Cellulite. Just reading the word can make you cringe.
It’s almost every woman’s dream to have smooth, dimple-free skin, and especially in the middle pool party and beach season. Bathing suit season leaves many women constantly trying to hide unwanted cellulite.
If you look in the mirror and notice something on the back of your legs that almost resembles the consistency of cottage cheese—oh the horror!—it’s cellulite. First off, know that you’re not alone. Almost all women get it. It’s annoying and sometimes nearly an unavoidable part of life. Nearly anybody can develop this frustrating skin situation. In fact around 90% (yes 90 percent!!) of women and even men can’t escape cellulite’s clutches. And almost everyone wants to figure out just how to get rid of cellulite. From fit athletes to skinny supermodels to twenty-somethings, cellulite can send you into a tizzy trying to find new ways to hide it.
But what if we told you how to get rid of cellulite without just wearing a cover up? Let’s not waste any time and dive right in. It’s time to tackle cellulite.
So, what is cellulite exactly?
That dimply, cottage-cheese-like appearance is because of the pattern of connective tissue beneath the skin in women. It’s created when connective tissue gets dehydrated and the collagen gets stretched. That dimpled skin is the result of fat pressed up against the vertical connective tissue surrounding fat cells. It causes the cells to bulge out which results in a lumpy effect. Basically, cellulite is fat deposits just beneath the skin and also a lot of collagen.
Here are some of the most common cellulite culprits:
- Dehydration
- Lack of exercise
- Genetics
- Hormonal imbalances
- Fluid retention
- Unhealthy diet
- High stress levels
- Smoking
- Poor sleep habits
- High percentage of total body fat
How to Get Rid of Cellulite
While there is no proven way or magic pill to prevent cellulite altogether (bummer), there are more than a few treatment options for you to help reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Skin Brushing
Skin brushing, or dry brushing, has been used for literally thousands of years! Not only does it help combat that cottage cheese look, but it also stimulates and tightens the skin. It immediately causes blood flow increase to the spot being brushed. Use a clean, dry brush and slowly rub the area in a circular motion. Try dry brushing one time a day for about 5 minutes each time.
Cayenne Pepper
Get spicy to reduce the appearance of cellulite! Here’s how: cayenne pepper stimulates circulation, burns fat, increases metabolism and flushes toxins from the body. Cayenne pepper also works to eliminate any bad skin cells and replaces them with strong healthy ones. Here are some awesome recipes that use cayenne pepper from Cosmopolitan to get you started!
Cut Out Caffeine
Caffeine is extremely dehydrating and can actually increase the appearance of cellulite. Stay hydrated with water and cut out caffeine to firm and hydrate the skin. But before you toss out those coffee grounds, you can use them in a wrap to reduce the appearance of cellulite! Mix ¼ cup of coffee grounds with 3 tablespoons of sugar and 2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil. Place the mixture on the area and wrap it up with plastic wrap, or you can scrub the target area with the mixture instead.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Eat real food to reduce the appearance of cellulite. What you put into your body directly affects how it will look! Lower your intake of salt and sugar—they cause bloating, fluid retention and can cause your cells to swell to make your cellulite more prominent. Eat a diet high in leafy greens, vegetables, fiber, fatty fish and nuts and fresh fruits will help strengthen your connective tissue, increase energy and strengthen your immune system. Here are some great foods that fight cellulite.
Sweat it Out
Cardio exercise, yoga, swimming, hiking and jogging are all examples of ways to break a sweat. When you sweat, you release toxins that are trapped in the fatty tissue and also relieves fluid retention. Exercising regularly will help to strengthen those connective fibers and ultimately reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Use these tips on how to get rid of cellulite to help you achieve that longed for smooth skin and a healthier bod.
