A simple way to tackle the dimple effect

ONE word has the thighs of every woman trembling: cellulite. While we can cope with the odd spot or two thanks to the wonders of concealer, tackle fine lines and wrinkles with botox, chemical peels and little pots of magic, and even accept excess body hair when waxing and electrolysis are readily available, when it comes to the horrors of orange peel, a fix is slower in coming.

"Cellulite is caused by fibre bands between the skin and deep tissues becoming shorter, causing the dimpling effect," explains consultant plastic surgeon Mark Butterworth from Bupa Murrayfield Hospital. "Excess fat does do this but many women just have congenitally shorter bands which don't stretch as much."

The phenomenon that is estimated to affect 68 per cent of British women is essentially caused by too much fat being trapped together in areas such as the thighs, hips and buttocks.

But aromatherapy expert Daniele Ryman believes her new product, the culmination of 20 years of cellulite research, could be what women want. "PhytoSlender came about by chance," says Daniele. "I was approached a few years ago to do a full body range for Boots, and PhytoSlender just came out from it. I already had formulations worked out before from my clinical work so I just took it from there."

Daniele, a biochemist, travels the globe, from India to South America, researching ingredients and concocting treatments.

Her research for the PhytoSlender range - which includes firming gel, contour toning fluid, contouring capsules, detoxifying bath essence and shower scrub - began in the 1980s.

"English women all knew about dimpled skin on their own bodies, but no-one was producing products to help. I have worked with French doctors and Chinese herbalists to investigate the causes of cellulite and possible solutions and have now been able to bring out a complete treatment.

"Everybody has cellulite. Even tribal women in South America who eat well and exercise still have it. It's something people have, but in the last five years people consuming more alcohol and nicotine, as well as lifestyle factors, has led to more cellulite."

Even the stars are not immune - Beyonc, Jerry Hall and even the incredibly thin Nicole Kidman are said to complain about theirs.

Daniele's "cure", though, is devoid of exaggerated claims. "Having beautiful skin isn't about miracle cures and vast expense - it's about excellent ingredients, expert knowledge and simple daily care," she says.

Daniele admits cellulite is a complex problem, with factors such as oestrogen levels, diet, toxins, pollution and hereditary disposition all playing vital roles. But she says her product, with plant extracts and 25 per cent-strong essential oils, can help.

"A lot of natural products are diuretics which help eliminate toxins," says Daniele. "Others are firming. Grape, for example, has the ability to firm the skin. Caffeine externally accelerates the metabolism and eliminates fat. The body is more receptive to plants than to chemicals. And plants have proven through the centuries that they work."

PhytoSlender also works on a two-stage process: preparation and treatment. "For example, the skin priming shower scrub improves circulation and flushes out the system, making skin ready for the firming gel or contour toning fluid," says Daniele.

"Also, what makes the difference is how you apply the products and massage them in - this helps with the circulation.

"Products are only part of a regime," Daniele stresses. "Causes of cellulite are complex, so the solution is not as simple as slapping on some commercial caffeine cream.

There is no quick-fix cure for cellulite."

TOP TIPS

DANIELE RYMAN'S recommendations for combating cellulite:

Don't smoke, or cut back. Smoking affects circulation, damages capillaries and increases the likelihood and severity of cellulite.

Exercise regularly.

Build muscle strength. The more tone to muscles, the less cellulite will show. This is more effective than cardiovascular work for cellulite.

Drink mineral water, diluted fruit juice and herbal teas like sage, cumin or lemon, avoiding ordinary coffee, tea and alcohol.

Avoid salty and smoked foods, sugar and refined carbohydrates, which encourage fluid retention and eat foods rich in vitamin C and bioflavanoids to strengthen the circulatory system.