If you’re not simply dealing with excess weight, but also with a sagging stomach, it’s not enough to simply stick to a diet. You’ll need to choose exercises that are specifically designed for this part of the body. And as a complement, an anti-cellulite mask can be useful both commercially produced and homemade for body shaping. Let’s talk about them.
Effect
Stomach fat reduction masks include ingredients and substances that have fat-burning, stimulating, cleansing, and lifting properties. So it’s no wonder that when used regularly they:
- intensively reduce body fat, burning it and stimulating lipolysis;
- deeply nourish the skin, which significantly increases skin firmness and elasticity, smoothing out the contours and providing a toning and anti-aging effect;
- repair the hydrolipid balance;
- accelerate the metabolic processes in the subcutaneous tissue;
- reduce the waist, shaping the body in the stomach and side areas;
- remove toxins and excess fluid;
- activate microcirculation;
- noticeably reduce the appearance of cellulite;
- prevent stretch marks;
- have a lifting effect.
Such an impressive list may cause overly optimistic expectations. But you should know that these are still only cosmetics and their action is not as striking or as fast as you would like. Moreover, masks play only an ancillary role and are completely useless without exercise and diet.
Indications and contraindications
Indications:
- cellulite;
- large belly due to body fat;
- sagging waistline;
- stretch marks (all methods for combating this side effect of losing weight can be found in a separate review);
- excess weight;
- the process of losing weight (simultaneous observance of diet, exercise, and appropriate salon procedures).
Contraindications:
- allergies;
- pregnancy;
- gastrointestinal disorders, any pain in the abdomen;
- individual intolerance to the components;
- skin diseases: rash, dermatitis with weeping ulcers and eczema, fungal infection;
- menstrual cycle;
- recent surgery (no more than 2 months ago) on the abdomen;
- exacerbation of any disease;
- oncology;
- fresh skin injuries on the abdomen: wounds, scratches, cuts, abrasions, inflammations, sutures;
- cardiovascular disease;
- organ transplants.
If masks are used for wraps, hypertension and elevated body temperature are added to the contraindications because the procedure itself is thermogenic.
Anti-cellulite masks with seaweed are contraindicated in cases of impaired function of the thyroid gland, and aggressive masks (mustard, cinnamon, vinegar, soda, pepper, and coffee masks) are contraindicated for sensitive skin.
Types
With a thermal effect
Their task is to increase blood circulation. Tissues will receive additional oxygen, which is an active participant in the burning of fats. Their composition usually includes:
- ginger;
- melted chocolate;
- Capsicam ointment;
- seaweed;
- liquid honey;
- mustard powder;
- red ground pepper or its tincture;
- cinnamon.
Get ready to sweat heavily and for a burning sensation.
With a cooling effect
Their task is to cause blood vessels to constrict and cool the tissues. The body is forced to find additional energy to warm the treated area, which leads to the breakdown of fats in the abdomen. Their composition usually includes:
- agar-agar powder;
- apple cider vinegar;
- shredded mint leaves;
- menthol ingredients;
- camphor.
Chocolate is one of the most effective and popular masks used to reduce belly
Almost all stomach masks have an anti-cellulite effect and do a great job of getting rid of the “orange peel” effect. If they are advertised as stimulating, that means that they act primarily to stimulate blood circulation and metabolism.
Recommendations
Preparation
- Do not prepare the mixture in metal or plastic containers.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly so that there are no lumps.
- Vegetable and cosmetic oils, chocolate, and honey are heated in a water bath or in a microwave oven to 40 °C.
- Everything prepared should be used immediately and not stored for later use.
Preparation
- Apply a small amount of the prepared mixture to the skin of the wrist, rinse off after a quarter of an hour. Follow the result within 24 hours. If there is no allergic reaction, start using it for its intended purpose.
- Steam out in a hot bath or in the shower (it is recommended to massage the abdomen with a stream of water). It’s even better to do such procedures in a sauna.
- Remove impurities with a cleansing gel and a hard washcloth.
- Apply a scrub. Massage the abdomen in a circular motion.
- Rinse.
- Rub the skin dry and until red with a hard terrycloth towel.
Application
Apply a small amount of the mixture to the skin of the abdomen. Spread it evenly in a circular motion. For more effective body shaping, also cover your sides and back. Massage for 2-3 minutes, rubbing thoroughly.
If it is a mask for wrapping, hide it under several layers of food-grade film. It will perform 2 functions at once: it will prevent the mixture from dripping and enhance thermogenesis, which additionally contributes to fat burning. The main thing is not to pull it too tight, as this will disrupt the flow of lymph and blood. A wide scarf is usually tied over it or it is wrapped with a towel.
Read more about how to do body wraps at home here.
If the mask is thick enough and you are not planning to make a wrap based on it, you can lie on your back (just put something that you don’t mind getting dirty underneath) and leave the abdomen open to the air. If the mixture dries quickly, you can apply a second layer after 5-10 minutes.
The average duration of the procedure is 20-30 minutes. Masks that have a mild effect (honey, chocolate, clay, oil) can be left on for a little longer, up to 40 minutes.
Removal
Take a shower or a salt (soda) bath, which also contribute to weight loss. Do not use any gels, scrubs, or foams. Dry yourself thoroughly. Apply an anti-cellulite or anti-stretch mark cream (if there are any stretch marks) to the abdomen in a circular motion. Put on loose, breathable clothing so that it minimally interacts with the treated area of skin.
General tips
The first time, sign up for this procedure at a salon so that you can watch how the specialist works. Then his or her manipulations will be easy to repeat at home.
Masks are applied on an empty stomach, at least 2 hours after a meal. The ideal time is a couple of hours before bed. Frequency of use: every 1-2 days for 3-4 weeks. You need to take a break after this.
Reducing stomach fat is possible only in conjunction with a low-calorie diet and specifically designed exercises for this part of the body. Honey masks, chocolate masks, and black clay masks are considered to be among the best. They can be made in a sauna, which in itself is a weight loss aid (we have already written about this). More aggressive components (mustard, ginger, cinnamon) should be used with caution and not at high temperatures.
Rating of purchased masks
