Anti-cellulite Massage or Massager? What Works Better?
For some women, cellulite is their number one enemy. Unfortunately, cellulite affects the vast majority of women and usually develops on the thighs and buttocks. Even though cellulite occurs naturally, many women feel that it is unsightly. Therefore, they are constantly on the lookout for ways to get rid of cellulite so that the skin on their thighs and buttocks look smooth.
What can the cause cellulite?
As you may already know, a combination of genetic, hormonal, lifestyle, and environmental factors can potentially contribute to the development of cellulite (Tokarska et al., 2018). There are many different cellulite treatments available but unfortunately, sometimes, their effectiveness is questionable.
How to get rid of cellulite or minimize it?
Anti-cellulite massages and massagers have become popular. If you are looking for a way to get rid of cellulite or to minimize its’ appearance, you may be wondering if an anti-cellulite massage or a massager will work better. There are definitely pros and cons to both. We will take a closer look at anti-cellulite massages and massagers to determine if one is better than the other.
~Anti-cellulite massage~
You may or may not be aware that bad circulation can also potentially increase your risk for developing cellulite (Tokarska et al., 2018).
Cellulite, known as lipodystrophy, is potentially caused by a modification of the adipose tissue in that specific area which resulted from poor blood and lymph circulation (Lucassen et al., 1997).
Anti-cellulite massage may reduce the appearance of cellulite.
This is precisely why anti-cellulite massage services have become popular. Massages will help improve blood and lymph circulation, which, over time, may reduce the appearance of cellulite.
It will remove toxins from your body.
Not only that, but the supply of oxygen to the affected area will also be increased as a result of regular anti-cellulite massage appointments. Anti-cellulite massages will help remove toxins from your body and disperse fatty deposits in order to make your skin appear smoother.
How many times should you do anti-cellulite massage?
To see significant positive changes in the appearance of cellulite, it is recommended that you get regular massage treatments for at least three months (Lucassen et al., 1997).
For best results, you should be getting anti-cellulite massage treatments two or three times per week for the first few weeks.
After you start to see visible results, you can gradually reduce the frequency of your massage appointments.
While a study has shown that massage treatments will reduce the appearance of cellulite and make your skin appear smoother, unfortunately, the results are not permanent (Lucassen et al., 1997).
It could be pricey!
Therefore, once you have cellulite and once you are getting regular massage treatments, it is important to continue these particular treatments indefinitely for the results to last.
Unfortunately, ongoing anti-cellulite massage treatments can get very expensive and the money you shell out for each appointment will add up. Not only that, but you must also make time for your regular massage appointments, which can get very time-consuming, especially if you have work and family obligations that keep you busy during the week.
While there are no known negative health consequences when it comes to massages, they can put a huge dent in your wallet and take quite a bit of your time, especially because you have to schedule and make your appointments.
~Anti-cellulite massager~
How anti-cellulite massager different from massage?
An anti-cellulite massager is a tool that is designed to simulate the effects of a massage. This means that a good anti-cellulite massager should be able to increase circulation, break down fatty deposits, and improve lymphatic drainage within the affected area to help make the skin appear smoother. However, the biggest difference is that you can use it at home anytime and you do not need an appointment.
Types of anti-cellulite massage.
There are a couple of different variations of anti-cellulite massages. Some anti-cellulite massagers are wooden brushes that have bristles and some are plastic brushes that have rubber tips.
Furthermore, some anti-cellulite massagers are actually electric machines, which can get pricey. As you can imagine, manual anti-cellulite massagers are a bit less expensive.
When used properly and consistently, anti-cellulite massagers can be effective at reducing the appearance of cellulite. For best results, anti-cellulite massagers should be used with essential oils or anti-cellulite creams.
How often should you use a massager?
It is also important to note that you must use your anti-cellulite massager every day for at least a few weeks before you notice any positive changes in your skin. Therefore, you may need to make it a part of your daily routine. Furthermore, you should continue to use your anti-cellulite massager relatively frequently, at least every other day even after you start to see results.
An anti-cellulite massager is much cheaper than massages!
The biggest advantage of using an anti-cellulite massager is that it is most likely going to be cheaper than regular massages. Once you invest in an anti-cellulite massager, you will have it for quite a long time.
You can also use your anti-cellulite massager at your convenience as opposed to having to book an appointment to get a massage. The biggest drawback is that you have to stick with it for a very long time and it can also be time-consuming.
You also have to learn how to properly use your anti-cellulite massager in order to get the best results. Therefore, using a massager is more work than getting a massage.
Let’s conclude our findings!
As you can see, whether you choose to get regular anti-cellulite massages or use a massager, the results will not be permanent. While they both help improve blood circulation, remove toxins through the lymphatic system and break down fatty deposits, each offers its own set of benefits and drawbacks.
Regular anti-cellulite massages can be very hard on your budget and your schedule is at the mercy of your massage therapists’ availability. Using an anti-cellulite massager is more cost-effective but it can be time-consuming and you actually have to do the work yourself.
However, using an anti-cellulite massager can be more convenient for you if you struggle to make appointments. Since both treatment options are effective, although only temporarily, you should choose the option that best suits your lifestyle and budget.
Explore your options!
If possible and your budget allows it, you should try both treatment options to see which one produces better results and which is easier to fit into your schedule. You may even want to start by getting regular anti-cellulite massages and then switching to using a massager at home.
It is important to note that neither option is the perfect solution but if you try them both, you will be able to figure out which one is best for you.
REFERENCES:
- Lucassen, G. W., van der Sluys, W. L., van Herk, J. J., Nuijs, A. M., Wierenga, P. E., Barel, A. O., & Lambrecht, R. (1997). The effectiveness of massage treatment on cellulite as monitored by ultrasound imaging. Skin research and technology: official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI), 3(3), 154–160.
- Tokarska, K., Tokarski, S., Woźniacka, A., Sysa-Jędrzejowska, A., & Bogaczewicz, J. (2018). Cellulite: a cosmetic or systemic issue? Contemporary views on the etiopathogenesis of cellulite. Postepy dermatologii i alergologii, 35(5), 442–446.
A great article! And whats about men?
Since I have cellulite on my thighs, I’ve always felt a little self-conscious about wearing shorts. But, I was unaware that you could have an anti-cellulite massage to lessen the look of cellulite until I read this. They will aid in enhancing blood and lymph circulation, as you said. I believe that giving it a try will boost my self-confidence, so I’ll make sure to try a cellulite removal massage.