Aromatherapy Tips to Help With Cellulite

As we all nervously haul out our bikinis for the summer holidays I gain a little comfort from the fact that even the most beautiful of people have cellulite. Recent pictures of Penny Lancaster, actress Mischa Barton, Princess Beatrice and the much troubled Britney Spears bear testament to the fact that even bikini-clad stars get that dreaded orange-peel skin on their thighs and bottoms!

With the holiday season in full swing I've provided my top tips and advice on how to improve the appearance of cellulite the natural way!

Despite what the beauty industry would have us believe, there is nothing clinically proven to help with cellulite.

Cellulite is the lumpy substance resembling cottage cheese or orange peel that is commonly found on the thighs, stomach, and bottom. It is actually a fancy name for collections of fat that push against the connective tissue beneath a person's skin, which causes the surface of the skin to dimple or pucker and look lumpy.

Cellulite has no clinical cause but generally can be effected by hereditary, hormonal or lifestyle factors. The skin mirrors emotional as well as physical well-being and problems such as cellulite are generally more of an issue for people who are under stress or feeling down. Lack of exercise, excess weight and consumption of cigarettes, caffeine and alcohol, which are often consumed in greater quantities in times of stress, can also harm the skin and aggravate the appearance of cellulite.

If stress is a contributing factor I’d recommend an aromatherapy treatment to reduce stress levels and improve mental strength. There are many essential oils which are suitable but I particularly like feminine comforting oils such as Neroli, Rose and Ylang Ylang. The oil can be diluted and massaged, used in a burner or, my favourite, added to a bath (4 drops) along with 4 drops of a good quality, restful Lavender.

A hands-on massage also improves circulation and tone. This reduces the surface dimpling and puffiness and can certainly improve the appearance of cellulite for several days afterwards. The essential oils aid this process whilst also calming the mind and relieving stress.

For this I’d recommend adding 1 drop of Bergamot and 1 drop of Fennel essential oil to a tablespoonful of almond oil, then massaging with firm strokes up towards the torso and the heart.

Fennel, with its wonderfully aromatic aniseedy scent is used to stimulate the circulation and reduce areas of fluid retention and puffiness - it is the fluid close to the surface of the skin and the way it settles around uneven areas of fat distribution that makes the appearance of cellulite so much worse.

Fennel is often used for female related abdominal and breast puffiness and for cellulite because it is believed to soothe hormone imbalances. It also has the advantage of being an appetite suppressant, which is helpful if overeating is adding to the cellulite problem (Roman soldiers chewed Fennel seeds on long marches to prevent hunger).

Bergamot, often known as ‘natures Prozac’ has a soft citrus scent. It has a toning effect on the skin but most importantly it relaxes the mind and body reducing the need for stimulants and junk food.

Other essential oils which may help are gently stimulating oils such as Green Mandarin, Spearmint or possibly a little Lemon Eucalyptus. Geranium is also useful, particularly if the client has hormone related puffiness and is troubled by fluid retention.

Recipe: 1-3 tablespoons of Almond Oil depending on how bigger body area you are covering and how much moisture the skin will absorb. Then 4 drops of essential oils per tablespoonful e.g. 1 drop Rosemary, 1 drop Spearmint, 1 drop Green Mandarin and 1 drop Geranium.

NOTE:

Remember to test for skin sensitivity when using citrus oils.

If you’re using essential oils individually, always use Almond Oil as the massage base not baby oil. Plant oils have small molecules that sink in leaving a smooth non-sticky surface. This facilitates the deep massage/contact needed to treat cellulite effectively. Baby oil sits on top of the skin giving too much slippage to the hands, which prevents the massage from being therapeutic.

Alternatively try off-the-shelf products such as Potions & Possibilities Detox or Relaxation Massage Blends (200ml £9.99).

If you would like any more advice or information please don't hesitate to email me.

Julie Foster

Aromatherapist

Potions & Possibilities products can be purchased on-line or by telephoning 01394 386161.