Update! Nivea’s Good-Bye Cellulite Regimen

For two weeks I’ve been popping pills, smearing gel from my navel to my knees, and planting patches on the back of my legs. And so far? I see good things happening with Nivea’s Good-bye Cellulite Regimen ($16.20)

It’s a pretty straightforward system: The pills are like vitamins. The gel is quick absorbing and has a light sent. But initially, the warnings on the (rectangular, gelatinous) patches gave me pause:

“While using the patch, you may feel a slight heat or tingling; after removing the patch, skin may be slightly red. Do not reapply on red skin. If redness or irritation is prolonged, stop use and seek medical advice.”

I have sensitive skin, and when I see the words “heat or tingling,” I immediately assume that they really mean “burning or searing.” I was also concerned that taking them off would be like ripping off firmly applied duct tape. Fortunately, I was wrong on both counts. The patches actually felt a bit cool, tingling was very minimal and only occurred the first night and there was no discomfort when peeling them off. The snafus were logistical. Occasionally the patches scrunch up or dislodge a little throughout the night (wearing leggings to bed helps keeps them in place). And I nearly pulled a muscle trying to twist myself around to look in the mirror and apply the patch on the leg-meets-butt region (perhaps a sign I should be spending more time at yoga and less time with the lotion). But my skin feels smoother and a bit more taught, and a few of those little bumpy places look, well, a little better. Stay tuned…

If you’re interested in road-testing the products for yourself, you can find them at drugstore.com (where all three products are 10% off).