Like many women, I spend a few minutes every morning in front of the mirror moisturising every square inch of skin – and yes, looking for cellulite. Like the grow-out phase of a fringe, it’s annoying. But, spoiler alert: cellulite is completely normal. You don’t have to love it – because I certainly don’t love my dimply thighs and bum – but it is natural. And in the same way that you may not be able to completely slay wrinkles, you can significantly improve its appearance with the best cellulite creams and know-how.
What Even Is Cellulite?
Cellulite is, at the most basic level, fat that is sandwiched between your skin and muscles.
It’s thought that this fat pushes on the tissue bands that connect your skin to your muscles, making the skin dimple. Imagine skin poking through the tiny holes in a pair of fishnet tights and you get the picture.
It’s also pretty indiscriminate as it targets anyone, including Olympic athletes.
‘Between 80 and 90 per cent of women will experience cellulite at some point in their lives,’ says aesthetic doctor, Dr Sophie Shotter.
What Causes Cellulite?
That’s a little trickier to answer.
‘Hormones play a part, in particular oestrogen, the primary female sex hormone, although we don’t yet know why,’ says Shotter.
One theory is that oestrogen can encourage your body to produce more fat. So an imbalance between oestrogen and testosterone levels often causes cellulite. Taking the pill also increases your chances of getting it.
Another theory is that cellulite gets worse as women approach menopause because oestrogen levels decline. ‘Declining oestrogen levels cause fat cells to become larger, therefore making cellulite more visible,’ says Shotter.
Like we said, it’s still a grey area.
However, the reason more women get cellulite than men is the structure of our collagen, the main protein that makes up connective tissue.
‘In women the connective tissue bands are arranged vertically, allowing for fat to become compartmentalised in the pockets in between,’ explains Shotter. ‘In men they follow a criss cross pattern, which makes this less likely.’
Genetics also play a part, as your vulnerability to cellulite seems to be at least partly inherited.
‘This can come from genetic factors linked to speed of metabolism, distribution of fat under the skin and ethnicity,’ she adds.
How To Prevent Cellulite From Getting Worse?
There are a few different treatments, from body brushes to our pick of the best cellulite creams and serums, that go some way to helping you get rid of cellulite. In our experience, a combination of a few tends to make the most difference.
Body Brushing
Use a body brush at least three times a week and then rub one of the best cellulite creams into your skin afterwards.
‘Dry brushing can help to boost circulation, helping with oxygen delivery to affected areas and encouraging collagen production,’ says Shotter. ‘It also helps to improve lymphatic drainage.’
Toxins, which can build up in your layers of fat, and excess fluid are then eliminated in your waste.
Best Body Brush
Elemis Body Detox Skin Brush, £21, Feelunique
This sturdy brush made from natural cactus bristles not only helps improve your circulation but it exfoliates your skin simultaneously. Win-win situation.
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Massage
When you apply your cellulite cream, be sure to massage it in to increase blood circulation and reduce excessive amounts of fluid in areas that contain cellulite.
It’s also thought that by rubbing the skin, you cause it to temporarily swell for a more even-looking canvas.
The Right Ingredients in The Best Cellulite Creams
Be on the look out for caffeine or retinol.
‘Caffeine increases circulation to the affected area,’ says Shotter. ‘It is also thought to aid lipolysis, a process where the body sheds fat cells and skin appears temporarily smoother. Retinol, meanwhile, helps boost collagen production over time.’
And the thicker the skin is, the less visible cellulite bumps poking through will be.
Expert thinking currently suggests applying a cream with retinol first, followed by one with caffeine.
Other key ingredients are L carnitine, an amino acid which aids with fat burning, and antioxidants to protect collagen. ‘Additionally, centella asiatica increases blood flow and allows for better nutrient absorption,’ says Shotter.
But don’t expect miracles right away. Stick at it and combine your cream application with a low-salt diet, exercises to build lean muscle and drinking plenty of water to flush out toxins.
You’ll notice a marked difference in a matter of weeks.
The Best Cellulite Cream for Thighs
Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, £44, Cult Beauty
Hailing from the country where bums are a nationwide obsession, this Instagram-hero is powered by guarana, a native Amazonian plant that is one of the most potent forms of caffeine on the planet.
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Paula’s Choice Skin-Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment, £33, Cult Beauty
Meet the cellulite cream you’ll actually look forward to applying. It’s non greasy and jam-packed with the skin-firming powerhouse retinol, plus antioxidants and emollients to smooth and add lust-worthy radiance to limbs. Just make sure you apply one of the best SPF moisturisers on top before heading outside.
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Here are a few of our other favourites. Just let them get to work while you sit… well, tight.
The post The Best Cellulite Creams 2020 For Smoother and Firmer Skin appeared first on Marie Claire.
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