Some dimples are cute, but no-one likes the dimpled skin that comes with cellulite. They can be influenced by lifestyle, genetic or hormonal factors, and while there’s no magic solution to make them disappear, there are a few things you can do to reduce the appearance of cellulite. This includes maintaining a balanced diet and avoid being dehydrated – when skin loses water, the bumps appear more obvious. There are also a few steps you can take at home:

DIY cellulite strategies

1. Body brushing

Body brushing increases circulation and lymph flow, which helps to prevent water retention and puffiness. It also aids in toxin removal, helps treat cellulite and keeps the skin super-smooth. It’s easy to body brush at home. Choose a large, soft bristle brush and lightly brush in an upward direction from ankle to the back of the knee, then from knee to groin to the lymph nodes. Always use light pressure with upward movements towards the heart, following with the hand. If you’re not into using a brush, you could also use a body scrub.

Make your own body scrub

This is an easy recipe you can make with household products. The caffeine has a firming effect, sesame oil will nourish skin and eucalyptus will aid in purification.
Makes 1 1/2 cups, enough for three treatments

• 1/2 cup finely grained sea salt
• 1/2 cup finely ground coffee beans
• 1/4 cup sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon (about 20 drops) eucalyptus essential oil

In a small bowl, mix the salt, coffee, and sesame and eucalyptus oils. Make sure you stand away from the showerhead when you use the scrub in the shower. Massage it into damp skin with long, firm, semicircular movements. Take your time in order to activate the ingredients. Rinse well.

2. Massage

Massage stimulates circulation and healthy blood flow, which will help when it comes to budging cellulite.

Step 1: Take a hot, steamy shower or bath for at least 10 minutes.

Step 2: When muscles are warmed up, massage your body with long, flowing strokes using a body lotion or oil. Keep the movements slow and deliberate and work towards your heart. Keep working on the area of skin until it feels warmer. Starting with your feet, work up your legs and buttocks (using circular movements). Massage each of your hands, working your thumbs into the fleshy part of each palm. Finish with long strokes along your arms to your heart.

Step 3: Slip into some comfy clothes and lie down in a darkened room with no distractions. If you can drift off to sleep for an hour, you’ll feel even better.

3. Zap problem zones

Using a strong shower jet, zap problem zones, such as your bottom. With your shower nozzle, work over your skin in circular motions to kick-start your circulation and move toxins. Switch from hot to cold water to get the maximum benefits.

4. Fake a tan

This is a quick fix that can reduce the appearance of cellulite by evening out your skin tone. Here’s the how-to guide for applying a tanning cream:

1. Always do a patch test first.
2. Exfoliate your skin.
3. If you have really dry skin, apply a body moisturiser.
4. Apply from the feet up in long massaging motions, using the fake tan sparingly on feet, elbows and knees.
5. Wash hands immediately to avoid orange palms. (If you’re caught orange-handed, wash your hands with a scrub that contains alpha hydroxy acids.)
6. Wear loose clothing and wait at least four hours before coming into contact with white clothes, good furniture or sheets.

Salon strategies

1. Body brushing in a salon is very relaxing. The therapist works from the feet towards the head both on your front and back in a very slow rhythmical motion. This soothes the sensory nerve endings, induces total relaxation and increases lymph flow.

2. Manual lymph drainage also stimulates lymph flow and is one of the most effective ways to treat cellulite. The light, rhythmic pumping massage aids in the elimination of lymph fluids without increasing blood flow. It can be done twice a week or daily for best results.

3. Marine algae body treatments detoxify and increase circulation in the skin and help break down fatty, bumpy deposits.