Smooth, cellulite-free skin is something that many women (and men) yearn for. And while cellulite is completely normal and nothing to be ashamed of, there’s also nothing wrong with wanting to look at ways to reduce cellulite if it’s something that bothers you. Now, the question is whether infrared saunas, with their unique method of heating up the body, can result in cellulite reduction.
What is Cellulite?
Cellulites are clusters of fat cells that build up in the subcutis layer of the skin and result in wrinkled, bumpy skin. They appear most commonly around areas of the body such as the thighs and buttocks, but can also appear on the upper arms and around the belly. About 90% of people develop some level of cellulite in their body, affecting both women and men.
What Causes Cellulite?
Fat cells are our body’s way of storing energy. When your body doesn’t consume energy as quickly as you gain it from eating, it takes the excess nutrients and sugars and turns them into fat cells for later use.
Unfortunately, there’s no way to entirely eliminate cellulite or prevent it from forming — it’s a natural part of the way our bodies work. The good news is that there are also various ways to consistently get rid of cellulite and reduce its overall occurrence.
Can Infrared Saunas Help with Cellulite Reduction?
Yes, they can! But don’t just take our word for it — recent scientific studies published on the National Library of Medicine (US) concluded that infrared radiation has significant effects on our skin, from promoting collagen production to aiding in detoxification and encouraging weight loss.
Another study conducted by Binghamton University showed a clear connection between increased body temperature from infrared heat and decreased body fat levels. In this study, participants who went for 30-minute infrared sauna sessions 3 times a week saw a reduction of 4% body fat over a period of 4 months.
The Science Behind Infrared Saunas and Cellulite Reduction
So we know that infrared saunas can reduce cellulite by eliminating fat cells, but how exactly does it work?
Infrared saunas use infrared radiation to heat the body directly, penetrating the outermost layer of your skin to the cells within. When applied to fat cells, this infrared heat will begin to melt them and cause them to break down. Combined with the increased blood circulation and sweating in the body, these broken down fat cells are then carried quickly to the processing centers of the body like the liver and kidney, or are passed out as sweat.
A Multifaceted Approach to Reducing Cellulite
Using infrared saunas to reduce cellulite may yield some success, but the best way to speed up the process is to combine your sauna sessions with other methods of cellulite reduction.
· Laser treatment
Some forms of laser treatment can be effective in thickening the skin, which in turn reduces the appearance of cellulite under the skin. This type of treatment is ideal for targeting more visible areas of the body with cellulite to make it less obvious while your infrared sauna sessions gradually remove it.
· Exercise
Exercise is one of the effective ways to reduce cellulite in the body. As mentioned earlier, cellulite is caused by a buildup of fat cells. Performing regular exercise can help the body to break down these fat cells naturally, resulting in less cellulite.
· Weight loss
Any type of weight loss, including loss from exercise, leads to a decrease in body fat. This, in turn, can eventually prevent cellulite from forming as frequently, due to the reduced rate of build-up from weight loss.
· Creams and lotions
Beauty creams and lotions that aim to repair the skin and promote collagen production can help to reduce the appearance of cellulite under the skin. Depending on the type of product, effects can range from reducing cellulite levels to preventing its formation.
· Red light treatment
Red light treatment is frequently used in conjunction with infrared saunas to provide additional benefits for wellness and skin health. Specific wavelengths of red light are shone onto the skin, which stimulates collagen production and reduces inflammation.
Using Infrared Saunas for Cellulite Reduction
Now that you’re aware of the value of infrared saunas in reducing cellulite, why not give it a try? At Rimba Sweat, our private infrared sauna studios offer the perfect environment to get your sweat on, and enjoy smoother, and more supple skin. Book a session today at any of our infrared sauna locations all across Sydney in Manly, Neutral Bay, or Cronulla!