How To Combat Cellulite ~ Advice That Works
It’s summer and you want to do all things that are associated with summer; that means going to the beach or a swimming pool in a bikini, or wearing shorts 🙂 you get my drift. But what makes it worrisome is the cellulite factor. None of us want it, but cellulite is something that seems to occur no matter what measures we take to keep it at bay. In this post, we look at how to combat cellulite ~ advice that works, and show the back door to the dreaded ‘orange peel effect’ while leaving skin looking smooth, healthy and ready to take on summer!
What causes cellulite?
Before we move on to the different ways to combat cellulite let us understand what cellulite is. It is a condition when the skin appears like the peel of an orange, dimpled in areas which tend to have more fat deposits; like the thighs, arms, and stomach. It is also termed as the ‘orange peel effect’ and better known that way.
The reasons for cellulite are many ~ weight gain, poor diet, unhealthy lifestyle, lack of exercise, and sometimes genetics. These fatty deposits can actually push through the connective tissue of our cells giving a rough and uneven texture to our skin, which can actually be frustrating!
Luckily though, there are numerous cellulite treatments and lifestyle habits you can adopt to reduce its appearance.
The 5 Best Ways to Combat Cellulite ~
- Dry body brushing
- Cellulite serums
- Coffee scrubs
- Epsom salts
- Massages
How Does Dry Body Brushing Help in Combating Cellulite?
Body lotions and diets are not always that effective when it comes to combating cellulite. Dry body brushing is one of the most common and most natural ways to combat cellulite. The natural bristles of the brush {more potent than any of the creams you may use} massages the skin allowing for an even distribution of fatty deposits, thereby helping your skin look smoother.
It also helps to improve blood circulation and encourages the removal of toxins, leaving you feeling fresh and energetic. I recommend using it before a shower by starting at the feet and moving upwards toward the heart in long even strokes.
Cellulite Serums That Help in Combating Cellulite
Paired with dry body brushing, cellulite serums work well because they absorb easily into the skin and penetrate deeper to work on a cellular level. Listed are a few of my favourites based on skin type:
- For everyday use: Clarins Body Fit Anti-Cellulite Contouring Expert. It is an anti-cellulite contouring cream gel that suits all skin types and can be used up to twice a day to keep the skin hydrated and firm. Rich in ingredients like organic Quince Leaf along with 8 other plant extracts, the cream works brilliantly allowing you to see a noticeable reduction in cellulite, especially when paired with exercise and a healthy diet.
- For active beauties: Sometimes cellulite does not always have to do with an unhealthy lifestyle and/or weight gain; you may simply be prone to it. The Weleda Birch Cellulite Oil, an extract from birch leaves, is dermatologically approved, and is free from fragrances and synthetic preservatives. For those who are into regular exercising and need that extra boost to combat cellulite, this massage oil is perfect to soothe and smooth.
- For intense cellulite: One of the best cellulite treatments if you have a heavy ‘orange peel effect’ is Clarins Body Fit Anti-Cellulite Contouring Expert which is loaded with Water Mint that helps hydrate the skin and make it firm. Additionally, the Quince Leaf extract in it reduces cellulite and gives stubborn areas such as the arms, thighs and stomach, a better sculpted look.
Caffeine for Cellulite ~ Does Coffee Scrub Actually Help With Cellulite?
With coffee as their main ingredient, coffee scrubs are naturally rich in caffeine and antioxidants. The caffeine in coffee works as a good stimulant, and it helps in increasing blood circulation and reducing water retention thereby reducing the appearance of cellulite.
In addition, the scrub element is what works when it comes to releasing toxins, exfoliating the skin, and giving your skin a healthy glow. Commercially available scrubs that have a combination of good quality coffee beans along with organic cacao and Vitamin E work well when it comes to repair and rejuvenation. Although, I personally prefer using homemade coffee scrubs made up of coffee grounds every morning. To help the ground coffee exfoliate effectively, Himalayan pink sea salt and Demerara sugar can be added for a gentle yet effective scrub.
Epsom Salts and its Beauty Benefits ~ A Good Approach to Reducing Cellulite
Epsom Salt is known to be a beauty enhancer, and works as a good remedy when it comes to dealing with cellulite, especially when coupled with regular exercise. I would recommend using Epsom salts with magnesium and sulphate because that works by pulling toxins from the skin and reducing fluid retention. For cellulite, this means that the minerals are redistributed in the cells resulting in a visible improvement in your skin’s appearance. Use twice a week for best results.
Does Massage Therapy Work When it Comes to Combating Cellulite?
Massage treatments are recommended because of their many benefits, and the best thing, it can be done in the comfort of your home with the help of a professional massage therapist. Massages are not only good for lymphatic drainage but they also stimulate the redistribution of fat cells around the body, working wonders when it comes to skin smoothening.
In addition, they also have that mind/body connect which helps soothe tired and aching muscles while enhancing your overall well being; making them one of my favourite ways to combat cellulite.
Massage therapy involves the gently application of the massaging cream/oil to your body, post which the masseur has to work to soften hard, fatty deposits which assists their passage out of your body. This has been proven to work within just 10 minutes, and leaves skin feeling and looking smooth and supple after just 6 weeks.
To conclude: In times when everyone wants to look good and wear clothes that reveal beautiful skin, cellulite treatments are catching on, to repair the wear and tear of the body caused due to reasons like weight, age, etc. The dreaded ‘orange peel effect’ is not that dreadful anymore and I hope you have found at least one of the above mentioned remedies suitable for you.
BTS 🙂
I’d love to know if you have any great tips to combat cellulite to add to the list above? Feel free to share in the comments below!
Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information.