I've tried a bunch of methods to get rid of cellulite, and I'm here to give you the lowdown.
Let's face it, everyone's got some level of cellulite, and it's tough to get rid of it completely. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't try, right? I mean, I'm not giving up yet!
Cellulite mainly shows up on the thighs and buttocks because the fat layer is thicker in those areas. The main causes are poor microcirculation and lymphatic swelling. So, to get smooth skin and get rid of the 'orange peel' look, you need to restore microcirculation in the tissues. Cosmetologists break it down into four stages: on the first stage, you might see just a small swelling; on the second stage, you'll notice changes when you press on the skin; on the third stage, you'll see changes without pressing; and on the fourth stage, you'll feel pain when you press on the skin.
I was at stage two, and I was determined to move on to stage three.
Manual anti-cellulite massage at a salon
The cost of a 40-minute session in my area is over a thousand rubles, and another thousand if you buy a course. To be honest, when you go to the salon, they'll try to convince you to buy a course, saying that the effect will come from the course. But I wanted to try it out first, so I didn't buy a course.
The sessions themselves seemed effective at first, maybe because they hurt, and after the sessions, I had bruises. During the process, they used rubbing, kneading, pinching, and slapping. According to reviews, the painful sensations should subside after a few sessions.
It's recommended to have massages 2-3 times a week. I managed to stick to it for exactly two sessions: it's easy to go to the salon on weekends, but finding time during the week is a challenge.
So, in the end: after two sessions, the cellulite didn't disappear completely, but I did notice some improvement in skin quality, aside from the bruises.
I had a lot of small bruises after the massageI didn't find the procedure suitable for my schedule, so I decided to find a way to get rid of cellulite at home.
Pinching and rolling massage at home
The technique for pinching massage: the skin is pinched, then slightly squeezed and pulled.
The technique for rolling massage: the skin is pinched, then gently rolled upwards on the skin area.
I've found that combining both procedures with creams or oils makes them even more effective. Applying them with gentle strokes and massaging the skin before the treatment really helps.
The pressure and force are entirely up to you - it's all about finding the right balance. You shouldn't feel any intense pain, and there shouldn't be any bruising.
So, the results are pretty subtle, and it takes a while to notice any significant progress. I've done over five sessions, but I still haven't seen any major improvements. Maybe the dry brushing technique is more effective on certain areas, like the stomach, because that's what I've seen online. I was trying to tackle the cellulite on my thighs and hips, but I've decided not to continue with it.
Massaging with oils
Exfoliating gloves
The technique is super simple: just slip on the gloves, apply some scrub, and massage your body in the shower.
The pros include excellent exfoliation and easy application. You can choose from various scrubs, and my personal favorite is the coffee one - I love the aroma!
The cons are that I'm not sure how often you can use them daily, so I only see them as an occasional treatment.
Dry brushing with a natural-bristled brush (Dry brushing)
You'll need a massager - a brush with natural bristles is ideal.
The technique involves massaging from the bottom up (in the direction of lymph flow), starting with your feet, then moving up to your legs, hips, stomach, back, and chest. Your hands should be massaged from fingertips to shoulders. Make sure your skin is dry, and the brush is stiff enough for your skin - you should see some redness after a few strokes.
The best part about this technique is how quick it is. You can see results after just one session, and the whole process takes minimal time. Plus, it's perfect for doing at home. My skin on my legs has been exfoliated like crazy - I don't even need scrubs anymore. After two weeks of daily use, I've noticed a significant reduction in cellulite.
Check out my review of dry brushing here for some before-and-after photos.
Here are some follow-up photos, taken two weeks after I started using the product. As you can see, I've only managed to do a massage every two or three days, which is a testament to my laziness over the past couple of weeks.
As you can notice, the cellulite is still there, but it's a huge improvement compared to what I had at the start. Now, the massage doesn't give me the same results as it did initially, but that's to be expected. I mean, doing a massage every two or three days is a good option for those with limited time.
I'm confident that if I continue with the same consistency, I'll be able to achieve even better results.
Conclusion: for myself, I've settled on the dry massager brush, but it's essential to remember that everyone's body is different, and what works for me might not work for you. My main criteria were minimal time commitment and quick results.
Other important factors in achieving the desired outcome will be using complementary skincare products (moisturizing oils and creams) and treatments like body wraps or contrast showers.
Some of my other reviews that might interest you:
- The story of why I decided to try laser hair removal, how much it cost, and how long it takes.
- Trying to get rid of my double chin with the Sassi water treatment. Do the results last?
- Collagen: do I recommend drinking it, and why? An in-depth investigation.
- How flaxseed oil can help make your skin more elastic and keep your breasts firm during weight loss.
- What's better: a deposit or an investment account? And how can you get an extra 52,000 rubles per year?
- Why I love iHerb, including all the possible discounts, free samples, and referral codes. Plus, some of my favorite products that have made my life easier!
- My journey from waxing to laser hair removal: a terrible ride