Reduce the Appearance of Cellulite
By Jessica, February 17, 2012
Cellulite, orange peel skin, cottage cheese thighs, dimpled hips – these are the joys that afflict up to 90% of all women regardless of weight, age or build. It’s all down to the arrangement of essential fat cells beneath the skin’s surface, and unfortunately there is absolutely nothing you can do to get rid of them. However there are a few steps you can take to nudge unsightly fat cells in a smoother direction, and the good news is they are simple and pain-free.
Food & Water
Cellulite rears its bumpy head in even the slimmest of women, but it can worsen with higher levels of body fat. The more fat cells that develop beneath the skin, the more they will buckle and push against the connective tissue responsible for rippling the skin’s surface. Cutting fatty foods from the diet can have an immense effect on the appearance of cellulite, slimming down the layer of fat and smoothing out the connective tissue. Upping your intake of water will also help, hydrating the skin and plumping it out.
Eliminate Toxins
The fat cells responsible for cellulite are often a mixture of normal body fat and unhealthy accumulations of toxins and excess fluid. Toxins can increase the levels of fat in the blood and slow circulation so it’s a good idea to cut them out as much as possible – for your health as well as for appearance’s sake. Obviously unhealthy junk foods are a source of toxins, but alcohol and smoking can also cause a build up.
Exercise
Just like with a healthy diet, regular exercise can help reduce fat levels and, as a result, the appearance of cellulite. Thirty minutes of moderate exercise a day is usually enough for the average person, but those who are overweight may want to consider increasing this for greater effect. If targeting cellulite specifically in your exercise regime, focus on walking, climbing, lunges and other repetitive movements that target the upper legs. The subsequent build up of muscle can also help smooth skin’s appearance.
Body Brush
Give your entire a body a thorough scrub with a soft bristle brush each time you shower. Using long sweeping motions towards the heart, you will stimulate both circulation and the flow of lymph around the body. This can help break down the fat cells and even out their layer, even if it is only temporarily. Regular brushing will help maintain these results and will have a far greater impact on cellulite than any miracle cream.
Spa Treatments
Many spa treatments will claim to get rid of cellulite, but the reality is they will just flatten out the offending area for a short period of time. Massages which reduce water retention, stimulate circulation and boost the flow of lymph will have some benefit, and they can be a good boost prior to starting a body brushing regime at home. Go for targeted cellulite massages and body wraps or see more on our spa treatments for weight loss.
