Cellulite

What is cellulite? Do you have uneven, lumpy skin on your hips, thighs, or buttocks? This may be a sign of cellulite. Cellulite occurs when the skin overlying certain areas of fat is pulled downward to the deeper tissues by connective tissue bands. This creates an uneven surface. Cellulite is commonly found on: Cellulite affects […]

cellulite

What is cellulite?

Do you have uneven, lumpy skin on your hips, thighs, or buttocks? This may be a sign of cellulite. Cellulite occurs when the skin overlying certain areas of fat is pulled downward to the deeper tissues by connective tissue bands. This creates an uneven surface.

Cellulite is commonly found on:

  • hips
  • thighs
  • abdomen-belly
  • arms

Cellulite affects women more than men due to the different fat, muscle, and connective tissue distribution. Cellulite is not harmful, but if yours bothers you, there are ways to make it less noticeable.

Causes of cellulite

Cellulite is caused by a buildup of fat underneath the skin. Some women are more predisposed to it than others. The amount of cellulite you have, and how noticeable it is, can be based on your genes, body fat percentage, and age. The thickness of your skin also affects the appearance of cellulite. People of all body types and weights can get cellulite.

The distribution of fat in women is more visible than in men. The collagen fibers between the skin and muscle separate the underlying fat into multiple pockets. Cellulite can become more visible as you age, and your skin becomes thinner and loses elasticity. This exposes the rippled connective tissues underneath. Other causes of cellulite are hormones, poor diet, an unhealthy lifestyle, accumulated toxins, genetics, weight gain, inactivity, and pregnancy.

Medical Treatments

For the reduction of cellulite, there are several medical procedures available, like cryolipolysis (cool-sculpting), ultrasound, laser & RF treatment, acoustic-wave therapy, carboxytherapy and microdermabrasion. All these invasive and non-invasive treatments are being performed by a doctor or a dermatologist. In every case you must speak to your doctor, plastic surgeon, or dermatologist about your desired outcome and the steps you plan to take. They can help you determine the most effective treatment. Cost and possible side effects or complications must also be considered.

Home treatments

Before going for a costly surgery, why not try some popular home remedies to treat cellulite? Even though they lack scientific evidence, these home remedies can be used as part of a self-care routine to go along with improvements to your lifestyle and exercise habits. You can start with topical treatment, which means the application of specific products onto the body parts that are affected by cellulite. They can help to reduce the visibility of cellulite, but the effects are not long-lasting. You’ll need to apply the product daily to maintain results.

Cream

Creams are said to tighten the skin, which makes it appear smoother and firmer, but they do not actually remove cellulite. Instead, they temporarily reduce the appearance of it. The fat cells still exist under the skin. Nonetheless, creams are a good idea as they also add moisture, which can reduce the appearance of cellulite. A common ingredient in topical cellulite creams is caffeine. Caffeine increases blood flow to the area and works as a diuretic. That can change the water content of the fat, which may reduce the appearance of cellulite. A cellulite cream can show significant improvements when combined with personal dietary recommendations, as the cream is considered to enhance the benefits of dietary control in reducing the visibility of cellulite. Keep in mind, that before you slather yourself with a new product, you should try a small patch on your skin and wait for 24h so you know how your skin bears with it and avoid any allergic reactions.

Dry brushing

This technique is said to stimulate blood and lymph flow, remove dead skin cells, and stimulate new cell growth. It may support detoxification and stimulate your nervous system. Use a natural plant loofah or body brush to gently smooth dry skin for up to five minutes. You can start at the feet and move your way upward. Use long fluid strokes or circular motions. This is best done before a bath or shower.

Massage

Take a few extra minutes every day to give the dimpled spots a firm rubdown. Try it in the shower, preferably with a scrub soap or a loofah sponge, or afterwards when you apply lotion. Massage improves blood flow and gets rid of excess fluid, which may make dimples less noticeable for a while. It also prepares the skin before the application of the cream or body lotion.

Coffee grounds

Using coffee grounds as an exfoliate is a popular way to remove dead cells, encourage new cell growth, and tighten the skin. You can use coffee grounds on their own or mix with coconut oil, olive oil, or sugar. Gently rub the grounds over the affected area for a few minutes. You can also try leaving the mixture on your skin for 10 minutes before rinsing it off. Coffee grounds may reduce bumpiness, stimulate blood circulation, and promote lymph flow. However, there’s no scientific research to support these claims.

Lifestyle

Changing your lifestyle and daily habits can be a natural and inexpensive way to treat cellulite. Regular exercise, cutting down on unhealthy habits and following a balanced diet may help to reduce the overall appearance of cellulite.

Exercise

Get moving. It’s one of the best treatments. It won’t make your cellulite disappear, but exercise can help you reduce body fat, which makes cellulite less noticeable. Strong muscles under lumpy areas can make your skin look more even. Choose an exercise program that combines aerobic exercise and strength training. This will help you burn body fat, and tone and define your muscles. A body that is more muscular will look and feel smoother and firmer. Try to create an exercise routine that focuses on the areas of your body that are prone to cellulite.

Weight control

Skinny or plump, you can have cellulite. But extra weight often makes it more visible. If you’re overweight, the best remedy is to shed a few kilos. Try to lose weight slowly, though. Yo-yo dieting can make cellulite look worse. If you’ve lost a lot of weight, it might show up in areas where your skin is loose.

Diet

Your diet may affect cellulite, so it’s important to eat a balanced, healthy diet. A healthy diet can also help you to maintain a healthy weight. Reduce processed and high-sugar foods and “refined” carbs found in many breads, candy, and soft drinks, as they can lead to the accumulation of toxins and fat in the body and especially in cellulite-prone areas. Try to increase your fiber intake. Eating more fiber – found in whole grains, fruit, and vegetables instead of “empty”-calorie foods, will support you in the battle against cellulite.

Moisturization

Dehydration can make cellulite more noticeable. Make a point to increase your water intake. Water flushes your body and removes toxins. Detoxing your body may help minimize cellulite by reducing stored toxins that contribute to cellulite. So, on one side try to minimize the amount of toxins you put in your body by avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol, and on the other side stay hydrated by increasing your water intake. It’s recommended that women drink at least nine cups of water each day.

Smoking

Except for the toxins that enter your body, every puff affects the blood supply to your skin. It gets thinner and more likely to sag. This makes the cellulite on your arms, thighs, and bottom more visible. Ask your doctor which stop-smoking method is best for you.

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/

https://www.webmd.com/

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