From the beach vollerball star who goes to work in her bikini
to the dermatologist who studies fat cells for a living, our A- team of experts
share their ultimate tips for blitzing cellulite this summer
Stepping out in a bikini may be an annual occurrence for
most of us, but for athletes like Denise Johns, one half of the Team GB
Volleyball, squad, two small pieces of Lycra are a nine- to five uniform. ‘I do
not feel self- conscious because I am constantly wearing my bikini in training,
so I am used to it,’ she says breezily.
From the beach
vollerball star who goes to work in her bikini to the dermatologist who studies
fat cells for a living, our A- team of experts share their ultimate tips for
blitzing cellulite this summer
Sadly, the majority of British women would not say the same.
According to a survey carried out last year by beauty brand Mama Mio, just 12%
of British women feel confident in a bikini, and only one in five of us is
happy with our bottom. So, with summer holidays looming and thigh- skimming
shorts on the rails of every high- street store, why are not we doing something
about it? ‘Anyone can get a better bum with a bit of focus and structure,’ says
Denise. ‘Visualise your goal. If you want to shed a few pounds in time for
summer, set yourself a personal challenge to reach by your holiday, with
smaller goals along the way to keep you motivated.
We have consulted the ultimate better- bottom panel- the lingerie
models, personal trainers and top dermatologists who know a thing or two about
toning, firming and perfecting- to create the very best plan for your body.
From the latest butt- firming formulas, fast- acting exercises and insider
beauty cheats at your disposal, it is all here. All you need is a month and a
little motivation …
The therapy that undoes stretch marks
If hitting the beach has become an ordeal because of stretch
marks, you are not alone. Even super- fit athletes get them. ‘I have stretch
marks up my lags from growth spurts when I was 15. I used to be insecure about
them but they do fade and a tan helps to mask them,’ says Denise.
Stretch marks form when collagen and elastin fibres in the
skin become overstretched,’ explains dermatologist DR Nick Lowe. ‘They are
triggered by hormonal changes or rapid weight change and appear commonly on the
hips, thighs and bottom. Intrael is by far the most effective treatment,’ he
says. It uses micro- needles to penetrate the deepest layers of the skin, where
they stimulate collagen repair, healing stretch marks in the process. With
prices starting at $1219, it is an investment, but results are promising.
Meanwhile, to stop new marks from forming, take a leaf out
of supermodel Joundan Dunn’s book and use Bio Oil, $13.64, daily. It is by no
means a miracle cure, but with high levels of elasticity- boosting vitamins A
and E, it helps skin adapt during periods of weight change or hormonal
fluctuations.
The diet that boosts a lazy body
Foods high in
lecithin
Cellulite is not a fat problem, it is a cellular skin
problem, explains Dr Howard Murad, associate clinical professor of medicine
(dermatology) at UCLA. It occurs when the collagen and elastin fibres in your
skin degrade, allowing fat cells to escape towards the surface and creating
that loathed dimpled effect; but what does it have to do with diet? Foods high
in lecithin (think cauliflower, oranges and spinach) and anything high in
essential fatty acids (try flaxseeds and salmon) will reduce cellular
inflammation, and, most importantly, increase circulation, say Dr Murad. So
will amino acids and antioxidants found in berries and fruits such as
pomegranate- they can even help prevent fat cells migrating to the surface.
Eliminating certain foods can also give a short- term streamlining
fix. I cut down on carbs (I know, yawn, but it does work), alcohol and anything
salty before a big shoot, says model Ruth Crilly. It is amazing how much of
your fat actually turns out to be water retention.
