You shed the winter pounds, started shaving your legs again, and hit the gym twice as often to prepare that bikini body. Wondering how to get rid of cellulite and stretch marks, like, fast?

What is your cutoff date? You know, that time of the year where you stop eating so much junk and ramp up the workout routine in order to get a bikini body by summer?

Usually somewhere around late February to early March we begin our beach body regimen. We may be able to exercise and diet our way to a flatter tummy and toned arms. But there are certain things that aren’t as easy to fix, particularly the dreaded cellulite and stretch marks. Most women spend at least a little time fretting over these skin situations, even though almost all women have at least one of the two. While we may need to get okay with the idea of dimply skin and marks sticking around, the good news is we can lessen their appearance.

Many women experience stretch marks on their stomach or thighs post pregnancy, others may discover them around their breasts after puberty. Stretch marks usually fade a bit over time, but most often do not disappear completely.

Then there is the ubiquitous cellulite. Did you know that approximately 90 percent of women ( and 10 percent of men) have cellulite? Hail damage, cottage cheese skin, orange peel…whatever you want to call it, cellulite is really just fatty deposits and fluid retained in the skin’s connective tissues. Women are more susceptible to dimply skin, possibly because our connective tissue is less elastic than men’s or maybe we can blame this, too, on hormones. Being overweight can contribute to cellulite, but thin women get it too.

While we may not be able to banish cellulite or stretch marks entirely, there are steps we can take to lessen their appearance, making the whole bathing suit dilemma a lot more comfy. Bikini body here you come!

How to Get Rid of Cellulite and Stretch Marks (Or at Least Look That Way)

Amping up circulation and ridding the body of excess fluid helps to banish cellulite. Dry brushing is a great way to do this. Make it a part of your regular morning routine for best results.

Certain ingredients are also helpful in easing the appearance of dimples. Caffeine has a tightening effect on skin, reduces puffiness, and increases blood flow. It’s also chock full o’ antioxidants to protect against premature aging and skin cancer. Try Qet Botanicals Matcha Green Tea Body Polish.

Another circulation booster is chili pepper. The capsaicin in the peppers increases blood flow which helps to smooth the skin. Bottega Organica Body Contour Formula -Peppermint and Chili Pepper is designed for these trouble spots.

Tone skin and diminish discoloration with Tata Harper Forifying Body Lotion. Rose extracts help to hydrate and renew the skin, leaving it soft and lightly scented. Perfect for summer.

Now for those stretch marks. Ingredients that support the skin are best for warding off stretch marks before they begin. Antioxidant and skin-supportive plant oils, like olive and apricot, are ideal. And Bottega Organica Stretch Mark Prevention Oil – Pure contains both.

Soapwalla Shea Butter, Tangerine & Clay Soap Bar is said to “erase” stretch marks, blemishes, and scars. The clay exfoliates and absorbs toxins, which definitely improves skin’s appearance. Shea butter is a super moisturizer and hydrated skin always looks better.

A richly hydrating dream cream for stressed skin is Zoe Organics Belly Butter. Apply this moisturizer to stimulate skin, relieve dryness, and improve elasticity. Rosehip oil is also a natural anti-ager.

When in doubt, cover it up. No, not with your towel. A self tanner gives instant confidence and makes imperfections disappear. Pick a healthy self tanner and use the day prior to going out in the sun.

Now get that bikini body to the beach, pronto!

Related on EcoSalon

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Image of woman with bikini body via shutterstock

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Dry brushing has been known to exfoliate dry skin and promote skin renewal, but can it actually reduce cellulite?

While short-shorts, mini skirt, and bathing suit season may have come and gone, but just knowing you have cellulite is punishment enough. Besides, between the sheets season is year round.

We fight the cellulite battle with expensive creams and even liposuction, but could dry brushing be an inexpensive, safe method of cellulite reduction that’s actually effective? Does dry brushing really work? Yes, and here’s why:

Cellulite is the uneven appearance of dimples on the skin’s surface. Though it’s associated with fat, skinny people can, and often do, have cellulite. The result of a combination of skin structure, fat tissue, and muscles, cellulite impacts more women than men, especially around the thighs and butt. Women have thinner skin than men, which is part of the reason why it’s more common and more obvious in women.

Dry brushing promotes the swell of the skin tissue which can, at least temporarily, reduce the appearance of cellulite. But that’s not the only benefit: Dry brushing also promotes tighter skin, cell renewal and blood flow, and helps the tissues of the lymphatic system release toxins, so it’s not all about looks.

Dry brushing exposes healthier skin by getting rid of that dry layer of skin on the surface. It’s an easy, healthful, and inexpensive method of detoxification that’s not invasive. If you have any cuts or wounds, don’t dry brush that area. If your skin is sensitive and reddens on touch, use a wash cloth instead of a dry brush.

Spend extra time in areas that need work. If you’re looking to reduce cellulite, focus on the thighs and butt. More dry brushing tips below.

Dry Brushing Tips

• Dry brush skin 1 to 2 times per day.
• Move the brush toward the heart.
• Make long sweeps, back and forth, circular motions.
• Don’t brush too hard.
• Make sure the bristles on your dry brush are hard, but not too hard, natural and not synthetic.
• Buy your dry brush at a local health foods store.

Related on EcoSalon:
20 Ways to Boost Circulation
7 Myths About Cellulite
The Thigh Gap: An Unfortunate Body Image Trend

Image: anneh632

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