Whether you’re taking a dip in the pool or getting intimate with your loved one, the last thing you want on your mind is the appearance of your cellulite. Even though it can be embarrassing, cellulite is just your body’s way of letting you know you’re human.
Cellulite is one of the most common beauty problems, aside from eye bags, that almost 85% of women struggle with. Although you can’t permanently get rid of what some refer to as “cottage cheese” looking thighs, you can reduce the appearance of them.
With the help of the right physical activities, proper nutrition, and a consistent self-care regimen, you can reduce the appearance of cellulite and get silky-smooth skin.
What Causes Cellulite?
Cellulite is a term referring to the dimpled and often lumpy appearance that appears on your thighs, hips, buttocks, and underarms. The lumpiness of cellulite occurs when fat deposits underneath your skin distort and push through the connective tissue, resulting in the skin above it to lump and pucker. Other contributing factors to cellulite are:
- Hormonal changes
- An unhealthy diet
- A slow metabolism
- Smoking tobacco
- Excessive drinking
- High body mass index (BMI)
- Fad dieting
- Dehydration
Your parents may also be to blame for your less than smooth skin. If you struggle with cellulite, chances are you’re not alone; your family members may be struggling with the same problem as you, as cellulite can be hereditary.
Considering the fact that almost 90% of women have cellulite while only 10% of men do, it’s also safe to say that cellulite discriminates towards women. This is because women tend to carry more fat around their hips and thighs, and have less supportive connective tissue to keep the fat taut in place.
According to dermatologists and skin experts, there are four stages of cellulite:
- Grade 0: No cellulite present.
- Grade 1: Smooth skin while standing, bumps and dimples appear while sitting.
- Grade 2: “Orange peel” or “cottage cheese” appearance while sitting or standing.
- Grade 3: “Cottage cheese” appearance while sitting or standing with deep and depressed areas.
Regardless of what stage you’re in, there is always a solution to your cellulite problem. It all depends on your diet, exercise, and skin regimen.
How To Naturally Get Rid Of Cellulite
Unfortunately, there is no way you can naturally get rid of cellulite. Cellulite is fat, which is something we all have no matter how fit we are. But with the right workouts, eating the right foods and taking care of your skin, you can naturally reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Workouts To Reduce the Appearance of Cellulite
Physical activity is always good for you, but studies show losing weight without resistance training will actually increase the appearance of cellulite. Strength and weight training can remodel the tissue and smooth the appearance of cellulite.
Gaining muscle mass will tighten the connective tissue and lessen the appearance of cellulite. Here are a few workouts you could try:
- Split squats
- Sumo jump squats
- Barbell squats and barbell step-ups
- Glute kickbacks
- Dumbell lunges
Foods You Should Eat To Help Cellulite Reduction
Nutrition is important whether you are trying to reduce the appearance of cellulite or improve your overall well being. Food high in water content can help reduce cellulite.
Water improves the strength of collagen in your skin and connective tissue in your skin. So make sure you drink up to 9 glasses of water each day and incorporate these foods into your daily diet:
- Cucumber
- Celery
- Grapefruit
- Spirulina
- Avocado
- Quinoa
- Millet
- Cinnamon (increases blood circulation)
- Kale
Natural Remedies For Cellulite
Surgery can be extremely painful, and invasive cellulite treatment can be expensive. It can potentially make your cellulite problems even worse. Why not try a natural remedy to help reduce the appearance of cellulite?
Coconut Oil and Dry Brushing
- Purchase a natural, non-synthetic bristle brush of your preference.
- Before you get in the shower, begin brushing, starting at your feet moving towards your heart.
- Brush in long strokes several times in each area.
- After you’ve brushed, jump in the shower and alternate between hot and cold water (this will help stimulate blood circulation and bring more blood to the top layers of your skin).
- Dry and apply coconut oil after you get out the shower.
Tip: Dry brush your body 1 to 2 times a day for desired results. Doing this will help exfoliate your skin, stimulate your lymphatic system, and unplug and de-congest your skin and pores.
Coffee Body Scrub
What you’ll need:
- 1 cup ground organic coffee
- 1 cup organic sugar
- 1/2 cup organic coconut oil
- 1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Method:
- Melt coconut oil in a pan, then slightly cool but do not allow it to solidify.
- Mix the rest of the ingredients into the coconut oil with a spoon and store in a mason jar.
Tip: Use this scrub 1 to 2 times a week, or every day, for desired results. Coconut oil contains antioxidants that are beneficial for your skin while caffeine tightens your skin and helps constrict fat from your fat cells under the skin. This will ultimately reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Pathway to Getting Rid of “Cottage Cheese” Skin
Please take into consideration that nothing happens overnight. Try these simple tips every day to get your desired results. You should also remember that consistency is key.
Whenever you are applying topical ingredients, test a small area of skin first to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction. You won’t be able to completely rid yourself of cellulite, but with the help of the right physical activities, adequate nutrition, and a thoughtful self-care regimen, you can transform cottage cheese-looking skin into one that’s as pretty as a peach.
References
Can You Get Rid of Cellulite?. WebMD. 2018. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/beauty/get-rid-of-cellulite#2. Accessed February 27, 2018.
Claim: Say Goodbye to Cottage Cheese Thighs. WebMD. 2018. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/beauty/news/20010511/claim-say-goodbye-to-cottage-cheese-thighs#2. Accessed February 27, 2018.
