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Wrapping your cellulite with seaweed could be the skincare you didn’t know you needed. That said, “understanding the nature of cellulite is vital,” holistic aesthetics and Klur Founder Lesley Thornton tells ESSENCE. Characterized by a dimpled texture (similar to an orange peel) on the thighs, hips or buttocks, cellulite is known to be harmless, although the skin condition is difficult to remove. However, “seaweed wraps are believed to help reduce the appearance of cellulite by improving circulation, detoxifying the skin, and tightening and toning tissue.”
Below, experts discuss the benefits of using seaweed on your textured skin.
What is cellulite?
“Simply put, [cellulite] is a condition that causes lumpy, dimpled flesh especially on the lower half of the body such as the thighs, hips, buttocks and sometimes the abdomen,” holistic aesthetics and In the Groove says founder Shani Hillian. “This is due to fat deposits pushing through the connective tissue under the skin, creating an uneven texture,” adds Thornton.
According to the NIH, about 80-90% of women have cellulite which can appear as a result of age, weight and sagging skin. “It’s also completely harmless,” says Hillian. Despite the potential psychosocial effects (as a byproduct of lipophobia and aging), cellulite is a non-life-threatening skin condition that solely affects our appearance.
What are algae good for?
Algae is the common name for various types of marine plants and algae that grow in the ocean, according to NOAA. In skin care, “algae is a very popular ingredient used for its ability to promote collagen production, which helps plump skin and smooth fine lines,” says Hillian. “It’s also a hygroscopic, so it absorbs moisture to support long-lasting hydration.” You may have seen weed washed up on the beach, but its rich mineral content and anti-inflammatory properties can support our overall skin health.
What are the benefits of seaweed wraps for cellulite?
A treatment regularly offered at spas, seaweed body wraps are used to help the body flush out toxins and exfoliate dead skin cells, smoothing the appearance of cellulite. In addition to improving circulation, firming, and toning, “the minerals and antioxidants found in seaweed can also help nourish and rejuvenate the skin,” says Thornton. That’s because “the nutrients found in pure seaweed are thought to have regenerative effects on the skin and can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and cellulite,” adds Hillian.
How does a seaweed wrap work?
“The wrapping process itself can help firm the skin, and the heat and warmth from a seaweed wrap helps increase blood flow, boosting the look of your skin,” says Hillan. During a seaweed wrap treatment, “a mixture of seaweed and other ingredients is applied to the skin, which is then wrapped in bandages or plastic wrap,” explains Thornton. “The heat generated by the wrap helps open the pores, allowing the skin to absorb the beneficial properties of the algae.”
The wrap then cools, tightens, and tightens the skin (like our pores when we ice our face, “leading to a temporary reduction in the appearance of cellulite,” she says. Although there are a number of invasive and non-invasive treatments, the effectiveness of most of them is unpredictable and often short-lived, according to the NIH, however, that doesn’t mean you won’t benefit from temporary cellulite reduction among other skin-boosting properties of the algae.
Are there any risks to seaweed wraps?
If you’ve never come into contact with seaweed (or had it wrapped tightly around your body for a long time), you should be aware of the dangers before booking a spa appointment. “While seaweed wraps are generally safe for most people, there are some potential risks you should be aware of,” says Thornton. “These may include allergic reactions to seaweed or other ingredients in the wrap, skin irritation or sensitivity, and dehydration if adequate hydration is not maintained during treatment.” Hillian cautions that you should avoid treating cellulite, especially if you have an iodine allergy, as seaweed is rich in minerals.
What other ways to reduce cellulite are there?
“In addition to seaweed wraps, other methods to reduce cellulite include maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and incorporating strength training and resistance exercises,” says Thornton. There are many ways to target cellulite reduction, from practicing lymphatic massage and staying hydrated, to using topical treatments that contain ingredients like caffeine, retinol and antioxidants. Although cellulite is known to be difficult to remove, “by focusing on diet and lifestyle choices that support hormonal balance, we can reduce the severity of cellulite and promote overall skin health.”
