Fighting Cellulite: Compression Leggings vs Contouring Gels

Cellulite or skin dimpling (on legs, thighs, and butt) is considered normal and common in most women. It affects about 80 to 90% of females in varying levels, but the majority of them dislike its appearance. This is the reason why many are tempted to try products that claim to treat or banish cellulite away. 

Before we find out the truth about compression leggings and contouring gels, let’s discuss first the things that cause or contribute to cellulite.

The basics of cellulite

The fat and tissue accumulation under the skin and its interaction with the connective tissues are said to result in skin dimpling. The underlying fat deposits can push toward the skin and distort the connective tissues, leading to cellulite. Commonly affected areas are thighs and buttocks, but it can also occur on the arms and stomach.

Other factors that can contribute to its formation include:

• Gender – Cellulite is more common in women.
• Age – Skin dimpling gets worse with aging due to thin and less elastic skin.
• Genes – Cellulite tends to run in families.
• Habits/lifestyle – Smoking, sitting most of the time, and other bad habits contribute to the appearance of skin dimpling.

Compression leggings and tight clothing

Leggings or compression leggings are among those products that many think can reduce skin-dimpling appearance. They are intended to be worn for a couple of hours daily for several weeks. The idea behind such garments is that they boost blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, which then improve skin dimpling.

If you’re going to rely on compression leggings or tight clothing to ditch cellulite, you may not be completely satisfied with the results. These garments are said to compress the skin, tone up the muscle, and prevent swelling to reduce skin dimpling. They can somewhat be compared to girdles and corsets, but for the legs and thighs. 

While some of those who have worn these products saw an improvement in their cellulite, the result is temporary. As these garments don’t actually remodel the structure beneath the skin, long-term results cannot be guaranteed. Besides, wearing compression leggings or stockings for 7 to 8 hours a day is not comfortable. 

There are also cases where tight-fitting or compression-style clothing can worsen cellulite appearance. This is true for those that restrict blood flow or cut off circulation to legs and thighs. These garments can sometimes leave noticeable marks, which can then damage the skin and cause cellulite. 

Contouring gels

Let’s be clear: There is no cure for cellulite. However, some creams and gels, especially those that are designed to firm and tighten the skin, may help reduce the look of skin dimpling. Topical treatments that offer extra skin moisture may also improve skin appearance and therefore minimize cellulite appearance. 

Dr. Sylvia’s Cellu(e)rase with Caffeine is one good choice. This contouring gel is formulated with caffeine that can energize the skin and help lessen the appearance of cellulite. It also provides antioxidant benefits and supports blood circulation, which helps create a smooth, sculpted silhouette. 

Cellu(e)rase, moreover, contains moisture-locking ingredients for hydrating and revitalizing the skin. It is also formulated with Niacinamide, a unique form of Vitamin B that attracts water to the skin to plump it from within. The combination of these ingredients helps lift and tone body contour appearance.

Which one is better?

Some suggest that wearing compression leggings or stockings for several hours a day may create a temporary improvement. This, however, is not ideal and uncomfortable for the most part. 

And while contouring gels cannot remodel the structure under the skin, it is a more practical option than wearing tight clothes that can leave visible marks on the skin. Just be sure to look for gels or creams with caffeine, as it can temporarily cause the blood vessels to constrict and help improve the look of skin dimpling. 

You might also want to consider other things that can help with cellulite appearance, such as: 

• Self-tanner – Cellulite is less visible on darker skin, so using a self-tanner can help. This, however, is only a temporary solution to concealing skin dimpling.  Be sure to only use sunless tanning products, as sun tanning or using tanning beds can damage the skin and negatively affect its elasticity.
• Dry brushing – This involves gently brushing the skin using a soft-bristled brush. This improves circulation in the area, which can plump up the skin and therefore improve cellulite.  Dry brushing does make skin dimpling less visible temporarily, but it is not a treatment for cellulite reduction.  
• Acoustic shockwave therapy – This uses a handheld device (BTL X Wave and Zimmer Z Wave) that delivers modified wave pulses in the connective tissues. This causes pressures and vibrations that help break down the accumulation of cellulite’s cell structures. These wave pulses can also increase the elasticity of the epidermis and make the tissues firmer and tighter.

To learn more about Cellu(e)rase and other non-invasive cellulite reduction treatments contact Cutis Laser Medical Clinics in Singapore today. You can also schedule a consultation with our Harvard-trained aesthetic doctor, Dr. Sylvia Ramirez, to talk about your skin and body concerns.