If you’ve ever felt self-conscious about wrinkled, dimpled skin on your thighs and buttocks, you’re not alone. Cellulite affects nearly 90 percent of women of all shapes and sizes. Men rarely suffer from the condition. Understanding what cellulite is and how it occurs is one of the keys to getting rid of this unsightly condition. Find out how to get rid of cellulite and enjoy your beach body once and for all.
What causes cellulite?
Just below the skin’s surface is a series of fibrous connective tissue that connects the muscles in your body. Over time, this tissue, which is normally taut like a rubber band, can weaken. When this happens, the fat between the tissues begins to bulge out, causing a dimpled appearance on the skin. Cellulite is most pronounced on the upper thighs and buttocks. While it can be caused by being overweight, the root causes appear to be genetic. In some cases, dehydration can make the condition worse or more pronounced.
While there is no official cure for cellulite, there are ways to minimize the appearance of wrinkled skin. The top 10 ways to get rid of cellulite will help you be proud to show off your skin again.
1. Cellulite Cream Gel
There are a number of creams on the market that promise to get rid of cellulite. Creams with fresh menthol and caffeine seem to be the favorites among users. Green tea helps soothe skin, promoting firmness in just one week. Fitness buffs trust this combination of refreshing gel, caffeine, and green tea for a natural, holistic solution for cellulite-affected skin.
2. Strengthen muscles
Celebrity trainer Joe Dowdell, who trains models for Victoria’s Secret, says the best way to get rid of cellulite is to remove internal fat. Dowdell suggests that a combination of strengthening exercises and interval training will eliminate pockets of fat throughout the body, including those on the surface of the skin. He suggests that strength training will improve muscle tone, firming up the collagen under the skin and making those pockets of fat less noticeable.
3. Get rid of fat
While thin women can suffer from cellulite, it is more common in overweight women. Cellulite is simply fat sticking out where it shouldn’t, so having less fat will result in less cellulite. A combination of a whole food diet, plenty of water, and regular exercise will reduce the appearance of cellulite. Exercises that firm up your legs and thighs will also work well to get rid of the condition. Add a routine of side-to-side lunges, kickbacks, and squats to your daily regimen for best results.
4. Get enough sleep
Sleep is the body’s way of rejuvenating itself. If you don’t get enough sleep, your body begins to divert energy from other parts of your body to sustain itself. Lack of quality sleep can lead to weight gain, high blood pressure, and immune system disorders. By getting enough sleep, your metabolism will be higher, which will allow your body to better get rid of the fat that is hiding under your skin.
5. Stay hydrated
Cellulite has long been thought to be caused by poor circulation and dehydration. Drinking enough water will prevent dehydration, which can lead to weight gain. Stay hydrated throughout the day and during workouts.
6. Dry brushing and exfoliation
A technique often used in spas, dry brushing refers to the process of using a stiff wooden bristle brush to stimulate circulation under the skin. This increased circulation helps reduce the appearance of uneven skin by causing fat to move in an even pattern under the skin. Experts recommend purchasing a brush made specifically for this purpose or visiting a spa that specializes in cellulite exfoliation. Gentle daily brushing is believed to remove cellulite from the body and shows noticeable improvement in just a few days.
7. Try medical treatments for cellulite
Your dermatologist can help you with an in-office treatment that will reduce the appearance of cellulite. These treatments go by various names — VelaSmooth, Thermage, and Venus Freeze — to name a few. These treatments use radio waves to break up fat cells under the skin, melting them so they can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Others, like Zerona and Smooth Shapes, rely on the work of lasers to remove fat. These treatments have been shown to be effective.
8.Laser surgery
A new procedure called Cellulaze has been shown to be effective with patients in various conditions. The treatment, performed on an outpatient basis, works by burning off the bands under the skin that trap fat.
The surgeon uses the laser to sizzle away the bulges of fat, resulting in a smooth appearance. Cellulaze has also been shown to help with sagging and thin skin that can make cellulite worse. Recovery time may take up to a few weeks and bruising and pain may occur. Treatment lasts up to two years.
9. Caffeine
One of the main causes of cellulite is water retained under the skin. Cellulite is more pronounced when a woman is swollen, nearing her menstrual cycle, or retaining water. Caffeine is a natural diuretic that releases excess fluid under the skin. Many women find that taking caffeine pills helps reduce the appearance of dimpled skin and wrinkles.
10. Ultrasonic Liposculpture
Unlike traditional liposuction that targets deep pockets of fat, liposculpture targets the fat closest to the skin’s surface. Liposculpture is less invasive and more effective at removing fat and reducing the appearance of bumpy thighs and buttocks. Liposculpture, being a precision procedure, requires more maintenance than traditional liposuction. People who have liposculpture have to work harder to maintain the appearance through regular muscle toning to prevent cellulite from coming back.
While there may not be a total cure for cellulite, you can follow these 10 tips to enjoy smooth, beautiful skin.