Cellulite – sub-dermal fat stores which give skin a signature ‘cottage
cheese’ or ‘orange peel’ texture that makes women cringe and reach for
jeans instead of shorts – is usually due to a number of factors. Some
people have a genetic predisposition for cellulite. For others there may
be hormonal issues at work. Poor diet, smoking, frequent and extended
periods of sitting or standing in one place, and poor circulation are
also common contributors.
1. STAY HYDRATED
It’s a fact that if you aren’t giving it enough
water to work with, your body won’t be able to effectively break down
cellulite. For this reason alone, keeping yourself hydrated is rule
number one when it comes to getting rid of ‘bumpy fat.’ As if that
weren’t enough, remember that there could potentially be a large amount
of toxins stowed away in your fat cells. When cellulite is broken down,
any chemical contaminants that are stored there will be released back
into your body. In order to flush these toxins out, it is absolutely
critical to drink plenty of water.
2. DRY BRUSH
Once you’ve got your water intake down, try dry
brushing to eliminate cellulite. This method is considered by many to be
the most effective natural remedy for this purpose. In some cases,
women saw a significant reduction in the appearance of cellulite after
only a month. Dry brushing works by opening up pores and removing dead
skin, thus helping to cleanse the body by allowing toxins to exit more
freely. This method also improves circulation and stimulates collagen
production, leading to stronger and smoother skin.
Basic guidelines for dry brushing are as follows:
– Use natural semi-firm bristled brushes like these from Sublime Beauty.
– Always brush toward the heart. On the stomach, brush counter-clockwise.
– Make your strokes firm enough to stimulate the skin, but not so hard as to cause irritation.
3. COCONUT OIL
The health benefits of coconut oil are many,
including the abilities to increase metabolism, reduce hunger, and
improve skin elasticity. Use as a moisturizer after dry brushing for an
immediate boost to skin health. Also, try adding a couple of tablespoons
of coconut oil per day to your diet to help you burn fat and improve
your overall health.
4. COFFEE SCRUB
Many women have reported success with a simple mix
of coffee grounds and warm water. Use this scrub for ten minutes twice
per week on areas where cellulite reduction is desired. You should start
to see some great results after four weeks of regular treatment.
5. DERMA ROLLER
While self-treatment with a derma roller can be
painful – especially when used on sensitive areas – it is another tried
and proven method for stimulating collagen production in the dermis.
Make sure to get a high-quality derma roller, such as this one, which
will hold up better than cheaper models. Needles on well-made rollers
will be far less likely to break or bend (which could cause serious
damage to skin!)
6. JUNIPER / ROSEMARY OIL
The essential oils of juniper and
rosemary both have a positive effect on circulation and can help the
body to flush out toxins from fat and muscle tissue. To create a
detoxifying moisturizer, mix about 10 drops of rosemary oil and 10 drops
of juniper oil (both available to buy from Plant Therapy Essential
Oils) with 100 ml of jojoba oil. Apply daily after derma-rolling or
post-bath to help detoxify and strengthen skin. Using this method, you
may see noticeable results as fast as one week!
7. BIRCH OIL
Another popular oil for strengthening skin and
reducing the appearance of cellulite is this birch cellulite oil by
Weleda – a mixture of birch and other natural oils that work in much the
same way as juniper / rosemary. Apply daily after a bath or in
combination with derma-rolling.
8. ROSE HIP SEED OIL
A potent source of vitamin A and fatty acids,
rose hip seed oil is an awesome moisturizer that also promotes strong,
healthy skin. When used regularly by itself or following your derma
roller, rose hip seed oil promotes thicker, healthier skin with greater
elasticity that can greatly reduce the appearance of cellulite.
9. BETTER CIRCULATION
Proper circulation helps to prevent and
eliminate cellulite. Avoid wearing clothes with tight elastic bands that
may restrict blood flow to hips, thighs, and other areas prone to
cellulite. Also, if you experience a lot of soreness during physical
activities, tight muscles may also be restricting blood flow. Perform
stretching exercises such as yoga or Tai Chi to loosen up cramped
tissues and improve your circulation.
10. SELF-MASSAGE
Daily self-massage is an excellent cure for
cellulite. By stimulating blood flow and breaking up toxins stored in
cellulite, massage can help the body to metabolize fat cells, reducing
their size and making them less noticeable. Perform self-massage while
taking a warm bath several times each week. Alternately, you can take
this remedy a step further with myofascial massage using a foam roller.
This technique helps to smooth skin by releasing the fascia from other
tissues.
11. CHANGE YOUR DIET
Finally, you may need to change up your
eating habits to help your body combat cellulite. Consume less simple
sugars and carbohydrates and include more fiber in your diet to improve
digestive health. Replace unsaturated fats like vegetable oil with
healthy Omega-3 fats such as olive, almond, or avocado oil. Trade out
sources of trans-fat like margarine for lauric acid-rich coconut oil to
boost skin health. Avoid excessive sodium consumption (the recommended
daily intake is 2300 mg or less.) Finally, eat more fresh fruits and
veggies with high water content such as melons, cucumbers, and dark
leafy greens to increase skin elasticity and detoxify your body.