They say the best way to build that stunning summer body is during winter, but sometimes that’s easier said than done.

You’ll find it tempting to hide yourself in layers of warm clothing and blankets in the chilly mornings, sipping on copious amounts of hot chocolate and tea instead.

The thing is, though, all that sitting around, lack of exercise and bevvie drinking can lead you to pile on unwanted weight, which can result in your worst fear: cellulite.

According to Body Renewal, more than 80% of women over the age of 20, regardless of their weight or size, are affected by cellulite.

It’s caused by skin that has deteriorated to a point that buoyant fat cells are able to push into the dermis, the middle layer of the skin, and show through the surface as unsightly lumps and bumps.

Goodness knows the last thing you want people to see when you step out on the beach in your two-piece is your lumpy, bumpy skin.

There are also other factors that contribute to why you might have cellulite – namely, several changes in metabolism or physiology:

• A water metabolism disorder, abnormal hyper-polymerisation of the connective tissue and chronic venous insufficiency.
• Hormones including oestrogen, insulin, adrenaline, noradrenaline, thyroid hormone and prolactin aggravating cellulite production.
• Poor circulation or impaired blood circulation and lymphatic drainage.
• Consuming excessive amounts of fat, carbohydrates and salt, and consuming too little fibre.
• Smoking, sitting or standing in one position for a long time.
• Wearing underwear with tight elastic across the buttocks that limits blood flow.

Can it get any worse?

Sorry, but yes, it can. Cellulite can be classified in four different ways, depending on its severity:

• Grade 1 – you can’t see cellulite with the naked eye, but the changes on your skin are still going on microscopically.
• Grade 2 – the skin shows paleness, lower temperature, and decreased elasticity after compression or muscular contraction. There is no visible “orange peel” roughness to the skin.
• Grade 3 – this is when the lumps and bumps are starting to make themselves visible. Thin granulations in the deep levels of the skin can be detected by palpitation. All Grade 2 signs are present.
• Grade 4 – more visible, palpable, and painful lumps are present, adhering to deep structures in the skin. The skin has a noticeable dimpled, wavy appearance. Additional microscopic changes are detected. Grade 4 signs are present, and cellulite is constantly visible to the patient.

Luckily, Skin Renewal has a few solutions to help you combat cellulite in no time:

1. Carboxytherapy

Safe and minimally invasive, carboxtherapy involves injecting tiny amounts of carbon dioxide beneath the skin to break down fatty deposits and stimulate collagen production, rejuvenating and restoring cellulite-ridden.

The treatment has no downtime, and a single session can take between fifteen minutes and an hour.

2. VelaShape™

A four-in-one treatment, Velashape™ is the first and only non-surgical FDA-cleared medical device for the Body Reshaping market using Circumferential Reduction.

It uses a combination of radio frequency and infra-red light to help aid in new collagen remodelling, which tightens sagging and loose skin.

3. Mesotherapy

Don’t like needles? Not to worry: doctors deliver a cocktail of different ingredients – lecithin and epidermal growth factors – in very small and short needles.

Commonly combined with carboxytherapy, it stimulates the production of collagen so that the dermis is strengthened, leading to improved skin tone and texture.

4. Exilis Elite and Titania Radiofrequency

Using a monopolar radio frequency system to incorporate ultrasonic energy into one handpiece, these treatment modalities cause both shrinking of loose tissue immediately, as well as long-term collagen production that lifts and tightens loose skin over time.

It’s painless and super-duper safe, with a recommendation to undergo a minimum of four to eight treatments.

So if you’re looking to get started on working on that summer body, it’s best to start with getting rid of the cellulite.

To get things started, head down to one of the many Skin Renewal branches located around the country for a consultation.

The doctor will assess the affected area, and then a custom treatment package is created for each patient (which combines various treatment modalities) to achieve best possible results.

Trust me, once summer rolls along, you’ll be tossing off the blankets and wearing your bikini with pride.

[source:bodyrenewal]