As if you needed another reason to use sunscreen, experts now say it might help you look better in a bathing suit.
Dr. Glynis Ablon, an assistant professor at UCLA and director of the Ablon Skin Institute who's done extensive research on cellulite, says sun damage can actually cause what may otherwise have been hidden cellulite to become visible. What's more, as women approach age 30, skin layers become thinner naturally-sun damaged or not. "That thinner skin is depleted of elastin and collagen, which means fat cells can get closer to the skin's surface," says Dr. Ablon. "That, in turn, adds to the appearance of cellulite."
Dr. Ablon adds that crash diets may play a role in the appearance of cellulite, too-actually doing women more harm than good.
So how can you win the cellulite battle? Prevention magazine's contributing fitness editor, Chris Freytag, says a two-pronged approach works best.
"A high-energy cardio workout will crank up the calorie burn to melt fat away," says Freytag. "Then a targeted strength routine should be added to tone and tighten hips, thighs and bottom for a firmer look."
Exercise DVDs such as "Prevention Fitness Systems: Fight Cellulite Fast" and "Prevention Fitness Systems: Drop it in 30!" provide information and cardio- and strength-training routines that Freytag says will help women fight cellulite.
Freytag recommends the following moves, which work to strengthen some of the largest muscles in the body while also elevating the heart rate:
Bob and Weave: A classic kickboxing move that's a fun and intense leg toner. Pretend you're ducking your opponent's punch, weaving to the right and then the left.
Jumping Jacks: Certain to get the heart rate up fast to help burn body fat, these large-range-of-motion moves-using the largest muscles groups-really tone muscle fibers.
Skater: Work those quadriceps, hamstrings and glutes for total lower-body toning with this side-to-side skating move. Get some air under your feet to boost the fat-burning benefits.