Massage And Body Brushing

You've probably heard of massage and body brushing to banish cellulite - but neither trick will work unless you do them properly. Moisturize skin really well so that the massage tool can slide over skin, then in circular movements, massage thighs in the direction of the heart. You could use your fingertips (or get your partner to help!) to massage thighs too - just make sure that you apply a firm pressure. Body brushing is best done either in the shower or when you've just had a shower. Using a brush with stiff, natural bristles, brush skin upwards, again focussing towards the direction of the heart. This action helps to encourage the breakdown of fat, improving circulation. Over time (doing this every day) may reduce cellulite, giving skin a smooth, more even appearance.

Coffee Scrubs

Coffee scrubs have long been touted as a miracle cure for cellulite - and although not every product will banish cellulite, there is still some truth to the idea that caffeine can reduce cellulite and improve the appearance of skin. That's because the caffeine stimulates the breakdown of fatty deposits underneath the surface of the skin whilst also tightening skin, making it appear firmer. Can't afford a pricey coffee scrub? Mix coffee grounds with a sea salt scrub and you'll get exactly the same effect.

Laser Treatments

One of the newest medical treatments for cellulite involves lasers. It might sound scary, but in most cases, laser treatment is completely pain-free.

Over time, and with repeated treatments, your body's system will work to flush that fat out of your system, leaving skin smoother and firmer. Laser treatments are actually approved by the FDA for use in treating cellulite and they can make a huge difference to some sufferers. Other similar treatments include red and infrared light emitting diodes (LEDs). These specific wavelengths of colored light are absorbed by the fat cells, which causes cell death (or cell disruption). The body then activates a healing response, shedding those bumpy, lumpy fat cells causing your cellulite, replacing them with new cells. 

See Also: Dealing with cellulite: Beat cellulite now!

What to Remember:

• cellulite isn't caused by being fat - it is caused by fat cells slipping through connective tissues
• cellulite creams are generally useless, unless they contain the active ingredient aminophylline or caffeine. Most of them will make skin appear firmer and smoother but generally, this is only temporary and will not be permanent
• liposuction is not an effective treatment for cellulite. Yes, it reduces fat, and yes, it removes fat from specific parts of the body. But liposuction can leave scarring and can actually make cellulite much worse if the surgeon has not used a minimally invasive procedure. Before turning to liposuction to reduce fat, try some of the exercises mentioned in page one.
• body wraps will not get rid of cellulite. Body wraps are good for a night out, as they provide temporary inch loss - not permanent inch loss.