Share

Your all-over summer body

Our face is usually what people notice about us, so we lavish it with far more attention than our body, which is virtually ignored unless we want to lose weight or correct some problem or the other. Isn't it time you pampered your body as well as you do your face?

Cellulite
Cellulite, or the dreaded orange-peel effect, is a dimpling of the skin caused by changes in the fat tissue under the skin. Anyone can develop it – even if you're not overweight.

Although it's virtually impossible to get rid of cellulite, there are four approaches that can improve its appearance.

Cellulite creams and gels
Contain ingredients such as caffeine, avocado oil, seaweed and yeast extract that can improve the appearance of cellulite temporarily, but you have to use them regularly to make a lasting difference.

Most of the creams help improve the texture and appearance of the skin, although not all women see an improvement.

Try these

  • L'Oréal Perfect Slim Night Anti-Cellulite Draining Gel (R134,95)
  • Avon Care Extra Firming Body Lotion(R49,95)
  • RoC Patch Body Modelling(R245 for 14 patches)
  • Phyto Soya Body Firming Lotion (R180)
  • Clinique Water Therapy Firming Body Smoother (R220)
  • Sea of Life Anti-CelluliteCream (R216,60)

    Mechanical massage such as Endermologie, a suction massage treatment, has shown results in improving cellulite. Non-mechanical massage such as lymph drainage can also help.
    Diet Although diet doesn't have adirect effect on cellulite, yo-yo dieting can make it worse. Also reduce your consumption of fatty and refined foods, sugar, dairy products, alcohol, caffeine and red meat.
    Exercise can help reduce cellulite because it improves circulation, which burns fat, and strengthens the underlying tissue structure of the skin.

    Buff and polish
    Dry skin is simply anaccumulation of dead skin cells.By exfoliating, you can reveal softer, smoother, younger-looking skin. Use an exfoliator or invest in a body brush and brush your skingently in circular motions, movingin the direction of your heart.

    Try these

  • Adidas Exfoliating Shower Scrub (R19,95)
  • Clinique Sparkle Skin Body Exfoliator (R145)
  • Almay Tan Prep Exfoliator (R79,95)

    Unwanted hair
    There are lots of ways to remove unwanted hair – which you choose depends largely on your pain threshold.

    Hair removal creams contain chemicals that remove hair. They can irritate the skin and upset the natural pH balance, because they are alkaline. It's a good idea to test the product on a small patch of skin first, and never leave it on for longer than recommended.

    Try
    Mandy's Hair Removal Cream Ultra Sensitive (R22,99) or Innoxa On & Off Hair Removal Cream in Natural or Aloe Vera (R29,95).

    Shaving is fast and convenient, and it's a myth that it makes the hair grow back thicker. It's simply the blunt ends of the hairs growing out that give the impression of thicker growth.

    Wax treatments remove the hair from the root. Hair regrowth is much slower than with shaving,and becomes finer the more you wax. However, it can be painful, and as with shaving, can lead to ingrown hairs. You'll need to exfoliate regularly to avoid ingrowns.

    Electrolysis can remove unwanted hair permanently if it's done properly. Electrical impulses are applied to the hair follicle to 'shock' the roots and inhibit growth. This treatment is fairly expensive and time-consuming.

    Laser hair removal temporarily deactivates the hair follicle. Like electrolysis, it requires more than one treatment session and is expensive. A session will remove hair for four to six weeks.

  • We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
    Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
    Join News24 today
    heading
    description
    username
    Show Comments ()
    Editorial feedback and complaints

    Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

    LEARN MORE