Stephanie Fsadni finds to her chagrin that there is no really quick remedy against cellulite. She learns that, although topical creams and professional treatments may help, the best way to get rid of that orange-peel skin, reduce its appearance or avoid it altogether is to train hard, eat well and stay hydrated.

It’s rare to go the beach nowadays and spot a single woman without any cellulite. The ugly truth is that most postpubescent females, even skinny girls, get cellulite at some point in their life and, although it’s harmless, it’s quite unsightly and getting rid of that dimpled flesh may seem next to impossible.

Cellulite, also known as orange-peel syndrome, can result from a complex combination of factors that include changes in metabolism, diet, lifestyle and hormonal and genetic factors. But why does it seem to affect only women?

Men can actually develop cellulite too but are less likely to have it. The reason is that women have more body fat than men, particularly around the thighs, buttocks and the abdominal area. The fat which is under the skin pushes against the fibrous connective tissue, thus creating an uneven surface or orange-peel skin. Women have a thinner outer layer of skin than men, so it is more evident.

Nowadays, one finds many treatments for cellulite like topical solutions and creams to improve the appearance of the skin, and professional treatments such as laser and radio-frequency (RF) interventions which may give more long-lasting results.

Without a proper, healthy lifestyle, cellulite is there to stay

However, rather than desperately trying to find a solution once cellulite manifests itself, it would be better to avoid it in the first place. Eating well and exercising are key.

“A proper diet and a sound exercise regime are a must,” says Jessica Borg Ghigo, a licensed pharmacist and qualified nutrionist. “Certain creams and treatments help but these are not miraculous. Without a proper, healthy lifestyle, cellulite is there to stay.”

Exercise is important to burn fat, strengthen the muscles and boost the metabolic rate while a ‘clean’, unprocessed diet helps prevent the build-up of toxins and further fat accumulation.”

Toxins are mostly found in caffeine, additives, preservatives and artificial colourings.

Borg Ghigo knows it is difficult or impossible to eliminate all toxins from one’s diet but one can always reduce excess caffeine consumption, stop smoking, reduce alcohol and limit preserved foods.

A number of foods should especially be avoided : chocolate, pastries, refined sugar and food containing trans fats such as fried fast food and pizza.

Drinking lots of water is important to flush your body clean of toxins.

Instead, Borg Ghigo suggests a diet containing many vegetables, fruit, protein and complex carbohydrates (peas, beans and whole grains). Water is also very important.

“Drinking a lot of water and improving the circulation will fight cellulite. Applying pure aloe vera gel also helps a lot in the cleansing of the cells,” she says.One of the worst things one can do is yo-yo dieting which may make cellulite appearance worse.

“Fad diets are characterised by restriction of the calories and/or elimination of certain food groups promising fast weight loss. Going to such extremes will only lead to water loss and some muscle loss, therefore showing the weight going down on the scales.

“However, when muscle mass decreases, the skin will be looser and you will end up with a damaged metabolism.”

As regards the best kind of training, Borg Ghigo recommends srength training such as lunges, step-ups and squats.

“It is the best for improving the muscle tone, neuromuscular system and metabolism. This should be coupled with metabolic conditioning or high intensity training such as cardiovascular exercise.”

Dry skin brushing

Many women are now trying dry skin brushing to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Although there is no scientific evidence that this technique can reduce cottage-cheese thighs, it is said to smoothen the skin’s appearance.

Practitioners say that besides buffing away dead skin, this method can boost circulation and lymphatic drainage, and ultimately rid the body of toxins.

How to do it: Your skin should be dry first of all. Using a natural and not synthetic brush, you should start brushing at your feet, moving up the legs on both sides, then work from the arms towards your chest. You should make long sweeps, avoid back and forth, scrubbing and circular motions. On your stomach, direct the brush counterclockwise. And do not brush too hard: skin should be stimulated and invigorated but not irritated or red.

This process can be done up to twice daily.