eatwell|thinkwell

The early New York City heatwave has many of us thinking about summer bodies, shorts, and feeling a little more confident in our skin. Besides eating well, drinking plenty of water, and keeping a healthy mindset, these are my 3 personal go-to habits to support the appearance of cellulite and get summer-ready skin. I’ve done them for over two decades. Nothing complicated, expensive, or time-consuming. Just a few simple things before and after the shower that can make a noticeable difference in how your skin looks and feels.

Before your shower: Skin brush for 5 minutes.

One of my favorite simple rituals before a shower is dry skin brushing. Start from your feet and move upwards (see below for tutorial) My favorite body brush is the Yerba Prima. I’ve been using it for over twenty years and, in my opinion, it’s the OG of skin brushes and the perfect combination of dense natural bristles with just the right amount of firmness. However, everyone is different and it may feel too firm for some people, so choose what feels good for your own skin.

5 Benefits of Dry Skin Brushing

Supports circulation
Dry brushing helps stimulate blood flow at the surface of the skin, which can leave skin looking a little more energized and refreshed.

Gentle exfoliation
It removes dead skin cells, helping the skin feel smoother and look more even.

May support lymphatic flow
The gentle brushing motion can help encourage lymph movement, which plays a role in natural detoxification.

Can improve skin texture appearance
With consistency, skin will feel firmer and look more toned (especially when combined with hydration and movement).

A grounding self-care ritual
Beyond physical benefits, it can feel calming and intentional, like a reset before showering.

After your shower: Cupping for cellulite support.

I love using this facial cupping set with a small amount of organic coconut oil on damp skin. It can feel a little intense the first few times, so start gently and use light pressure. As the tissue warms and you get used to it, it tends to feel more comfortable. Think of it as a form of massage that supports circulation and can help smooth the appearance of skin when used consistently.

5 Benefits of Cupping

Helps release deeper tension in the skin and connective tissue
Unlike dry brushing, cupping works more deeply into the tissue and can help areas that feel tight or “stuck” feel more relaxed over time.

Supports the look of smoother, more sculpted skin
The lifting and movement of tissue can temporarily increase skin plumpness.

Encourages localized circulation in specific areas
Cupping allows you to target areas like thighs, hips, or glutes more directly than brushing.

Helps soften the feel of fluid retention in certain areas
The gentle suction and movement can help areas feel less puffy or heavy when used regularly.

A deeper self-massage ritual
It’s a slower, more intentional practice that allows you to actually spend time working into areas that need a little extra attention.

Dry skin Brushing & Cupping Tutorial Videos

A great ‘follow along’ dry skin brushing tutorial | by Tina Engeo

A great cupping tutorial | by Dana Waldie.

Supplements | Gotu Kola and Horse Chestnut

When it comes to supporting circulation and how legs feel and look in the summer, two of my go-to supplements are Gotu Kola and Horse Chestnut.

Gotu Kola

Gotu Kola is a traditional Ayurvedic herb. Its active compounds, including triterpenoids, have been studied for their role in supporting vein tone, microcirculation, and skin structure. It’s commonly used in relation to leg heaviness, mild swelling, and overall lower-body circulation support.

Horse Chestnut

Horse Chestnut is another well-known botanical used for circulation, particularly when it comes to that heavy or tired feeling in the legs. It contains escin, a compound that has been studied for its role in supporting blood vessel strength and fluid balance in the lower body.

Both are often included in wellness approaches focused on circulation and skin appearance, which is one of the reasons they continue to show up in both traditional use and modern research.

Important Note on Supplements

As always, do your own research and make informed choices about what you put into your body. You know yourself better than anyone. Start slowly with herbs and supplements, choose high-quality standardized herbs when possible, and be mindful that these supplements are not appropriate for everyone. If you are on medications, pregnant, nursing, or managing any health condition, always check for interactions first. See my article on supplement safety for more guidance.

My favorite site for supplements is Iherb.com. I’ve been using them for almost as long as they’ve been in business and really trust them for quality, variety, and consistently good deals.

BOTTOM LINE

Eat well, think well, and take care of your body in ways that actually feel realistic. Cellulite is normal, mindset matters, and how we feel in our skin will always come back to the small things we do consistently. Dry skin brushing before the shower helps stimulate the surface and wake up circulation, cupping after the shower works a little deeper into the tissue, and herbs like Gotu kola and Horse chestnut are another layer of internal support. Nothing complicated, just consistent habits that support how you feel in your body over time.