Skin Care
With summer coming, many clients are already thinking about beach season. Some may have booked treatments to look and feel their best as the weather warms. Cellulite is a common worry once shorts and swimsuits come out. Read on to learn about treatments and products that can help reduce the appearance of cellulite as we move into warmer months.
Table of Contents
Jump to…
What Is Cellulite?
What Causes Cellulite?
How Is Cellulite Treated?
What Is Cellulite?
Cellulite refers to pockets of fat that press against the connective tissue just under the skin. It happens when fibrous bands that link the skin to the muscle tighten unevenly. This pulling creates dimples or a bumpy, puckered texture as the fat beneath pushes upward. Cellulite most often shows up on the hips, thighs, stomach, and buttocks.
What Causes Cellulite?
The exact cause of cellulite isn’t fully understood, but it’s very common—especially in women. According to the Cleveland Clinic, 80–90% of women who have gone through puberty have cellulite, while it appears in only about 10% of men. Hormones likely play a role: estrogen can encourage fat storage while testosterone tends to burn fat. But cellulite involves more than just fat; it also relates to the skin’s structure.
When estrogen levels change, blood flow to connective tissues can decrease and those tissues may weaken. Hormonal shifts can also affect lymph flow, which may leave fluid trapped in weakened tissue and make cellulite more noticeable.
Factors like genetics, sex, age, body fat, and skin thickness influence how much cellulite you have and how visible it is. Aging reduces skin elasticity, which can make cellulite more apparent. Gaining weight can make it more noticeable, though even very lean people can have cellulite.
Lifestyle changes that can help reduce the look of cellulite include eating a balanced diet of whole foods, staying hydrated, and exercising regularly.
How Is Cellulite Treated?
Cellulite isn’t harmful or painful, but many people feel self-conscious about it. There’s no permanent cure, but lifestyle changes, medical procedures, and spa treatments like body wraps can help improve its appearance.
Body wraps are spa treatments where a mixture is applied to the skin from the chest down, and the body is covered with a plastic or cloth wrap. The wrap stays in place while the client relaxes for 20 minutes to an hour. Body wraps trap heat and allow ingredients to penetrate the skin. They can boost blood flow, improve circulation, and give the skin a smoother, firmer look—making them a useful option for addressing cellulite.
This article focuses on a body wrap designed to target the appearance of cellulite and provides a protocol you can use in your spa.
Herbal Cellulite Treatment
For clients who want to improve the look of cellulite on the thighs, buttocks, lower abdomen, and arms, a body wrap using the Herbal Cellulite Treatment is highly effective. Paprika and skin-safe stinging nettle help energize and invigorate the skin, making it look firmer and more elastic. The formula also includes bioflavonoids and honey to boost moisture. The Biocomplex2™ blend helps restore a more youthful, revitalized appearance.
Step 1
Mix the Herbal Cellulite Treatment with an equal part of water and apply a thin layer to areas affected by cellulite (legs, thighs, buttocks, stomach, and arms).
Step 2
Wrap each area tightly with plastic wrap, working from the lower body upward and always wrapping toward the heart.
Step 3
Leave the wrap on for 20 minutes or longer, keeping the client warm. (A short galvanic treatment on the body is recommended before wrapping.)
Note: The client may feel a hot, tingling sensation for up to 20 minutes, and the skin may stay rosy for up to two hours. This is normal—be sure to let clients know. Do not exfoliate before this treatment, especially if it’s the client’s first body wrap. After the wrap, remove it either dry or wet.
See the full body wrap treatment protocol for more details.
Caffeine is another way to target cellulite. Healthline reports that caffeine can widen blood vessels, temporarily tightening and toning tissues. It also boosts circulation and reduces water retention, which can smooth bumpy cellulite. For a caffeine-based option, the Stone Crop Contouring Body Cream combines coffee extract and microalgae extract to give a slimming, smoothing effect. Use it as an all-over moisturizer or as a targeted treatment.
Product Picks
Herbal Cellulite Treatment
Regenerating and toning body wrap
Stone Crop Contouring Body Cream
Smoothing body cream
$68.00
Retail Tip
Want clients to continue results at home? Suggest a home care routine featuring Stone Crop Revitalizing Body Scrub, Stone Crop Body Oil, and Stone Crop Contouring Body Cream to extend the benefits of their spa treatment.
Product Picks
Stone Crop Revitalizing Body Scrub
Invigorating body scrub
$48.00
Stone Crop Body Oil
Soothing body oil
$37.00
Have you tried our cellulite treatments on your clients? Share your experiences in the comments below. Learn how to become an Eminence Organics Spa Partner here.