What Is Cellulite?
Cellulite refers to dimples or other textural changes in skin that develop when fat cells push through the second layer of skin, called the dermis. Cellulite often affects the buttocks, thighs, and abdomen.
It’s also a fact that most of us are unhappy with it, and wish we could figure out how to get rid of it without overhauling our lives or spending an absolute fortune.
Dermatologists say that while individual dimples may disappear, if you’re predisposed to cellulite, your body will just make more.
What Causes Cellulite?
Genetics
Some people are born with a higher chance of developing cellulite. Cellulite is a genetic thing. We start to see it when we’re in our 20s.
Lymphatics
Lymph nodes can become bloated by unhealthy habits, like a bad diet and lack of exercise, which can increase the appearance of cellulite.
Hormones
Hormones – particularly the hormone estrogen – appear to play a role in the formation of fat cells and cellulite. This may be another reason why women have more cellulite than men. It may also help explain why cellulite seems to first begin after puberty and sometimes worsens during pregnancy.
Aging
It’s not necessarily age that’s the problem — it’s more that the effects of mature skin make cellulite more noticeable.
Diet
Diet you have and the diet you eat can worsen cellulite if it’s not a healthy one. Inflammatory foods like dairy and soda can worsen the condition.
Lifestyle
Certain lifestyle factors, such as not getting enough exercise and drinking too much alcohol, can affect circulation, inflammation, and the way fat cells are formed and distributed throughout the body.
Tips That Can Minimize the Appearance of Cellulite
Follow these 10 simple tips and you’ll see a reduction in that orange peel skin in no time.
Do cardio exercises
When it comes to the best exercises for getting rid of cellulite, cardio is key. That’s because the harder you work and the higher you get your heart rate, the more fat you’ll burn.
Interval training is a great way to do this – short bursts of high intensity exercise are said to be much more effective than low intensity exercise for a longer period of time, because during the high-intensity phase your body burns mainly carbs for energy, but during the recovery, your body burns mainly fat to produce the energy needed to help your body recover from the intense effort.
Drink more water
The cellulite under your skin stores toxins – which can accumulate if you have an unhealthy lifestyle, regardless of your shape or size. Water keeps the skin hydrated and flushes out toxins, and is key, if you want to keep your skin looking fresh and youthful, too!
However, don’t drink too much water as this could lead to swelling underneath the cellulite – 1.5 litres a day is plenty.
Eat foods that provide lecithin
A diet high in antioxidants – vitamins A, C and E, plus selenium, manganese, zinc and copper – can help to prevent the cell damage that leads to the dreaded dimples.
By eating these foods daily, you’ll restore the strength of dermal cells – and the good news is, they’re all pretty tasty. Eggs, apples, soy, spinach, cauliflower, peanuts and Iceberg lettuce are all lecithin rich foods, so they’re great for getting rid of cellulite.
Eat fruits and vegetables
Cellulite is caused by a build up of toxins, so fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants are the best way to beat lumpy skin from the inside out!
Some fruits and vegetables are better than others, brightly coloured ones being the best. Try celery, oranges, grapefruit, peaches and plums, they’re low in natural sugar and high in fibre. Foods high in vitamin C are also great cellulite-busters because they boost levels of collagen in the skin, promoting elasticity and keeping things firm and taut.
Eat more protein
Protein stimulates and strengthens the production of collagen and elastin which keeps cellulite at bay. It also helps to firm up muscles that can keep fat stores in place, and reduces the dimpled effect of cellulite. All in all, protein is a winner when it comes to combating the orange peel skin!
Add more lean meats, turkey, nuts, skimmed milk and pulses to your diet to get the best chance of improvement.
Avoid full fat dairy and fast foods
Full fat dairy products like cream, butter and cheese are high in saturated fats and are harder for your body to break down. They’re fine as a once in a while treat, but avoid consuming them too regularly if you can.
Eating fatty takeaways and processed foods can also cause cellulite because they lead to fat deposits in our bodies. So it is better to switch shop-bought sweets for homemade lower-fat cakes and try making your favorite takeaway at home to reduce the saturated fat.
Use anti-cellulite creams and scrubs
Use a scrub every time you shower to increase circulation on thighs and buttocks too.
It’s also worth noting that creams will only really help the appearance slightly as part of a diet and exercise regime – they can help superficially in the looks department, but they’re not miracle workers, and even the most expensive creams can’t melt the fat away.
Use body brush
Make sure you scrub before you get into the shower, always in circular motions, always starting at the ankles and working up towards your heart.
The action is thought to improve blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, so trying this for a few weeks will not only banish dry skin, but you’ll notice a real impact on those dimples too.
Follow up with a body oil to nourish your skin and you’ll be feeling like you’ve had a proper pamper at the same time.
Massage
Massage may be able to improve the appearance of cellulite by draining excess body fluid, redistributing fat cells, improving circulation, and plumping up skin.
However, massage won’t cure cellulite. While massage may improve appearance, results typically don’t last for long and in many cases repeat treatments are necessary.
Try an in-office treatment
If you’re really committed to minimizing your cellulite, it’s worth talking to a dermatologist about your treatment options.
Some think liposuction is the answer, but the procedure can actually make cellulite worse. Because you’re simply removing fat, it could make the skin look even more wrinkled. The doctors point to treatments such as VelaShape and Cellfina for the most optimal results.