You’ve drank gallons of water, body-brushed until your skin is red raw and signed up to every sweat-inducing workout you can. Yet, somehow, that annoying patch of cellulite still refuses to budge. What to do? Call in the experts and let them do the hard work for you. “A detox or deep tissue massage, professional body scrub treatment or one of the new breed of three-step body wraps can significantly improve the tone, texture and look of your legs,” explains Agata Ostronka, Senior Spa Therapist at Sense Spa at The Rosewood London. “By purifying and detoxifying not only the skin, but the entire body, and creating a feeling of deep relaxation, you’re more able to eliminate a buildup of toxins. And we all know that less toxins equals less cellulite.” Read on to discover the professional treatments that detoxify, tone and tighten orange-peel prone skin. No body brushing required.
By Isabel Dexter
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1 For a total body detox try
The Contouring Marine Body Wrap at Sense Spa (90 mins. £175) is one of the spa's most effective treatments for banishing cellulite due to a combination of highly effective ingredients designed to penetrate the skin at the deepest level, and professional massage techniques, such as ringing and uplifting pummelling motions. After the wrap, a contouring body gel is applied to any problem areas. Horse chestnut, cedarwood and kelp, known for assisting in maintaining a healthy metabolism – and a healthy weight, tighten, firm and strengthen the skin to reduce any cellulite, while increasing blood flow. “We then apply a Sodashi lotion containing hazelnut oil and cypress to keep skin smooth and supple, decongesting any areas of cellulite and gently stimulating the endocrine system, which regulates skin tissue,” says Ostronska.
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2 To target specific patches of cellulite try
If you're looking to target specific areas, such as upper thighs, stomach or the buttocks, where cellulite is more prevalent, then consider a detox massage, which will include lymphatic drainage to get rid of any extra water retention, which can make cellulite look worse. “A detox massage will work on targeted areas to improve your circulation, which will improve the appearance of any cellulite, as well as reducing swelling in the thigh and leg area,” says Ostronska. She suggests asking for a massage where the therapist uses essential oils that are medically proven to stimulate circulation, such as germanium or juniper. “A spa will have access to the highest quality essential oils that penetrate deeper into the skin,” she adds. “This way you'll eliminate any toxins much quicker than if you just gave yourself an occasional body brush at home.” An expert therapist will also use specialist lifting and ringing motions when massaging your thighs and buttocks, which instantly increase blood flow to those areas so you can shed that 'heavy' feeling that sometimes occurs when cellulite is combined with hormonal bloating.
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3 For instant results try
If you don't usually enjoy a traditional massage or you want a treatment that will deliver instant results – smoother, softer and firmer skin that's Instagram-worthy – then a professional salt scrub is your best bet. “The PH balance of Himalayan salt is incredibly close to that naturally found in our body,” reveals Ostronska. “It works to neutralise the acid in the body and promote the acid-alkaline ratio for a healthy, functioning system.” The one-hour long Salt Serenity treatment at Sense Spa combines soothing oils, including sweet orange, geranium, rosewood and clary sage – all known for their rejuvenating and skin-stimulating qualities – alongside Himalayan salt to improve the circulation, detoxify the skin, eliminate cellulite and prevent muscle cramps. It's also one of the best treatments for ensuring you get a restful night's sleep…Beach body goals worth aiming for.