Cellulite and stretchmark treatments

Manual Treatments for Cellulite

Cellulite is the name given by Beauty Therapists to a particular condition that tends to accumulate on the thighs, buttocks, and upper arms of the female and the abdomen of the male. It is a collection of fat cells, trapped together with waste products. The blood circulation is restricted giving the area a ‘cool’ feel and it looks different to normal tissue as it is dimpled in appearance.

Cellulite can be referred to as ’soft’ or ‘hard’. This indicates the amount of fluid present and how long the treatment has been present. Cellulite is more common in the female as its formation is linked to the female hormones which are involved in the formation fat cells. It can be painful as nerve endings are under pressure, therefore heavy massage is not the most effective or the most comfortable.

Treatments for Cellulite tend to incorporate massage that follows the Lymphatic system of the body. As the circulation also needs increasing, lighter petrissage (kneading) movements may also be used. Specialised treatments are also available incorporating the use of natural ingredients to eliminate toxins and decongest the area. Treatments will also have healing and diuretic effects on the tissues. Treatments will be recommended to be taken in a course thus increasing the effects.

For a cellulite treatment to gain maximum effects, an improvement in diet, exercise and bodycare for home must be encouraged. Convenience foods, salt, sugar, tea, coffee, excess alcohol consumption, smoking and insufficient exercise may be responsible for contributing towards cellulite and may need to be reduced or eliminated. There are many retail treatments available to treat cellulite. Whilst many of them will improve the area, the result will be dependant upon the individual, the regularity of the application and lastly, following the advice with regard to diet and exercise.

I follow a healthy diet, exercise regularly, yet I still have cellulite, have you any advice?

Cellulite may have formed due to poor elimination. Drinking water is important, plain still water is the best as carbonated drinks encourage the body to retain fluid. Of course the female hormones are also responsible for the distribution and forming of cellulite, a factor we cannot control. I would advise you to look at specific local treatment aiming to increase the circulation in the area. This would need to be carried out on a daily basis whilst showering for instance. Visit a professional beauty therapist and ask to see the retail products that are available. Remember it is not the roughness of the treatment that works but the regular application that brings about results.

Manual Treatments for Stretch Marks

Treatments for stretch marks will need to improve the skin texture and increase the circulation. Treatments tend to be recommended in a course as the effects will be greater after regular application. Often treatment will incorporate natural herbal extracts and essential oils. These natural extracts tend to have effects such as firming and tightening in addition to increasing cell growth and helping restore the elastic fibres in the skin. Peeling products such as Alpha hydroxy Acids (AHA) are one of the latest products used for the removal of dead skin cells. The surface dead skin cells are eaten away by the AHA helping new cells produce and improving the overall texture. Most AHA’s are found in natural ingredients such as citrus fruits, papaya fruit and sour milk. These are incorporated into products at a safe level to be used in treatments. Many retail cosmetics now include AHA. therefore it is important to ensure the instructions are followed as overuse can cause skin sensitisation. It is important to remember that a stretch mark indicates that the skin has lost some of its elasticity in that area. There are treatments and products that will improve the area dramatically; however success will depend on the individual and the extent of the initial condition.

I have red, purplish marks on my thighs. They appeared at the age of 16, they have faded slightly, are these stretch marks?

Yes. Stretch marks can often appear in this colour. At this age they are associated with the growth of the body and they often fade. As this is not the case, you may wish to use camouflage make-up to cover them or try a retail product.