5 sure-fire solutions against cellulite –

Experts are unanimous: to get rid of ripples, you need to attack them on several fronts. It’s worth changing your diet, putting your body to work out, investing in aesthetic treatments and even resorting to effect tricks to disguise the orange peel appearance. The time is now!

1. Correct nutrition + hydration

Did you know that cellulite can be considered inflammation at the cellular level? And that some foods have anti-inflammatory action and can, yes, soften the condition? In partnership with water, which reduces liquid retention, they are the first step towards smooth skin.

Why does it work? The fat accumulated in the cells causes them to increase in size and also prevents their proper functioning – thus, this excess is trapped in the subcutaneous tissue, causing inflammation. “To reverse the condition, in addition to ensuring that you receive all the necessary nutrients, you need to cleanse the body of toxins and inflammatory substances so that the cells resume their optimal functioning,” explains functional nutritionist Andréa Santa Rosa Garcia, from Rio de Janeiro. .

The main anti-inflammatory foods are those rich in flavonoids (red and citrus fruits, such as grapes, apples, celery and parsley), in lycopene (tomato, guava and watermelon), in gingerol in ginger, in fats monounsaturated (extra virgin olive oil and avocado oil), omega-3 and 6 (salmon, sardines, linseed and chia seeds) and selenium (Brazil nuts).

Whole grains (oats, quinoa and amaranth) and tubers (cassava, yam and cassava) should also be on the menu. Because they are foods with a low glycemic index, they contain sugars, which enter the cell more slowly, reducing the risk of fat accumulation and, therefore, cellulite. “The ideal is to consume a portion of these foods every three hours”, says Andréa.

Some of them, like citrus and red fruits, are also rich in antioxidants, that is, they fight free radicals. “And they prevent the release of toxins by the body, which worsens the appearance of cellulite”, explains dermatologist Claudia Marçal, from Campinas. Another item that cannot be missing is water: “Drinking 2 liters a day eliminates toxins and helps circulation”, explains functional nutritionist Fernanda Ganem, from Rio de Janeiro. Foods rich in this liquid (such as watermelon, melon, pineapple, lettuce, artichokes, cucumber and beets) help a lot, but do not replace the consumption of pure water.

2. Bet on the best exercise

It is clear that aerobic exercise (walking, running, cycling) accelerates metabolism, loses weight and, therefore, softens cellulite. But, in addition to it, it is worth concentrating efforts on the most affected areas with a single exercise: the squat.

Why does it work? According to personal trainer Fabio Cunha, coordinator of Studio Velocity, in São Paulo, there is no better exercise for toning legs and buttocks – with the muscles firm under the skin, the undulations on the surface are less evident. If you’re just starting out, perform the exercise without weights. Otherwise, it’s worth using a barbell with dumbbells at the gym or weights at home. Start with 2 kilos and increase as the exercise gets easier.

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The execution is simple: hold the bar (or the weights) resting on your shoulders, in contact with your neck. Elbows should point forward. With your legs parallel, hip-width apart, inhale and do a slight bend in your knees (or deep, if you’re used to working out), as if you were going to sit down, without your knees going over the line of your toes. Push your hips back and keep your feet flat on the floor. Return to the starting position, exhaling halfway through. Keep your butt contracted during the exercise. Do 3 sets of 15 reps 2 or 3 times a week for at least 6 weeks.

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Another option is functional pilates exercises. “In this method, the whole body is contracted. This helps to strengthen the muscles and increases lean mass gain, reducing the appearance of cellulite”, says Fabio. He suggests an exercise: lie on your back and bend your knees, forming a 90º angle. Support your feet on the ball, with a distance of a hand between them. Keep your arms extended by your sides, palms facing down. Inhale.

As you exhale, raise your hips well until your torso, buttocks and thighs are aligned. Return to the starting position, inhaling, and start again. “Remember to always exhale through your mouth and, as you do so, contract your powerhouse, a set of muscles that includes those in your abdomen and butt,” he recommends. Do 15 to 20 repetitions, 2 or 3 times a week.

3. Use caffeine-based creams

Although not new, it remains unbeatable in the topical treatment of cellulite, whether in industrialized or manipulated products.

Why does it work? The substance has long been used in anti-cellulite creams because it can penetrate the skin to the fat cells, breaking them down. “In addition, it also stimulates the synthesis of collagen, elastin and other components of the skin, leaving it firmer and softening the orange peel appearance”, explains dermatologist Márcia Pontes, from Rio de Janeiro. Dermatologist Adilson Costa, from São Paulo, recommends associating the substance with retinol. “It’s a classic combination that works really well,” he believes.

However, to see consistent results, you need to be disciplined. Apply the cream twice a day for three months, preferably after a warm bath (which increases microcirculation and helps the product absorb better) and on clean, dry skin, free of residue from other creams. The movements must be circular, always from bottom to top. If you manage to combine the use of the cream with lymphatic drainage performed by a professional on a regular basis, even better.

4. Solve the rest of the problem in the office

Can’t live with cellulite one more second? Dermatological offices offer safe and quick options to eliminate it.

Why does it work? Technology in the medical field is advanced and every year new techniques and equipment appear that promise to combat cellulite. Sculptra – trade name for poly-L-lactic acid, a synthetic compound that is injected into the skin with a needle – has been used as a filler for wrinkles, furrows and facial contouring for some years now.

However, studies have shown that the substance also gives nice results in the treatment of cellulite. That’s because, in addition to its filling power, which levels the holes, it also stimulates collagen production and increases skin thickness, making it firmer.

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“Up to two applications are indicated, sometimes three, in more serious cases. The interval between them is 30 to 40 days”, explains dermatologist Daniela Lemes, from Rio de Janeiro. After the procedure, you must avoid the sun for a week and apply cold compresses and massages at the application site. For those who run away from needles, another option is Maximus Med. It is an association of radiofrequency with electric currents.

The first stimulates collagen, improves blood circulation and deflates fat cells. The second promotes the so-called dynamic muscle activation, that is, it tones the muscles. “This combination works like a kind of sandwich, in which the fat cells would be the filling. While the radiofrequency presses the dermis, the electric current tightens the muscle. The two forces oppose each other and, thus, push the fat towards the lymphatic system, which must eliminate it”, explains dermatologist Jardis Volpe, from São Paulo. Between 4 and 6 sessions are indicated, 1 per week.

5. Disguise what’s left

Believe me: even the top models of Victoria’s Secret have their secrets to parade beautiful in a tiny bikini, but exuding confidence and a firm butt. Darkening the skin with self-tanner is one of them.

Why does it work? For a simple matter of optical illusion: just like makeup and clothes, everything that is light appears more, and what is dark, less. In this way, tanned skin will camouflage imperfections. If you don’t have the privilege of regularly exposing yourself to the sun to maintain your tone, make use of jet tanning. To avoid stains at the time of application, basic care is to exfoliate the skin beforehand.

If at home, wear gloves. Another ally are creams with illuminating particles, which guarantee a similar effect (and stain less). They reflect light and give the impression of smoother skin. They can be used alone or combined with tanning, in the case of women with very white skin. “For them, only the golden particles may not work”, says dermatologist Alessandra Haddad, from São Paulo.

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Another runway secret – and one that works, oddly enough – is spraying hairspray on the areas affected by cellulite. The product firms the skin instantly, giving the impression that it is smoother. Wear a miniskirt or short dress to that party you are going to wear – the trick is not valid for sunbathing or going to the beach or pool.

There is also the resource to make up the leg and even the butt. Look for specific products for this, known as invisible tights or liquid tights. They work like a foundation, only more fluid.