Cellulite. It's a word associated with negativity. Women consider it to be one of their top enemies.
They do anything they can to hide it- avoiding certain types of clothing, keeping the lights off when being intimate, and dodging fitting rooms. However, men don't seem to understand women's aversion to cellulite. They don't notice it, and most don't even know what it is!
Manufacturers of beauty products have taken advantage of women's struggles and come up with numerous supposed "solutions" to cellulite. These can cost anywhere from $100 to thousands of dollars. But do any of them work?
What is cellulite?
Cellulite is a kind of fatty deposit occurring under the skin. It pushes up against the tissues, creating a lumpy appearance. The areas with cellulite look like cottage cheese or an orange peel. It occurs most commonly on the thighs and buttocks, but can also appear on the knees, stomach, arms, and other places.
Causes of cellulite
Although many people associate it with fat, even slender people can get it. Doctors and scientists don't know exactly what causes it, but they suspect the following factors play a part:
- Genetics
- Diet
- Muscle loss
- Restrictive clothing
- Hormonal changes
- Decreased circulation
- Smoking
- Lack of exercise
It turns out that women are more likely to have cellulite than men due to factors such as:
- Carrying more fat around their hips and thighs.
- Women experience more hormonal changes that can increase the risk of cellulite formation.
- Less supportive connective tissue to hold the fat in place
- Women are more likely to wear restrictive clothing.
- Having cells that are more likely to store fat as compared to men.
There are endless "solutions" that claim to get rid of cellulite. It's tricky to ascertain which ones work. Most of them are costly or unnatural. Instead of risking your health, how about trying some natural alternatives? Today we're looking at seven natural solutions that can help you reduce your cellulite, minus the risks.
7 ways to reduce cellulite naturally
Note that these aren't magical or instant solutions. They will give you results over time if you do them consistently.
1—MOVE!
Our lives are more sedentary now than ever before. We need to make deliberate efforts to get ourselves active.
Even though exercising won't cure cellulite, it can prevent you from getting more. It also helps tighten your muscles and skin, reducing the appearance of the cellulite you have. Working out also lowers estrogen levels- this hormone contributes to the formation of cellulite.
Try to stick to your daily workout. If you work indoors most of the day, get up and walk around at least once every thirty minutes.
2—COMFORTABLE UNDERWEAR
Sluggish circulation is one of the potential causes of cellulite. Many women often wear restrictive underwear and add tight clothing on top. Health experts recommend you wear looser-fitting underwear to prevent cellulite from forming along panty lines.
3—HEALTHY DIET
Adopting a healthy diet is more about reducing your risk of getting more cellulite as opposed to getting rid of existing cellulite. Eating a well balanced, plant-based diet can help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce inflammation, and keep your connective tissues strong.
4—LIFT WEIGHTS
As we age, we lose muscle, and this can hasten the development of cellulite. Building muscle won't melt the cellulite you already have, but it tightens the skin's appearance, making cellulite less noticeable.
5—MASSAGES
Some health practitioners believe that since massages naturally increase circulation, they may help to break up cellulite. Spas often combine massages with cellulite reduction wraps, which include natural skin-tightening and smoothing ingredients.
6—DRINK GREEN TEA.
A 1999 study found that participants who consumed green tea extract at breakfast, lunch, and dinner significantly increased their 24-hour energy expenditure. This is because green tea naturally promotes fat burning in the body due to the presence of antioxidants called catechins.
A separate study in 2008 found that participants who ingested green tea extract before exercising burned more fat than those who didn't.
7—DRY BRUSHING
Dry brushing is an excellent way to exfoliate your entire body. Use a bristle brush made for skin and massage in gentle, circular motions from your toes up and the neck down.
To deal with cellulite, brush after bathing using coconut oil. Apply the oil, brush, and massage the area for a few minutes. Rub the oil in for extra moisturization when you're finished. You should notice a difference in about 30 days.
With love,
The Sole Toscana Beauty Team
