If you want to tackle cellulite, try the latest skin smoothing and fat resurfacing treatments.
Love it, hate it or embrace it, cellulite – that dimpled skin on your thighs, stomach, arms and bum – is something most women will deal with. Cellulite is caused by fat cells bulging between the collagen bands that connect the skin to the underlying muscle, and women are more prone to it thanks to more flexible strip formations and differences in fat distribution. While the body positivity moment has inspired some to flaunt every cleavage and wave, others prefer a softer look. Understanding the root causes of the condition often leads to the most noticeable results when choosing from the array of treatments, lotions and potions on the market.
“There are different types and degrees of cellulite, and one of the biggest challenges for clients is understanding that their cellulite may not always be due to fat accumulation,” says Brazilian massage therapist Leda Fagundes, founder of Leda Fagundes Beauty, based in Dubai. The main culprits, he explains, are collagen loss with age, which leads to sagging skin and weakened connective tissue, which result in the skin’s orange-peel texture. “Inflammation in adipose tissue can contribute to the uneven appearance of skin, excess fluid retention can worsen the appearance of cellulite, and poor circulation can lead to fluid retention, further exacerbating cellulite,” she adds. “Everything is connected. Fluid retention can lead to local inflammation, which can then reduce local circulation. When circulation is reduced, nutrients and oxygen have difficulty reaching the area. This lack of circulation can make this area feel less responsive to exercise and dieting efforts.”
Understanding and identifying these different causes is crucial to choosing the most appropriate and effective treatments, which may include massage, laser therapy and luxurious body wraps.
Under pressure
Manual tissue manipulation to improve circulation is one of the oldest and most effective holistic therapies, according to Fagundes. “When we take care of the inside, it shows on the outside. When you notice that cellulite appears at a level that bothers you, the situation inside you is already crying out for help.” With 20 years experience in massage therapy, he has developed a dynamic version of lymphatic drainage called Revitaly. This slimming and cellulite treatment uses a series of stroking motions, pressure and tissue manipulation to increase blood flow to targeted areas. “This is a personalized massage that addresses fluid retention, blood circulation, connective tissue and fat. Good circulation is important for reducing uneven areas and cellulite because it helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to your skin cells. When circulation is poor, waste products and fluids can build up, exacerbating the appearance of cellulite. But when a therapist enhances circulation through drainage and sculpting, it can help women love and admire themselves again.” Results for water retention can be seen immediately, while concerns such as inflammation, stubborn fat, fibrosis (excess connective tissue) and lipedema (abnormal fat accumulation) may require four to five sessions to see improvement. Fagundes recommends weekly sessions or a more intensive course of sessions twice a week for three weeks for cases of inflammation.
Revitaly Slimming and Cellulite Treatment from AED500. Ledafagundesbeauty.ae
Laser smooth
Green laser therapy is an option for those who want to lose weight in addition to treating their cellulite. Emerald laser treatment is a non-invasive, painless, low-level laser that emits 10 beams during the 30-minute session from a dome-like attachment that arches over the body. A “cold”, non-thermal laser penetrates the adipose tissue (body fat), releasing the fatty acid content from the cells to then be naturally flushed out of the body by the lymphatic system. The result is both fat loss – the Emerald Laser is reported to average a girth loss of up to 15cm over a 12-week treatment program – and collagen remodeling due to fat reduction that reduces the appearance of cellulite.
Emerald Laser treatment from AED1 570. Biolitedubai.com
Hood in outline
Babor Body Contouring Treatment is a luxurious spa treatment that helps relieve textured skin by reducing water retention and smoothing the skin’s surface. During an hour in the private spa suite, the Babor anti-cellulite protocol unfolds. The treatment begins with a revitalizing peeling scrub to remove dead skin, preparing the dermis for the Babor wrap. Infused with highly concentrated natural ingredients such as caffeine, guarana and green algae, these wraps target key areas of concern such as the thighs and stomach. The session ends with the application of a toning lotion, leaving the skin soft and smooth. Customers also take with them a two-week supply of Doctor Babor 3D Cellulite Fluid to continue the process at home.
Babor Body Contour Anti-cellulite Treatment at The Spa at Palazzo Versace Dubai, from AED640. Palazzoversace.ae
Originally published in the July/August 2024 issue of Vogue Arabia
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