Ah, cellulite. It’s like your nosy aunt… super annoying but also super unavoidable.
Hate to break it to you, but an estimated 9 out of 10 women will battle the orange peel effect at some point in their lives. But, as common as those dimples are, it only takes one Google search to discover how much misinformation there is out there about cellulite and how to get rid of it.
With so much info and untrustworthy advice out there, it’s very easy to waste your efforts on miracle ‘potions’ that promise you the world but don’t actually deliver results. So, we’ve teamed up with the Elancyl brand — leading anti-cellulite industry experts — to set the record straight when it comes to cellulite myths.
1/ You Can Get Rid Of Cellulite Completely
Uhm, we hate to be the bearer of bad news, but unfortunately, cellulite is… irreversible. There are ways to reduce its appearance, but don’t believe the noise you hear about getting dimples on your butt, thighs and stomach to vanish 100 %.
2/ Cellulite Is Caused By Weight Gain And Being Out Of Shape
Since cellulite can occur in any ‘body type’ — short, tall, slim or curvy — blaming its appearance solely on weight gain is completely false. In fact, only 50 % of women get cellulite when they put on weight. The other 50 % have a few factors — including poor diet, lack of exercise, genetics and age — to thank.
3/ Women Get Cellulite More Than Men
Yeah, sorry to break it to you, but this one is actually true. Gender is definitely a contributing factor when it comes to lumps and bumps. Hormonal fluctuations caused by puberty, pregnancy, menopause and birth control medication all play a role in the development of cellulite.
So, How Do You Combat The Dimple-Effect?
Firstly, you need to understand how cellulite develops. Those dimples are the result of a disruption in the body’s fat-storing regulation system. Fat cells begin to swell, which causes a dysfunction in the connective tissue. This means that lymph vessels become compressed and are no longer able to eliminate water and toxins properly. The result? Dermal fibres (collagen and elastin) thicken and become rigid, which brings you the perfect patch of… dun dun dun… cellulite. And, as we mentioned, it can’t be completely undone, but there are a few simple lifestyle changes you can make (and advanced cellulite-targeting products) that’ll help reduce the appearance of orange-peel skin:
- Hydrate — drinking enough water prevents the build-up of toxins and sugars in the fat cells. It helps prevent swelling, connective tissue issues, and ultimately reduces the appearance of cellulite.
- Rest and relaxation — if your body is in a constant state of tension it can’t function properly, which could lead to a build-up of toxins (a.k.a cellulite).
- Regular exercise — especially squats, lunges and HIIT workouts — strengthens the entire body and helps reduce the appearance of dimples.
What Products Should You Use?
Scientifically formulated anti-cellulite products, like those from Elancyl, can boost your cellulite-busting regime. So, we asked the brand for their step-by-step anti-cellulite plan:
Step 1: Massage those dimples
- Elancyl Slim Massage Set
Retail price: R495
The Elancyl Slim Massage device was inspired by the professional palpate and roll technique to give you a “deep-tissue massage” in the shower. It works in conjunction with the Anti-cellulite Concentrate Gel — rich in caffeine and ivy — to assist with microcirculation, detoxification and promote a smoother appearance.
Step 2: Make use of targeted care products
- Elancyl Slim Design Stubborn Cellulite
Retail price: R395
The Elancyl Slim Design Stubborn Cellulite cream tones, firms and reduces the appearance of even the most stubborn cellulite. It’s secret? Elancyl’s Caffeine Complex 3D, which contains active ingredients to firm the skin.
- Slim Design 2-in-1 Firming Oil
Retail price: R295
The Elancyl Slim Design 2-in-1 Firming Oil is made to reduce the appearance of cellulite and early on-set of stretch marks. The revolutionary bi-phase formula combines Camelina Oil, Caffeine and Ivy to help reduce the appearance of dimples and strengthen the skin’s elasticity.
These products are available in leading Dischem Pharmacies and on Takealot.co.za
Want To Try Them Out For Yourself?
Umm, yes please! You could win 1-of-3 Elancyl firming body hampers worth R2 000. The brand offers a range of science-backed solutions that combat cellulite and stretch marks. To stand a chance of winning a hamper, simply complete the entry form below:
