Cellulite occurs when fat, water and toxins are deposited in honeycomb shapes beneath the skin, creating an orange peel-like appearance. Cellulite is not a dangerous condition; however, it does give an unsightly dimpled appearance to the skin. Women are commonly affected by the development of cellulite, and up to 95 percent of women have cellulite at some point in their life. This is mainly due to the fact that women need extra fat for menstruation and childbirth, and estrogen promotes fat storage. Weakened connective tissue, such as collagen, also causes cellulite formation in women because they genetically have thinner and looser skin than males.
Diet
Nutrition plays an important role in cellulite visibility. Cleansing from the inside of your body outward by controlling food intake helps improve the appearance of cellulite. Dietary fats and sugars should be consumed in moderation, particularly saturated and trans fats should be limited. The diet should feature fibrous foods including vegetables, fruits and whole grains, which are also excellent sources of nutrients and antioxidants that protect the skin from collagen breakdown. Drinking plenty of water every day also assists in flushing toxins from the body.
Exfoliating
External skin cleansing may reduce cellulite visibility. Dry brushing stimulates the lymphatic system, exfoliates dead cells on the surface of the skin and increases circulation. It is recommended to dry brush right before a shower using a soft-bristle body brush in circular, upward motions over the entire body, starting at the feet. Exfoliating may also be done in the shower, using a loofah or body scrub.
Massage
Massage is revitalizing for the skin and helps cleanse the body of toxins by increasing circulation, promoting lymphatic drainage and assisting in the breakdown of fatty tissue. Impaired blood flow leads to weakened and damaged connective tissue that affects the elasticity of the skin, causing dimpling and lumpiness along the skin surface. Additionally, a lack of proper oxygen flow hinders fat breakdown, shoving it to the subcutaneous layer instead, giving the skin a quilted appearance due to the fat trapped underneath.
Oils or Creams
Combining a topical oil or cream with massage can further help rid the body of toxins. There are many different products on the market claiming to reduce cellulite, but specific ingredients are the key to an effective cellulite treatment. Natural ingredients such as birch, caffeine, evening primrose oil, borage oil and grapeseed extract may improve skin appearance. In addition, taking herbal supplements such as dandelion or sweet red clover extract detoxifies or cleanses the body from the inside out, helping to reduce cellulite.
Exercise
A sedentary lifestyle promotes the formation of cellulite. Sweating is an excellent way to cleanse the body. Physical activity helps burn body fat as well as increase muscle mass, and muscle gives the skin a smooth, firm appearance. Exercise does not have to be extremely intense but should assist in mobility and maintaining good health. Both strength and cardiovascular training should be incorporated into an effective exercise routine for reducing cellulite. Other lifestyle factors such as excessive stress, smoking and high caffeine intake can result in a build up of toxins in the body, so stress reduction, smoking cessation and limiting caffeine consumption also help with cellulite cleansing.
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