Cellulite is the deposition of fat on the thighs, hips or buttocks that makes the skin look lumpy, bulging or pitted. It affects mostly women. Cellulite is a normal phenomenon, but it can be cosmetically unappealing and therefore cause distress. A myriad of products advertise an ability to diminish cellulite, but unfortunately many of them do not work. Nevertheless, some remedies may be helpful for some women. For personalized guidance on diminishing the appearance of cellulite, consult a qualified health care professional.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A may be helpful for cellulite when applied on your skin, according to Drs. Joseph Pizzorno and Michael Murray, naturopathic physicians and authors of the "Textbook of Natural Medicine." Vitamin A, in the form of retinol, can improve the skin's tissues, especially in women with mild to moderate cellulite. Vitamin A appears to work by increasing your skin's elasticity.
Bladderwrack
Bladderwrack is an herbal remedy, also known by the Latin name, Fucus vesiculosus. Bladderwrack is most commonly used internally to treat thyroid problems. Its extract can also be applied topically to help with cellulite. Drs. Pizzorno and Murray report that bladderwrack soothes, softens and tones the skin; however, its effects on cellulite have not been confirmed by scientific investigation. Bladderwrack extract is available on its own or in combination with other herbal extracts in various commercial preparations.
Gotu Kola
Herbal extracts of gotu kola, also called Centella asiatica, can be used to treat cellulite and varicose veins, state Drs. Pizzorno and Murray. Cellulite and varicose veins often occur together and they both can result from weakened connective tissue. When taken internally, gotu kola enhances the structure of connective tissue and increases circulation in the lower limbs. The plant's active constituents are its triterpenic acids, asiatic acid and asiaticoside. Gotu kola, like all herbs, can have strong effects on your body and can interact with medications, so before self-treating, consult a botanically-trained health care professional for guidance on herbal combinations, forms, dosage and safety.
Exercise
According to Pizzorno and Murray, the number and size of fat cells in your body play a significant role in the development of cellulite. To a large extent, this is based on your genetics and your mother's nutritional status when you were conceived, and therefore it's outside your control. However, you can reduce the appearance of cellulite by exercising and maintaining a normal body weight throughout life. This helps to preserve your skin tone and texture. Some athletes still have cellulite, but it's typically less than women who are overweight or have been in the past.
Massage
Massage can improve your skin's appearance, because it enhances blood circulation and removes toxins from the affected areas. The website Mayoclinic reports that massage's positive effects on cellulite are typically only temporary. You can receive massage from a trained professional, or administer it on yourself using your hands or a brush.
References
- Mayoclinic.com: Cellulite
- "Textbook of Natural Medicine"; Joseph E. Pizzorno, N.D., and Michael T. Murray, N.D.; 2006
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