How do you get rid of cellulite? Tips from Ph.Doctor
In medical terms, cellulite is a disorder of the fatty tissue involving oedematous-fibrotic changes in the subcutaneous connective tissue and disruption to the skin's surface topography. The main symptom is the so-called "orange peel" effect (enlarged pores and swelling), and in later stages the mattress effect (dimples and unevenness across the surface of the skin).
There are two types of cellulite
Water cellulite is typical of firm skin that keeps the same appearance regardless of body position. The cellulite is only visible once the skin is squeezed. It affects people with impaired blood and lymphatic circulation, and therefore a tendency towards swelling. This type of cellulite can be tackled with regular physical activity, proper skincare and a healthy diet.
Fatty cellulite is visible all the time, whatever your body position and whether or not you squeeze the skin. It shows up as deep unevenness and dimpling. Beyond the aesthetic side of things, it also causes discomfort and pain. It affects people with impaired circulation and increased fat production that gets stored in the subcutaneous tissue. It can develop from untreated water cellulite. Alongside regular exercise, proper skincare and a healthy diet, it calls for professional aesthetic treatments: cryolipolysis, laser, shockwave therapy or microneedling mesotherapy.
Tips for tackling cellulite
- Exercise regularly
- Get enough sleep
- Choose healthy meals rich in vegetables, fruit, protein and fibre
- Cut back on salt and coffee, and avoid sugar
- Keep your body hydrated — drink roughly 2–3 litres of water a day
- Drink grapefruit juice on an empty stomach (a word of caution: it isn't suitable for everyone — the naringin in grapefruit affects liver enzymes, which can cause medication to build up in the body, so check with your doctor first)
- Dry brush your body every day (a word of caution: if you have spider veins or varicose veins, speak to a phlebologist first)
Caring for skin with water cellulite
MORNING
Every day, apply the Neck and décolletage lifting mask or the Cream body lotion to hydrate and nourish your skin.
Twice a week in the morning, apply the Lactic acid 12% Face and body peeling, leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse off and apply the lifting mask or the Cream body lotion.
Apply SPF 50 sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection daily to any exposed areas.
EVENING
On your elbows and knees, alternate between FACE&BODY RetinALL 0.05% and the Lifting elbow and knee cream. On retinal days, start with the Smoothing body peeling, rinse off, pat dry and then apply the retinal.
Important! Never use the peeling before the Lifting elbow and knee cream.
EVERY DAY
Morning and evening, finish your shower with cold water — turn off the hot tap and rinse with cold water for 30 seconds, gradually building up the time. We also recommend dry body brushing, but do be careful: if you have spider veins or varicose veins, speak to a phlebologist first.
Why dry brush your body to fight cellulite?
This form of mechanical massage is genuinely effective against cellulite, swelling and water retention. It improves lymphatic drainage, which smooths the skin and makes cellulite less visible.
How to dry brush your body properly
- Choose a brush with natural bristles and a long handle so you can reach your whole body.
- Always brush on dry, clean skin with no products applied.
- Start at your feet and work towards the heart — calves, thighs, buttocks, lower back. Then move on to your hands, forearms and upper arms. Brush your neck downwards, again towards the heart.
- Go gently over sensitive areas such as the breasts.
- After brushing, take a shower — with the Ph.Doctor Smoothing body peeling if you like — and finish with a one-minute cold rinse.
- Pat yourself dry and apply the Cream body lotion, the Neck and décolletage lifting mask or FACE&BODY RetinALL 0.05%.
You can brush daily — just clean the brush after each use. Please note: if you have spider veins or varicose veins, consult a phlebologist.