The dimpled appearance of cellulite often causes embarrassment and damage to your self-esteem. Costly treatments such as radiotherapy and liposuction serve as a solution for some women, although a variety of relatively inexpensive lotions and creams can be rubbed over your cellulite at home as a potential remedy, according to The New York Times.com. Recognize the types of home remedies for cellulite to understand the potential benefits.
Significance
Cellulite is a common source of concern for eight out of 10 women and cannot be prevented, although the condition does not represent a serious threat to your health, reports MayoClinic.com. Cellulite occurs when fat cells build up and push against your skin --- typically in the buttocks, hips and thighs --- creating an uneven or dimpled appearance. Your risk for cellulite rises when you gain weight, although family history, stress and hormonal contraceptives also play a role. Cellulite creams and lotions offer a potential home remedy for the condition and won't require a trip to the doctor, although rubbing the products over your skin will not deliver a permanent solution, says Go Ask Alice!, a health resource from Columbia University.
Identification
Many at-home remedies for cellulite contain herbal extracts and antioxidants to stimulate blood flow, as well as minerals and vitamins to add moisture to your skin. The creams or lotions often work by causing minor skin irritation, which leads to swelling that conceals the cellulite, according to the New York Times.com. Supporters of gels and body scrubs that include caffeine claim that when the products are rubbed into problem areas of your skin, the appearance of fatty tissue is minimized.
Effects
MSNBC.com reports that gels with caffeine are likely to deliver effective concealment, although only for a few hours at a time. While you may see temporary results from rubbing anti-cellulite lotions and creams on your skin, you will need to apply the products repeatedly in order to achieve continued concealment, according to MayoClinic.com. Evidence is lacking to support any claims of a permanent cure for cellulite.
Expert Insight
Some fashion models rub self-tanning lotion over cellulite to give their skin a smoother appearance, reports MSNBC.com. Smooth the self-tanner over your problem areas first so the cellulite receives the darkest effect, and then rub the lotion evenly over the remaining parts of your skin.
Considerations
While cellulite can't be prevented, weight loss achieved through regular exercise and a healthy diet makes dimpled skin less noticeable and benefits your skin tone and texture, says Kids Health.org. Contact your doctor if your skin condition is a concern and notify your doctor before taking any home remedy that claims to cure cellulite, especially if you have existing health conditions.
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