If you have ever felt self conscious about the dimpled and puckered skin on your thighs and bottom, you are not alone. Cellulite affects nearly 90 percent of women of all shapes and sizes. Men rarely suffer from the condition. Understanding what cellulite is and how it occurs is one of the keys to ridding yourself of this unsightly condition. Find out the how to get rid of cellulite and enjoy your beach body once and for all.
What Causes Cellulite?
Just under the surface of your skin lies a series of connective, fibrous tissue that connects the muscles in your body. Over time, this tissue, which is normally taut like a rubber band, can weaken. When this happens, fat between the tissue starts to poke out, causing a dimpled appearance on your skin. Cellulite is most pronounced in the upper thighs and buttock areas. While it can be caused by excess weight, the root causes of it seem to be genetic. In some cases, dehydration can worsen the condition or make it more pronounced.
While there is no official cure for cellulite, there are ways you can minimize the appearance of puckered skin. The top 10 ways to rid yourself of cellulite will help you to be proud to show off your skin again.
1. Cellulite Gel Cream
There are a number of creams on the market that promise to get rid of cellulite. Creams with cool menthol and caffeine seem to be a favorite among users. Green tea helps to soothe the skin, encouraging firmness within as little as a week. Fitness buffs swear by this combination of cooling gel, caffeine and green tea for a natural and holistic solution to cellulite affected skin.
2. Strengthen the Muscles
Celebrity trainer Joe Dowdell, who trains Victoria's Secret models, says the best way to get rid of cellulite is to blast away the fat from within. Dowdell suggests that a combination of strengthening exercises and interval training will get rid of fat pockets throughout the body, including those at the surface of the skin. He suggests that strength training will improve muscle tone, firming up the collagen under the skin and making those fat pockets less noticeable.
3. Get Rid of Fat
While thin women can suffer from cellulite, it is more common in overweight women. Cellulite is simply fat poking out where it shouldn't, so having less fat will result in less cellulite. A combination of a whole foods diet, plenty of water and regular exercise will reduce the appearance of cellulite. Exercises that firm your legs and thighs will also work well in getting rid of the condition. Add a routine of side to side lunges, all fours kickbacks and squats to your daily regimen for the best results.
4. Get Adequate Sleep
Sleep is the body's way of rejuvenating itself. If you are not getting enough sleep, the body starts to divert energy from other parts of your body to maintain itself. Lack of quality sleep can lead to weight gain, high blood pressure and immune system disorders. By getting enough sleep, your metabolism will be higher, allowing your body to better rid itself of the fat lurking beneath your skin.
5. Stay Hydrated
Cellulite has long been thought to be caused by poor circulation and dehydration. Drinking enough water will prevent dehydration, which can lead to weight gain. Keep yourself hydrated throughout the day and during workouts.
6. Dry Brushing and Exfoliating
A technique often used in spas, dry brushing refers to the process of using a wooden, hard bristled brush to encourage circulation under the skin. This increased circulation helps to reduce the look of bumpy skin by getting the fat moving in a uniform pattern under the skin. Experts recommend purchasing a brush made specifically for this purpose or visiting a spa that specializes in cellulite exfoliation. A gentle daily brushing is thought to rid the body of cellulite and show noticeable improvement in just a few days.
7. Try Medical Cellulite Treatments
Your dermatologist can help you with an in-office treatment that will reduce the appearance of cellulite. These treatments go by various names---VelaSmooth, Thermage and Venus Freeze---to name a few. These treatments use radio waves to break up fat cells under the skin, melting them away to be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Others, like Zerona and Smooth Shapes depend on the work of lasers to blast away fat. These treatments have been shown to be effective.
8. Laser Surgery
A new procedure called Cellulaze has been proven effective with patients in various states. The treatment, performed in an outpatient setting, works by burning off the bands under the skin that are trapping the fat.
The surgeon uses the laser to sizzle away the fat bulges, resulting in a smooth appearance. Cellulaze has also been shown to help with sagging and thin skin which can make cellulite appear worse. Recovery time can take up to a few weeks and bruising and soreness may occur. The treatment lasts for up to two years.
9.Caffeine
One of the major causes of cellulite is water retained under the skin. Cellulite is more pronounced when a woman is bloated, nearing her menstrual cycle or retaining water. Caffeine is a natural diuretic, releasing excess fluid under the skin. Many women find that taking caffeine pills helps with reducing the appearance of dimpled and puckered skin.
10. Ultrasonic Liposculpturing
Unlike traditional liposuction with targets deep fat pockets, liposculpturing targets the fat closer to the surface of the skin. Liposcuplturing is less invasive and more effective in removing fat and reducing the look of bumpy thighs and buttocks. Liposculpturing, since it is a precision procedure, requires more maintenance than traditional liposuction. People who get liposculpture have to work harder to maintain the appearances through regular muscle toning to avoid returning cellulite.
While a total cure for cellulite may not exist, you can follow these 10 tips to enjoy smooth and beautiful skin.
