Cellulite is fat that is visible just beneath the skin. When collagen fibers in the skin break or stretch, fat pockets can bulge through, creating the orange-peel look of cellulite. A beauty treatment from the book "Thalia: !Belleza!" uses a combination of Preparation H and mineral salts to temporarily reduce the look of cellulite. The active ingredient in Preparation H is phenylephrine HCl, a vasoconstrictor that temporarily shrinks blood vessels. Mineral salts may help by reducing excess water in the skin and minimizing the bulge of cellulite. Note that this temporary treatment is an off-label use of Preparation H and not supported by the manufacturer.
Pour 3 cups of mineral salts into 4 cups of warm tap water in the bowl. Swirl the water with your hand while adding the mineral salts. If all of the crystals dissolve, add an additional 1 cup of mineral salts. This will produce a concentrated mineral salt solution.
Place the bandages into the warm mineral salt solution and leave them to soak for 10 minutes. This will infuse the tensor bandages with the mineral salts.
Rub the Preparation H ointment into the areas of your body with cellulite, typically your thighs. Keep rubbing in circular motions until the cream is well absorbed.
Remove the bandages from the mineral salt solution and wring dry. The bandages should be damp but not dripping wet.
Wrap your thighs snugly with the elastic bandages. The bandages should be comfortable and not so tight that they restrict circulation.
Cover the bandages with a single layer of plastic wrap to hold in moisture and heat. Relax for 20 to 30 minutes then remove the plastic and bandages. Hand wash the bandages with mild soap, rinse and then hang to dry.