June 2007’s Featured Archive Article:

Goodbye Cellulite

New Spa Treatments Reduce Those Unsightly Lumps And Bumps

Of course no one wants cellulite. No matter how slender you or your clients are; the amount of exercise you partake in or how closely you watch your diet, you could still have it. Unfortunately, there is one physical phenomenon that almost no one is safe from: Cellulite – the unsightly dimpling of skin also known as orange peel, cottage cheese skin or saddlebags.

While many factors contribute to the build-up of cellulite, such as lack of exercise, poor circulation, unhealthy eating, pregnancy, aging, medication, genetics, smoking, stress and toxins accumulating in your body; these fatty deposits and toxins are present in almost all females regardless of body shape or size. In fact, approximately 90% of women have cellulite today. Luckily for men, they generally don't have this problem because of their fiber makeup, which prevents fat deposits from bulging up as easily.

So, if most women have it, is there anything you can do about it for your clients? Many people fail to do anything about their cellulite because they believe there is either nothing they can do about it or that it’s simply fat. The truth is that there are actually a number of treatments in which your salon, spa or clinic can employ to help to prevent and reduce the appearance of cellulite.

What is Cellulite?

Although the common misconception is that cellulite is caused from excess fat in the body, what is surprising to discover, is that it has less to do with fat cells and actually has more to do with the connective tissues that shape the fat and keep it in place. Cellulite is a vicious circle involving fluid retention, enlargement of fat cells and an alteration of collective tissue. It results from fatty tissue projecting into the dermis and pulling at the epidermis. Bands of vertical connective tissue are anchored from the dermis to deeper layers, causing bumps and dimples to appear on the surface of the skin. Slowed blood and lymph flow through subcutaneous layers of tissue contribute to fat growth in the hypodermis. This then causes bumps and dimples to appear on the surface of skin.

Massage Treatments

As time goes on, new advances in beauty and science affords deeper insights into the condition of cellulite, which has caused a recent increase in the number of types of cellulite treatments. Massage greatly benefits cellulite conditions as well as nearly every system of the body, including the circulatory, immune, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory and digestive. Electromechanical modalities promote circulation and release congestion in areas contributing to cellulite. Machine-assisted massage procedures effectively break down the hard, fatty deposits that worsen the appearance of your client’s cellulite. Blood circulation and lymphatic drainage are then increased, which leads to cellulite reduction and firmer-looking skin.

The reason massage treatments work so effectively is because it provides very powerful massage into deep tissue, this designed to deliver various forces to maximize beneficial effects. The unique therapeutic actions combine to loosen areas of congestion and move fluids, reduce swelling and cellulite, and penetrate far below surface manipulation, to transmit to deep underlying layers of body tissue. Some massage systems also provide non-invasive therapy treatments for skin, scalp, tissue, muscles, lymph nodes and the circulatory system.

While eating a healthy, well balanced diet that is low in fat, drinking plenty of water, as well as exercising to keep the body toned are ways in which to fight cellulite, there are also a number of cosmetic treatments offered by us as aesthetic and medical professionals that will help to banish the unwanted dimples your clients detest.

Cosmetic Treatments

Mesotherapy involves injecting microscopic quantities of natural plant extracts, homeopathic agents, pharmaceutical agents and vitamins directly into the problem areas. Mesotherapy targets specific areas or spots where your body stores excessive fat. It is a quick and very popular procedure that requires little to no recovery time for your clients.

Endermology is also a common technique used by aestheticians and spa professionals today to combat cellulite. This therapeutic procedure involves a specially designed device that promotes deep, penetrating whole body massage with the use of suction and rollers to stimulate the breakdown of stored fat and increase the body's circulation, because poor circulation is one of the most prevalent causes of cellulite.

Other Skincare & Spa Care Treatments

Newer professional salon, spa and medical spa clinic treatments involving lasers and radio frequency are now becoming much more widely used. These machines utilize low-energy lasers. In many states require certifications as well as medical supervision at your clinic or spa. Radio frequency and infrared light may also be used in combination with suction to reduce the appearance of cellulite. The lasers penetrate the surface of the skin to create better microcirculation in order to break up the fatty deposits. A number of creams and over-the-counter treatments are also available as a less invasive way to smooth away unsightly lumps and bumps. There are even shoes and sandals that make reducing your cellulite as easy as a walk in the park. The shoes increase muscle activity and circulation which the manufacturer claims may help reduce cellulite.

Many women are desperately searching for professional solutions to the challenges of cellulite, without invasive surgery. It’s time to explore adding new and effective cellulite treatment services for your salon, skincare clinic or spa, if you do not already offer a specialty service for your clients. Marketing, advertising and PR programs are important to get the word out that you are a specialist in these skincare and spa care service categories. We suggest that you develop a complete regimen of therapeutic solutions, while marketing and selling your services in series packages. Strong advertising campaigns should be supported by press releases to your local newspapers, magazines and broadcast media resources.

As salon and spa professionals, it is very important to stay up on all of the latest skincare, anti-aging and wellness challenges as well as the plethora of potential safe and new solutions. Cellulite remains an unpredictable condition for which many cures will be sought after by your clients. Knowing exactly what it is and how to prevent, reduce and deliver solutions via specialty treatments is the best weapon to help your client’s combat those unwanted dimples.

About Jeff Robertson

Jeff Robertson is the Executive Vice President of General Physiotherapy, the leading manufacturer of professional massage and cellulite treatment equipment and producer of G5 Massage Systems. For more information please call 800.237.1832 or visit www.G5.com.