For smoother, firmer-looking skin, there are a few simple tips that can help you firm up your skin and tone it day after day: finishing your shower with cold water, making a natural body treatment, trying pinch-and-roll massage, staying active and building small habits into your everyday life. So if you dream of a firmer body, start adding these good habits to your wellness routine right now!
A cool shower: an invigorating way to finish your wash
Finishing your shower with a blast of cool, or even properly cold, water is an invigorating habit that’s easy to slip into your routine. To do it properly, start at the bottom of your legs, around the ankles, and work your way slowly up to the knees. Pause, then carry on up to the hips. Begin with the left leg, then repeat on the right. If you have cellulite on your upper body, you can then move up to your tummy using circular movements and, if you’re brave enough to handle the cold, up to your arms. Go at your own pace: adjust the temperature and pressure of the water gradually. The aim isn’t to step out of the shower frozen! If you have a heart condition, Raynaud’s or any doubts at all, check with your GP first.
Natural treatments for a firmer body
For those of us who like to keep things simple… If you don’t have the time or inclination to make a homemade treatment, you can simply add rose essential oil to your body cream. Just add one drop of this essential oil to a moisturising body cream and use it every day, after your cold shower for example! Essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and before using them for the first time, do a small patch test in the crook of your elbow.
If you fancy trying an easy DIY treatment, here’s a recipe for a homemade exfoliating and nourishing body scrub to add to your routine.
This scrub brings together:
- sugar, to gently exfoliate the skin;
- honey, for its texture;
- aloe vera gel, for its fresh, soft feel;
- olive oil, to nourish the skin;
- and finally a few drops of juniper and cedarwood essential oils, for fragrance.
All natural, all good!
Make a generous jar of it so you’ll have enough for several weeks. Store it in a cool, dark place in an airtight container. Ideally, use a spoon to scoop it out so no water gets into the jar.
You’ll need the following to make this treatment:
- 220 g sugar
- 110 ml olive oil
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp aloe vera gel
- 5 drops cedarwood essential oil
- 5 drops juniper essential oil
Mix everything together and you’re done! Gently massage it over your body without rubbing too hard, then rinse off with water and a flannel. Once or twice a week is plenty. Avoid any irritated or freshly shaved or waxed areas, and make the recipe without essential oils during pregnancy and breastfeeding. And be careful: the oil makes the shower floor slippery. Easy, right?
For a firmer body, try pinch-and-roll massage
No guide to solutions for a firmer body would be complete without mentioning the famous pinch-and-roll massage. It’s a great classic of anti-cellulite routines, to be done regularly. However, it doesn’t break down fatty deposits or flush out “toxins”: that isn’t its role.
To make sure you’re performing these pinch-and-roll massages correctly, use your Cellublue Cup, suitable for use on every affected area.
The cupping tool that replicates pinching and rolling, 3 minutes per zone
- The professionals' technique, at home: you lift, glide, and release, and the tool grips the skin fold like a manual pinching and rolling
- Soft silicone that fits thighs, buttocks, stomach, and arms
- 3 minutes per zone, every day, always with a massage oil so the tool glides
To use it, it’s simple: pinch the Cup and place it on lightly oiled skin. Then perform targeted movements for a few minutes, adjusting the suction intensity to suit your comfort level. The Cellublue Cup lets you work on the areas with dimples. Also remember to drink plenty of water after the session. Repeat this quick and easy massage session every day: consistency is what counts!
Exercise for a more toned body
Finally, our last tip for a firmer body: make physical activity part of your daily routine. You can of course go for cardio, such as dancing, cycling or running… Or opt for strength training and targeted exercises to tone every area of your body. Don’t overlook water sports either, such as swimming, aqua aerobics or aqua cycling, which gently work the whole body. Water creates gentle resistance that works both superficial and deep muscles with real intensity and little impact on your joints. Water sports are therefore a good option for building tone. And if you’re not quite ready to take up a sport, brisk walking for 45 minutes a day is also a great way to keep your body toned! Walk to work, stroll around the neighbourhood with friends, walk to pick the kids up from school… Every bit of movement counts!
For greater firmness: small daily habits
Small efforts made every day also count towards a more toned body. The key: bringing more rhythm and movement into your everyday life. For example:
- tensing your abs while watching TV, or squeezing your glutes while cooking or doing the washing-up. It’s called integrative exercise and yes, every little movement counts;
- taking the stairs instead of the lift;
- walking instead of sitting while you wait;
- pacing while you’re on the phone;
- playing with your children or pet instead of staying glued to a screen;
- getting off the bus or tube one or two stops early;
- doing small errands on foot or by bike;
- investing in a standing desk (an adjustable desk that lets you work sitting or standing).
So, ladies, are you ready to embrace these good habits to firm up your body and look after your skin every day?
Related articles
- DIY: 5 minutes to prepare 3 homemade body scrubs
- DIY: prepare 3 natural body masks!
- Cellulite: my action plan
Useful categories: Slimming Care.
