HEALTHPLAN MAGAZINE

What is Cellulite?

Cellulite is the dimply flesh that is most commonly found on the outer thighs and buttocks, but can also develop on the arms, abdomen and lower legs. Cellulite is just another form of fat. It occurs when layers of fat form beneath the skin making the back of the legs or thighs appear dimpled – some people describe it as looking like cottage cheese.

Cellulite can also make the skin feel rough giving it an orange peel like texture, hence the term "orange peel syndrome". This condition affects 90% of women and appears to be more common in middle aged women, even if they have been slim their entire lives.

Causes of Cellulite

Since Cellulite is most commonly seen in women, hormone levels are thought to be a factor. Some women are more genetically predisposed to Cellulite, while a stressful lifestyle can also play a part in the development of Cellulite. A high fat diet could be another contributor to the development of Cellulite.

How to Treat Cellulite

Although it is easy to conceal most of the time, when the summer comes and its time for short skirts, bikinis and swimsuits, Cellulite can be something that women become self-conscious of. While it is not always possible to eliminate Cellulite completely, there are many methods that can be used to help improve the look and feel of the affected skin.

Massage

Experts often recommend massaging the affected area with a firm bristle brush to boost circulation. This is thought to help reduce Cellulite by bringing fresh blood to the area and encourage lymphatic drainage. There are many creams available on the market now that have been designed to focus specially on Cellulite. These can be used in conjunction with a massage brush or on their own.

If you don't want to go to the expense of buying a cream, then use your usual body lotion or massage cream along with the body brush.

Lower Body Exercise

Although a person's weight or shape doesn't cause Cellulite, firming the lower body up will help to improve the circulation, reshape the lower body, and over time should help reduce the appearance of Cellulite.

For Cellulite on the lower body, the focus should be squats and lunges. Any exercise that will work the affected area, and improve circulation to the dimpled skin will help.

Aerobic exercise is also effective at improving circulation and getting the blood flowing. The most effective forms of exercise for the lower body are step, cycling or using an aerobic strider. Regular walking will also help.

Stretching

Stretching plays an important part in helping to reduce the appearance of Cellulite. Again, stretching will help boost the circulation to the areas of dimpled flesh, and boosting circulation should be the main focus when trying to defeat Cellulite.

Drink Water

Some experts believe the accumulation of toxins can help contribute to the formation of Cellulite. Drinking plenty of water – up to six to eight glasses a day – can help to shift toxins and hydrate the skin. Drinking water has many other positive effects and will improve the look of your facial skin at the same time.

Use a Body Scrub

As well as sloughing off dead skin, a body scrub will invigorate the system and help to bring a fresh supply of blood, improving lymphatic drainage. People prone to sensitive skin should be careful of how often they use a scrub as they can make the skin red and sore if used to often.

Again, there are scrubs available that have been produced especially for treating Cellulite, but your usual brand can also be effective. Some people also suggest using coffee grounds as a scrub for the area that is affected by Cellulite. The coffee grounds can be mixed with some olive oil before applying to the skin.

Diet to Reduce Cellulite

Cellulite is common even among slim women, so it isn't caused by being overweight or by eating a poor diet. However, eating well can most definitely help reduce the appearance of Cellulite. In recent years, diets that are alkaline have been suggested to help limit Cellulite. It is also advisable not to eat too many refined carbohydrates and instead opt for the wholemeal versions of pasta, rice and noodles.

Eating foods that help the body to detox is also thought to help. A diet rich in garlic, grapes and green tea will help the body to gently cleanse itself of the toxins that are thought to contribute to Cellulite. Drinking water with a few drops of lemon juice will also help the body to detoxify.

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