Vicky Lee, Korean lifestyle and beauty guru and founder of sorabelle.com, reveals why the best way to keep cellulite at bay is the So-Ko beauty way.
Unfortunately, no matter where you are in the world, cellulite is the mutual bane of every woman’s existence. Whilst there is no quick fix to beat the dreaded ‘orange peel’ effect, as Korean beauty and lifestyle guru, Vicky Lee knows, there are ways to keep those lumps and bumps permanently at bay.
“Your lifestyle and diet play a huge role in your skin’s health, as connective tissues can be weakened by lots of different factors, including lack of exercise and muscle toning, poor circulation, hormones, and excess fat”, says Vicky. “I believe a multi-pronged approach that targets all of these factors to be the most effective solution in conquering cellulite right at the source.”
DIET
A healthy diet can solve the vast majority of skin problems, cellulite included. A balanced, plant-based plan can help reduce inflammation and help maintain a healthy body weight. As hydration helps to keeps connective tissues soft and supple, it helps to bulk out your meals with fruit and vegetables that are high in water content, such as tomatoes, cucumber and bell peppers. It’s also very important to drink plenty of water during the day, so try and set yourself a target of eight glasses a day.
Top Tip! Both rich in selenium and alpha lipoic acids, mushrooms and broccoli contain nutrients that actually fight the formation of cellulite. Try stir frying together in a little coconut oil with a diced chicken breast for a simple, fat burning meal that you can make at home in minutes.
EXERCISE
Running is one of my biggest passions, however like any form of cardio, it only reduces the appearance of dimples and dents, it won’t eliminate cellulite completely. What really works to iron out the skin is strength training, as this boosts circulation, further building up and toning the muscles to tighten the skin. Here are a few Beginner Strength Exercises I do to keep cellulite at bay.
Squat Jumps are great for reducing the appearance of cellulite on the glutes and thighs. Standing up, focus your weight on the balls of your feet and flex the knees to a 90-degree angle, making sure to keep your back straight. Lower to squat and on the way up, jump! Repeat 20 times for an even workout.
Reverse Lunges work perfectly to reduce the appearance of cellulite on the back of your thighs. In a standing position, with your legs shoulder-width distance apart and your hands on your waist, slowly kick your right leg back behind you, bending at the waist until your left knee is at a 90-degree angle. 10 – 15 reps for each leg, 4 sets.
Step Ups are ideal for helping to reduce the appearance of cellulite on the buttocks. In a standing position, use a 40-50 cm box (depending on your height) and place it about 10 cm directly in front of your toes. Start with your right foot and step onto the box, allowing your left foot to follow but keeping the weight on your right foot. Your left foot should only hover above the box and be used for balance. 10- 15 reps for each foot, 3 sets.
**After 6 weeks of completing the above exercises 3-4 times a week, you can increase the number of reps and sets gradually for greater intensity.
BEAUTY
When it comes to the most problem areas of puckering skin; my secret So-Ko beauty weapon is Missha Hot Burning Perfect Body Gel. Derived from unique Korean formulas which help to burn fats, accelerate the metabolism and restore elasticity, this ultra-concentrated formula is enriched with extracts of seaweed and bitter orange, helping to reduce signs of dimpling in as little at 10 days when used daily. Applied topically, the penetrating gel will begin to break up fatty deposits as you massage it into skin. It also tightens it up with caffeine, and hydrates, soothes and plumps your skin with sweet almond and peppermint essential oils.
Top Tip! Towel dry after showering and massage the gel over desired areas in circular motions. You will feel a gentle warming sensation about five minutes after application, but don’t be tempted to wash it off. This is when it’s at its most effective.
Finally, it’s time to indulge the skin with a deeply soothing serum, and I find Aromatica Juniperberry Trimming Massage & Body Oil to have an unrivalled purifying effect. This natural elixir is a blend of many essential oils, including 100% juniperberry, olive, sunflower, sweet almonds, and jojoba, all of which are high in nutrients and antioxidants that increase skin’s elasticity, promote blood circulation, and improve the lingering appearance of cellulite by re-plumping the skin with a long lasting effect.
Top Tip! Look for products which enhance all natural organic ingredients; this way your body can reap the benefits of the natural vitamins, minerals and nutrients without the worry of synthetic chemicals and harsh parabens causing damage to the skin.
