Natural body brush, £20, Artah
As does self-acceptance. “Cellulite is completely normal, and in midlife we should be celebrating healthy bodies that do what we need them to do,” counsels Abby McLachlan, the founder of pilates, yoga, barre & meditation studio East of Eden.
Thread veins
These are the least of my concerns: I’ve had them since my 30s, and find them much less self-conscious-making than cellulite. Still, it would be nice to have none. Dr Jessica Western, cosmetic doctor at Dr Leah Skin Clinics, suggests Sclerotherapy Vein Treatment, a non-surgical option that works by injecting problematic veins with a sclerosing solution which irritates the vein lining, causing it to collapse and be absorbed by the body. Western says: “The treated vein gradually fades within a few weeks, as blood reroutes to healthier veins. No anaesthesia is required, and the procedure takes around 30 minutes, depending on the size of the area and the number of veins being treated. Most patients can resume their regular activities the same day.”
Or there’s the medical-grade laser option, for those squeamish of needles. These target the pigment in the vein, causing it to fade, though typically require a course of treatments. “V-Beam is the gold standard vascular laser, and for many patients, one session will be sufficient, though larger areas or more stubborn veins may require a couple,” says Dr Sabika Karim, founder of Skin Medical (from £250).
Prevention being better than cure, Dr Karim suggests taking a multi-faceted approach. “Staying active helps to improve blood circulation, and avoiding long periods of standing or sitting will help to maintain proper circulation. Elevating the legs periodically can help to reduce pressure on the veins, as can maintaining a healthy weight.” If it’s too late for prevention, try disguise. Miracle de Paris’s Body Perfector acts as a foundation for the legs, and boasts of zero-transfer coverage that lasts for days.