Cellulite is the enemy of most women, but not every women can afford the expensive surgical treatments. There are many nonsurgical remedies that one can try. However, the sad reality is that even with surgical or nonsurgical intervention, cellulite is extremely difficult to remove. Luckily, there are things you can do to minimize the appearance of cellulite.
What Is Cellulite?
Cellulite is the bumpy, dimply skin that most women have on their buttocks, thighs and hips. It is caused by pockets of fat cells that get trapped between fibrous connective tissue that attaches the skin to the body. Cellulite is more common with aging because the skin loses its elasticity. Also, cellulite may have some genetic factors because it tends to run in families.
Diet and Exercise
One way to decrease the appearance of cellulite is to shrink the size of your fat cells, thereby decreasing the size of the fat pockets causing the bumpy appearance. Performing cardiovascular exercise such as running, walking or swimming for at least 30 to 60 minutes, three to five times a week, should help to increase your caloric burn. Adding in strength training for the leg muscles such as squats, lunges and leg lifts will help to sculpt the muscle under the fat layer. Sculpting the muscle will improve the appearance of your problem areas. But keep in mind that no matter how much exercise you perform, it will not be effective without watching your diet. Try to avoid high fat, sugary foods and highly caloric drinks like soda.
Topical Lotions
If diet and exercise are not giving you the results you want, then trying a topical lotion may help to decrease the appearance of cellulite. When looking for a lotion to purchase, keep in mind that if a company is making promises that sound too good to be true, they probably are. Lotions cannot remove cellulite, but they can help decrease the appearance of cellulite. Look for lotions with caffeine. Caffeine will increase blood flow to the fatty area below the skin and cause the area to plump, thereby reducing the bumpy appearance. Keep in mind the improvement is only temporary, so you must continue to use the lotion to keep seeing the effects.
Home Remedies
Some women report that a rough massaging tool or brush can be used to decrease the appearance of cellulite. You use the massager to vigorously rub the cellulite-affected area for several minutes a day right after you take a shower or bath. The massaging action may increase blood flow under the skin. However, according to MayoClinic.com, while you may notice a slight improvement, the effects are typically short-lived.
Combine All of the Above
If you don't want to invest in expensive cellulite treatments, the best course of action is to combine all of the above tactics. Include diet and exercise with the use of caffeinated topical treatments and vigorous massages. The key is to consistently keep up with all three of the treatments. Reducing the appearance of cellulite takes time and patience.
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