Can you beat cellulite?

Cellulite does not discriminate! Nearly all women have it on at least one part of their body – buttocks, thighs or stomach. But the real question is this: what can we do about it?

Cellulite: A solution for every problem!

Many factors can predispose a person to cellulite. Some, such as heredity, gender and ethnic origin, are beyond our control, while others can be managed. Here are the various factors that can contribute to the problem and ways to address them.

Poor diet

A diet that is high in carbohydrates, fat and salt and low in fibre can exacerbate cellulite and lead to weight gain. Remember that every extra kilogram makes cellulite a little worse.

• Adopt a healthy diet.
  Choose lean proteins (fish, chicken, seafood) and slow-burning carbohydrates (pasta, rice), vegetables (raw or cooked), fruit and fibre (bran and whole grains).
• Stay well hydrated.
  Drink two to three litres of water every day. Herbal teas, fruit and vegetable juices with no added sugar or salt are also good options.

Lack of exercise 

Physical inactivity promotes the development of fatty tissues at the expense of muscle mass.

• Get aerobic exercise.
  Aerobic exercise increases your heart rate and breathing rate. This, in turn, improves blood flow and oxygen supply to cells.

Poor clothing and footwear choices

Wearing clothing that constricts the legs or high heels on a regular basis hinders the movement of the calves, a function that promotes better blood flow.

• Wear flat shoes.
  Choose ballerina flats or loafers without laces. Remember that a good heel is about 15 to 20 mm in height and has a good support surface (8 cm2).
• Wear loose-fitting clothing.

Smoking

Smoking reduces the amount of oxygen available for tissues.

• Quit smoking
  There are many products to help you quit smoking. Just ask your pharmacist.

Negative emotions (frustration, anxiety, depression, stress)

They increase the release of cortisol, a hormone that contributes to the storage of fat over time.

• Learn deep breathing.
  Taking slow, deep breaths is a good way to help control negative emotions.
• Eat stress-busting foods.
  Beans, oatmeal and almonds are recognized for their soothing properties, while bananas, rice and couscous can help you get a better night’s sleep.

Is there a miracle cure?

Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment that can eliminate cellulite for good. But there are ways to help reduce the appearance of that unsightly dimpling.

Massage the problem areas

Stimulate blood flow by regularly massaging the problem areas with your hands, a massage glove or a loufah sponge.

Use creams containing methylxanthine

If you would like to try a slimming cream, choose a product that contains methylxanthine (caffeine, theophylline, etc.). For lasting benefits, you will need to use the cream every day on a permanent basis.

Good to know!

Certain devices available on the market improve blood flow by lifting the skin with suction through two rollers. This treatment is painful and needs to be repeated several times a week. As for liposuction, many experts agree that it very expensive and ineffective in the fight against cellulite.

Pharmacy services

Do you have questions? Need personalized advice? Talk to our dermo-cosmetic consultants at a store near you.