Store-bought cellulite creams to treat the dimpled appearance of the hips, thighs or buttocks can be pricey, but many contain an ingredient you may already have available in your kitchen: caffeine. You can use caffeine topically at home by making a scrub of warm coffee grounds and applying it to areas of skin affected by cellulite.
Significance
Coffee grounds provide a topical home caffeine treatment for cellulite. Caffeine dilates blood vessels increasing the speed and volume of blood flow. In theory, this will help to remove excess water from the tissues and encourage improved skin tone and appearance. If you'd prefer not to invest in costly cellulite preparations, coffee grounds are a low risk and low cost treatment option.
Function
Mix warm, fresh coffee grounds with a small amount of olive oil or another carrier oil, like almond oil. Standing in the bathtub or shower or on newspaper, vigorously massage the grounds into the skin of your hips, thighs and buttocks. Vigorous massage has been shown to temporarily improve the appearance of cellulite. After massaging the grounds into your skin, wrap the areas snugly, but not overly tightly, with plastic wrap and leave in place for a few minutes. Remove the plastic wrap and shower to remove oil and coffee ground residue.
Types
Create an oil blend for your coffee ground scrub if you use it regularly. Mix a few drops each of juniper, cypress and rosemary essential oils into a carrier oil like olive oil or jojoba oil. Aromatherapists recommend these oils to reduce fluid retention. Use this as the basis for your coffee-ground cellulite treatment or as a massage oil on its own.
Considerations
While topical treatments or massage may temporarily improve the appearance of your skin, weight loss is the the most effective way to reduce cellulite. If you are at a healthy weight but still bothered by dimpled skin on your hips and thighs, laser and radio-frequency treatments may be an option. Liposuction and injected treatments are not effective for cellulite and may worsen the appearance of your skin.
Warning
Even homemade skin care products and cellulite creams may be irritating. If you notice rashes or other skin irritation, avoid using a coffee ground scrub on your cellulite, or opt for a different carrier oil and avoid essential oils. Aromatherapy, including using essential oils for massage, is best avoided during pregnancy.
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