Cellulite is a skin concern of the masses; 98% of women will experience cellulite at some point in their life and 20% of men, (the jury is out on how that’s fair). But whilst many choose to live with it or even embrace it, there is also a huge contingent of those that want to get rid of their cellulite.

"Cellulite is technically fat, but actually the dimple pattern you see on the skin is caused by fibrous strands that anchor the dermis to the underlying tissues," explains leading craniofacial and plastic surgeon, Dr Graeme Glass, LYMA Aesthetic Director. This is important in some areas of the body, such as the buttocks, because it stops the skin sliding over the underlying fat.

“Cellulite comes about because all this fat is packed into spaces that aren’t able to expand, because the fat pockets are tethered down by these fibrous strands."

The primary cause of cellulite is a buildup of fat cells beneath the surface of the skin. Cellulite develops as a result of the connective tissue bands which surround the fat cells becoming tight and inflexible, trapping the cells and pushing them up against the surface of your skin, thereby rendering them visible. Cellulite can appear anywhere on the body, most commonly appearing on the thighs, hips, buttocks and upper arms.

Some people are more predisposed to cellulite than others and as the estimates state, women tend to be more susceptible to it than men. The amount of cellulite you have and how noticeable it is, depends on your genes, body fat to muscle ratio, age and weight. If you have thin skin, cellulite may be more noticeable than if you have thick skin. Cellulite can develop at any age, but women are particularly prone around puberty, pregnancy and menopause. The bottom line is that any body type be that mesomorph, endomorph, overweight or underweight - can develop cellulite at some point.

Cellulite can form or be exacerbated by the following factors:

• Hormone fluctuations

• Poor diet (particularly one that contains a lot of processed food)

• Frequent or excessive alcohol consumption

• Accumulated toxins

• Genetic factors

• Gaining weight

• A sedentary lifestyle

Specific cellulite creams and over-the-counter ointments may help to reduce the surface appearance of cellulite. Creams might be able to tighten the skin, making it appear smoother and firmer, thus reducing the visibility of cellulite, but they are not actually getting to the root of the problem which lies within fat cells deeper down in the skin’s lower layers.

Any positive results are superficial and will not last the test of time. You’ll most likely need to apply the product daily if you wish to maintain results. This can be time-consuming and cumulatively very expensive.

Laser treatment for cellulite can have a profound cosmetic effect. Not only can Low-level laser therapy permanently reduce cellulite by smoothing and tightening the skin, it can also sculpt and contour the targeted area.

The LYMA Laser’s anti-sagging, texture enhancing technology is unrivalled in achieving results quickly, safely and in the comfort of your own home. The 500mW coherent, monochromatic laser beam is completely non-invasive. Zero heat, zero pain and no damage whatsoever.

1. Apply 6 pumps of the LYMA Oxygen Mist to the area of skin requiring treatment. This floods the cells with oxygen and hydration, as well as acting as a conduit for the Laser, enhancing its efficacy and ensuring that its beams penetrate as deeply as possible into the skin.

2. Follow with 6 pumps of the Oxygen Glide. The Glide works to stimulate fibroblasts in the skin which are responsible for the production of collagen and elastin that reinforce skin’s underlying structure.

3. Glide the Laser slowly over each area of cellulite for a minimum of 15 minutes per treatment area.

4. Dampen the sponge in water and carefully remove the product using a circular motion.