Do Body Wraps Help Cellulite?

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Many individuals have certain body areas they would like to change, including those that contain cellulite. According to the American Council on Exercise, cellulite is actually just plain fat. The dimpled, uneven appearance known as cellulite affects women more often than men. Cellulite sufferers may try a variety of products, including body wraps, to help reduce the appearance of the bumpy layer of fat.

Cellulite

Women of all sizes can get cellulite. Men may also experience this condition. Cellulite occurs when fat collects just below the surface of your skin, giving it a dimpled appearance. Connective tissue can cause pockets of fat to bulge and protrude, creating the lumps and bumps just beneath the skin. Cellulite becomes more visible with age, mainly due to the thinning of aging skin.

Methods

Spas and beauty clinics often provide a variety of treatments designed to eliminate cellulite, including body wraps. Although these treatments may sound like an easy way to smooth out your lumpy skin, WomensHealth.gov warns that spa wraps, as well as creams and vitamins, won’t help your condition.

Claims

Some companies may claim that their body wraps help to melt away cellulite or draw toxins from your skin. However, America’s Authority on Fitness advises that topical creams cannot penetrate the skin or rearrange fat deposits beneath the surface.

Benefits

While body wraps won’t melt away your cellulite, they may provide some temporary benefits. Depending on the ingredients, body wraps may help exfoliate, cleanse and soften skin. You can compress fat, making body wraps capable of creating a smoother appearance immediately after removing the wrap. However, your skin may return to its original state within a day.

Solutions

Combine cardio exercise, strength training and a healthy diet to help reduce the appearance of cellulite. While dieting alone may help you lose weight, part of your weight loss may come from muscle tissue. Aim for a steady weight loss of about 1 lb. each week. Walk, jog or bicycle for about 20 minutes each day, and participate in weight-lifting workouts two to three times each week.