For many of us, cellulite, that unsightly, orange-peel puckering that we can get on our thighs, butts, stomachs or arms, is the bane of our existence. No matter how much we diet or exercise, we can’t seem to diminish the dimples — spoiling our dream for swimsuit-ready, smooth, taut skin. Don’t let your fear of cellulite spoil your fun this swimwear season. Joanna Vargas, celebrity facialist (clients include Maggie Gyllenhaal, Rachel Weisz, Sofia Coppola and Karlie Kloss) and founder of the Joanna Vargas Salon and Skincare Collection, gives us quick tips on how to get rid of cellulite.
Use an Exfoliating Wash
Instead of using a regular body wash in the shower, try an exfoliating body cleanser. The mild, grainy wash will help revive and rejuvenate your skin. You’ll find that your body moisturizer will absorb better, too. Plus, plump, hydrated skin looks less lumpy and bumpy. Try Olay Daily Exfoliating Moisturizer Body Wash with Sea Salt, $4.49 at Walmart
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Dry Brush
Add dry brushing to your routine right before you shower. “Dry brushing is my favorite method of body exfoliation because it is multitasking; it’s actually incredible as a cellulite treatment and increases elasticity,” says Vargas. Start at the top of your feet and brush upward toward the heart. Spend extra time on areas that tend to be more stagnant, like the inner thigh, and don’t forget to include your back and the backs of your arms. Dry brushing immediately increases circulation, so you’ll feel warmer when you are done. It increases blood flow, which is healthy, but its main purpose is to stimulate collagen production, which will help to thicken your skin and lessen the appearance of fat cells. It also dramatically increases elasticity, so it’s great for lifting and toning a problem area.
“Try it before you get into the shower in the morning and you will see a difference in your skin quality and cellulite in days. I love African Botanics Marula Detoxifying Salt & Sugar Body Scrub. This formula scrubs away damaged skin on the body and really detoxes your tissue. It’s amazing for restoring elasticity and even helps improve cellulite,” says Vargas.
Swap Your Regular Moisturizer for Self Tanner
Cellulite is less visible on darker skin, so substitute your normal body moisturizer for a self-tanning lotion or a glow-inducing BB body cream. “I love using it in preparation for a vacation. It’s very easy to use and gives you a gorgeous radiance without looking orange,” says Vargas. Try Jergens BB Protect Perfecting Body Cream SPF15, $12.99 at Ulta
Drink Green Juice
Swap the 4:00 p.m. coffee you have every day for a green juice. “Caffeine is a stimulant, so of course it will speed cellular activity when you use a product with caffeine in it. It’s not my favorite ingredient because it will have a dehydrating effect, but it can be found in every cellulite body cream on the market today,” says Vargas. Green juice, however, is great for getting rid of cellulite because it detoxes your body and hydrates you from within, giving you clean energy. It also helps to oxygenate skin, which means your skin will be better able to rid itself of impurities and bring in nutrients.
Coconut Oil Is a Great Detoxifier
“I like coconut oil on the body for its purifying benefits. Rubbing coconut oil all over the body serves not only to hydrate and restore the lipid layer with omega-3 fatty acids, it also increases the metabolism at the cellular level, so you will be detoxed and hydrated. A thin layer of coconut oil all over should do the trick,” advises Vargas.
She also suggests trying this unique, at-home, detoxifying body treatment: Cover your whole body head to toe in coconut oil and then wrap everything in elastic bandages. Stay wrapped for 45 minutes. The heated coconut oil will increase the metabolism in your cells and the sweat will help you purge your body of impurities.
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Explore the Latest Technology
“The Burn is my new radio frequency treatment for the body that melts fat and improves cellulite in problem areas. It uses heat and radio waves to push collagen fibers back together and to trigger collagen production for increased elasticity over time. It delivers instant results in one treatment and is great for thighs, butt, tummy, love handles, upper arms and above the knee,” enthuses Vargas.
