With summer here, getting rid of cellulite could be one of your biggest concerns, especially if female. In fact, about 90 percent of women report that it is one of their biggest beauty blunders. This is aside from wrinkles and acne.
But is getting rid of cellulite as impossible a task as you might think? BistroMD's expert dietitians give feedback on how to get rid of cellulite and tips to reduce its appearance.
What Causes Cellulite?
Cellulite is a noticeable fat deposit beneath the skin and characterized by a lumpy, dimpled appearance. It is mostly noticed on the thighs, hips, buttocks, and belly regions and can last years or be lifelong.
Cellulite is observable as fat cells under the top layer of the skin are stuck between strands of connective tissue. Men often do not worry about cellulite simply because their connective tissue is structured differently than a woman's.
The structure of women's connective tissue is vertical, while men's are angled. This means fat cells are unable to push through as much, thus limiting the appearance of bumps on the skin.
While little is known about the immediate cause of cellulite, dermatologists identify risk factors and contributors. Developing cellulite may be due to:
• Genetics
• Being female
• Carrying excess body weight and/or weight gain
• Aging
• Weak collagen and collagen production
• Dehydration
• Hormonal imbalances
• Insufficient blood flow
• Poor lymphatic drainage
• A sedentary lifestyle
• Poor diet choices and patterns
Despite the cause, people with cellulite may have turned to creams, cosmetics, light therapy, and liposuction. Not only can some of these methods may expensive, but expensive and come with health risks. In fact, liposuction comes with a host of dangerous risks and can even worsen the appearance of cellulite!
While you may not be able to eliminate cellulite completely, there are ways to reduce its appearance.
How to Best Deal With Cellulite
Adopting a healthy lifestyle is one of the best ways to limit cellulite appearance. Other natural remedies, such as taking cold showers and using coffee scrubs, can be helpful as well.
1. Eat a Healthy Diet
Eating a nutritious diet can act as a natural remedy for cellulite by leading to fat and weight loss. Some foods may also limit the appearance of cellulite thanks nutrients they offer.
• Include more wholesome foods, including whole grains, fruits and veggies, lean proteins, and healthy fat sources.
• Reduce products rich in refined flour, sugar, oil, and salt. They often supply empty calories, dehydrate the skin, and contain pro-inflammatory properties.
• Plant-based foods may defend against cellular damage and cellulite formation thanks to their antioxidants and phytonutrients.
• Collagen foods, including bone broth, can improve the elasticity and integrity of the skin. This can help reduce the appearance of cellulite.
2. Ensure Adequate Hydration
Dehydration is a speculated cause of cellulite. So, keeping hydration with water may combat its presence by supporting health at the cellular level.
As a general rule, aim for at least 64 ounces of water each day. Tips to drink more water daily include using larger water cups and making the task more convenient. For instance, drink water while the morning coffee is brewing and keep a water jug at the office.
3. Exercise Regularly
Alongside eating a healthy diet in the kitchen, fight cellulite in the gym. Regular exercise can help those lose weight and lower body fat. Blood circulation can improve, too, thus fading the appearance of cellulite.
Strengthening and toning the muscles in trouble areas may not exactly remove cellulite. However, gaining more muscle makes your skin look smoother and firmer. Replacing fat with muscle can make cellulite less noticeable as well.
Aim for 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous cardio each week. Also, include strength training at least two to three times per week. Exercise all muscle groups beyond the areas wanting to target cellulite. These include the back, chest, shoulders, arms, and legs.
4. Consider Other Natural Remedies
Some natural remedies may likewise be beneficial for lessening the look of cellulite. These include:
• Taking a cold shower: Enduring a cold shower can improve blood circulation, thus potentially lowering the visibility of cellulite.
• Using a coffee scrub: According to the American Academy of Dermatology products with caffeine may dehydrate cells and make cellulite less obvious. That being said, a coffee scrub can be helpful and moisturize the skin.
• Look to Massage Techniques: Using various massage techniques, also including foam rolling, can temporarily reduce the look of cellulite. They do so by stretching out the skin tissue and improving circulation.
It is important to remember these sort of remedies mostly only offer short-term relief. And all-in-all, though, spot-treating cellulite is difficult or potentially impossible.
5. Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle
Nonetheless, getting rid of cellulite requires long-term changes. And adopting a healthy lifestyle is one of the successful methods to lessen the appearance of cellulite. This includes the methods indicated above, including a healthy diet, hydration, and exercise.
Ultimately, though, consult with a primary care provider if battling cellulite. They can assist in identifying safe and effective methods. Working with a dietitian and personal trainer can also be helpful for diet and exercise recommendations personal to goals and needs.