high in carbohydrates, fat, salt and minimal fibre and lifestyle factors like a lack of exercise, sitting or standing in one position for lengthy periods of time, smoking (which causes poor circulation and premature ageing) and high stress.
RESCU: What are your top tips for beating cellulite?
Elixia: 1. Exercise – Exercise regularly to increase blood circulation to your problem areas and increase muscle tone in your thighs. Walking is always recommended as one of the best forms of exercise.
2. Diet – A healthy diet in conjunction with a regular exercise regime is an effective way to control or reduce the visible appearance of cellulite.
3. Massage – Massage improves blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. It also helps your skin feel smoother and softer.
4. A high potency, topical treatment cream or gel with proven active ingredients.
RESCU: A lot of women are cynical about creams and treatments that claim to banish cellulite forever. How do these products work to reduce cellulite and what ingredients should women look out for?
Elixia: Most creams available contain caffeine, which is a well-known ingredient in cellulite products. The challenge for most creams and treatments is not what they have in their formulas, but whether they can penetrate the skin and deliver the ingredients to where they will actually work. Most sit on the skin surface and unfortunately get washed away as we go about our day.
RESCU: Are there any diets or food supplements that tackle cellulite?
The most effective way to tackle cellulite through diet is to eat healthy, well balanced meals. Avoid skipping meals and avoiding food high in sugar or fat. Include lots of fruit & vegetables, fish, lean meats, nuts and drink lots of water.
Taking supplements can assist in the treatment of cellulite, and Vitamin E is commonly recommended to improve circulation and the appearance of skin.
Rescu. Road Test: Here’s Our Pick Of The Best Anti-Cellulite Products On The Market
Elixia BodyShaper Cellulite Contour Crème
Need to get firm fast? How would you like to see a noticeable decrease in your cellulite in just 21 days? This contour cream targets the bumps, dimples and bulges we try to hide with a blend of multi-vitamins, anti-ageing peptides, moisturising oils and antioxidants that penetrate deep into the skin to improve elasticity for a smoother, slimmer body shape.
RRP $99.
September BodyShaper Challenge
During September, Elixia is inviting women to try BodyShaper Cellulite Contour Crème for themselves, by registering for their September 4-week Challenge. Log onto www.bodyshaperchallenge.com.au to find out more and to register your details.
Peachy Pink Anti-Cellulite Shape Wear – Micro Massage Collection
It couldn’t be any easier to tighten and slim thighs and hips than with this selection of anti-cellulite shape wear from Peachy Pink. The collection includes ¾ tights, leggings (our pick) and short pants, which slim the body using special massage technology and active ingredients that are infused into the fabric. The fabric is loaded with an anti-cellulite treatment which contains Green Tea to detoxify the skin and body, Coffee Beans to smooth and tone and Peaches to moisturise and firm. Smells delicious and boy do these tights suck it all in.
Our tip: Grab one before it’s too warm and wear every day for 21 days for at least 8 hours. Seriously impressive and surprising results.
Prices range from $54.95 to $79.95. Available from www.peachypink.com.au
Sisley Phyto-Svelt Global
News flash: The French don’t do fat and flabby. Luxury meets efficiency with this French super brand’s latest body product. Combating cellulite with a powerful combination of active, natural ingredients, this firming and slimming cream works three ways to trim and firm your ‘orange peel’ areas. It effectively does this by preventing fatty deposits being stored in cells, preventing new fatty cells forming and fights the build up of tissue that causes the dimply effect.
RRP $200. Available from selected David Jones stores nationally.
Priori CoffeeBerry Body Shaping Complex
Cosmeceutical powerhouse Priori have focused their R&D efforts on the body. This lightweight, 99.1% natural body treatment harnesses the power of super anti-oxidant Coffeeberry to tighten and tone the body, contouring your curves and bumpy bits, effectively decreasing the appearance of cellulite. Great on bingo wings, post pregnancy bellies and the usual cellulite prone zones.
RRP $170. Call 1800 808 993 for stocklists.
