How to get rid of cellulite - 6 natural tips

More and more people are striving for a healthy body weight and are looking for ways to get rid of cellulite.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), more than 2.6 million cosmetic procedures were performed in the US alone in 2019, including more than 265,000 liposuction procedures, many of which were performed to reduce cellulite.

Liposuction and laser cellulite treatments may seem like the perfect quick fixes, but they are not easy ways to shrink from a size 42 to a size 34 overnight. The ASPS itself says: "Liposuction is not an effective treatment for cellulite."

How do you get rid of cellulite?

There is no substitute for an anti-inflammatory diet and sufficient exercise. As with other signs of ageing, it is important to maintain a healthy weight throughout your adult life if you have cellulite.

Then certain local therapies can help to reduce the dents and improve the overall appearance of the skin.

 

Contents

• What is cellulite?
• What are the causes of cellulite?
• How do you get rid of cellulite?
  • 1. healthy diet
  • 2. increase the absorption of collagen
  • 3. take dietary supplements against cellulite
  • 4. exercise regularly
  • 5. use skin-caring essential oils
  • 6. dry brushing and massage therapies
• Liposuction and its risks
• Does cellulite have any risks or side effects?

 

What is cellulite?

 

Cellulite is dents in the skin that can appear mainly on the legs (especially the thighs), buttocks, stomach and upper arms. Because it looks like the tiny dents that form on the skin of citrus fruits, it is also known colloquially as "orange peel".

Basically, cellulite occurs when fat pads form under the skin, pressing against the connective tissue and giving the skin an uneven appearance.

There are three types of cellulite with varying degrees of severity.

Factors that contribute to the development of cellulite include lack of exercise, hormonal changes and poor diet.

Cellulite can occur at any age, but usually worsens with age as fat deposits (and often body weight and BMI) increase.

Cellulite is more common in women than in men. Around 90% of all women have some form of cellulite, especially as they get older and their skin loses elasticity. However, teenagers who are struggling with weight and hormonal fluctuations can also be affected by this problem.

Cellulite is neither serious nor dangerous, and many choose to leave it alone. Others, however, are very bothered by the unsightly cellulite, especially after life circumstances such as weight gain or loss, pregnancy - or in summer, when you normally show more skin.

 

What are the causes of cellulite?

What are the main causes of cellulite? There are several main factors that contribute to the development of cellulite:

• Weak collagen structure of the skin, which leads to skin thinning and loss of elasticity
• Genetic factors
• Unhealthy diet
• Fluid accumulation
• Lack of fluids
• Insufficient blood circulation
• Overweight
• Hormonal changes
• Lack of physical exercise

Other factors that can lead to skin changes such as cellulite, sagging skin, wrinkles and dark spots are:

• Hormonal imbalance
• Severe stress
• Existing diseases such as autoimmune diseases or diabetes
• Allergies
• Smoking
• Excessive exposure to the sun

The link between stress management and cellulite may seem far-fetched, but science has shown that all of the above factors increase inflammation and contribute to the signs of ageing.

For example, according to a research study published in the Journal of European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, cellulite can be caused by increased catecholamine levels due to high stress and increased cortisol levels.

Stress and a poor diet also lead to the body producing less collagen, which is important for younger-looking skin.

It is now even assumed that collagen plays an important role in the regulation of cellulite. A disruption of the collagen-rich fibers, the so-called fiber septa, seems to cause the cellulite dimples, which is why these are the target of most professional cellulite treatments today.

 

So how do you get rid of cellulite?

Can you get rid of cellulite? Unfortunately, the answer to this question is not entirely clear.

A review from 2019 states: "Despite numerous therapeutic approaches to the treatment of cellulite, no procedure has yet proven to be successful in the long term.

Considering all the lifestyle factors that affect skin appearance and health, it's understandable that intensive cellulite treatments - including non-invasive devices such as massage or radio/acoustic frequencies, laser and light treatments, liposuction, topical creams, injections and carboxytherapy - are popular options.

Unfortunately, however, none of these are long-term solutions for keeping the skin healthy.

Some of these cellulite treatments - such as injections, vibration therapy, wave therapy or laser treatments - can take months of sessions to be truly effective, otherwise the results can disappear within six months to a year.

What can be done against cellulite?
According to a study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, "reducing adipogenesis (fat storage) and increasing thermogenesis (fat burning through body heat) appear to be the main pathways, while improving microcirculation and collagen synthesis".

These are the 6 best natural methods to reduce the appearance of cellulite

 

1. healthy diet

Can cellulite on the legs disappear? Weight loss and a healthy body fat percentage can help to reduce the appearance of cellulite on the legs and other parts of the body.

Some of the best foods to reduce or prevent cellulite are

Flaxseed - Flaxseed is good for the skin and overall health as it can regulate estrogen levels and increase collagen production. Flaxseed can be mixed into breakfast or smoothies or simply eaten on its own.

Hydrating foods - Since dehydration can lead to bloating and dry skin, try to eat more naturally hydrating foods. These include fresh fruits and vegetables, especially melons, berries, cucumbers, celery, citrus fruits and fresh herbs. If you prepare a Cellulite Slim Down Juice at home, you can consume a whole lot of it at once.

High-fiber foods - These include vegetables, nuts, seeds and berries. Fiber helps to cleanse the gut, curb hunger, support metabolism and balance hormones. Fiber-rich foods that are high in antioxidants, such as leafy greens and berries, can also reduce free radical damage (which ages the skin).

Clean protein sources - High quality protein foods such as pasture-raised beef, free-range poultry, pasture-raised eggs, wild fish and organic protein powders can support a healthy metabolism and reduce cellulite. Ideally, you should consume at least 80-100 grams per meal.

Potassium-rich foods - Removing excess fluid and waste from the cells can help reduce cellulite. Green leafy vegetables, avocados, bananas, coconut water and dairy products are rich in potassium.

Healthy fats - Coconuts and wild fish contain fatty acids that promote healthy tissue. For best results, consume one tablespoon of extra virgin coconut oil and one serving of wild fish (or 1,000 milligrams of fish oil) daily.

Seaweed - Seaweed contains a compound called fucoxanthin , which is found in chlorophyll-containing green plants and supports metabolic and skin health. Try sprinkling a small amount over your meals.

Water - Wondering if it's really that important to drink lots of water to reduce cellulite? Absolutely! Water moisturizes the skin and helps to flush out toxins. You should drink eight to ten glasses of fresh water a day. Well-hydrated skin is more even and looks less saggy and dry.

Eating these foods can cause or exacerbate cellulite:

Sugar and salt - If you think your diet has no effect on cellulite, you're wrong! Sugar causes water retention, inflammation and the storage of body fat - all factors that can make cellulite worse. Try to reduce your sugar and salt intake. Also limit your sodium intake, as salt is one of the main causes of water retention. For best results, try a low-sugar, low-salt diet.

Refined flour and refined cereal products - These are quickly converted into sugar and contain many calories.

Food allergens - Foods such as gluten, A1 casein, which is found in most dairy products, shellfish and peanuts can cause allergies or inflammation in some people. They have a negative impact on skin health as they can reduce blood circulation and interfere with the normal absorption of nutrients.

Trans fats and hydrogenated fats - These are generally unhealthy and are found in processed foods.

 

2. increase the absorption of collagen

The connective tissue - including the skin layers - consists of collagen. If the skin is strong, the appearance of cellulite is reduced.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and is needed for skin elasticity and firmness. One of the best ways to get more collagen is to consume bone broth, which also contains amino acids such as glutamine.

Bone broth contains the amino acids proline and glycine, which make up collagen, as well as important trace elements and even antioxidant compounds. The collagen contained in bone broth can strengthen the skin tissue and help to eliminate the causes of cellulite.

A 2015 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food showed that patients taking 2.5 grams of bioactive collagen peptides "experienced a significant reduction in the extent of cellulite and less dimpling of the skin on the thighs. The regular intake of bioactive collagen peptides over a period of six months led to a significant improvement in the appearance of the skin in women with moderate cellulite".

As expected, the results were most impressive for overweight women.

Discover collagen now!

3. take dietary supplements against cellulite

Certain dietary supplements and nutrients can help to keep the skin in top condition:

Bromelain and proteolytic enzymes - These systemic enzymes have been used with great success to fight inflammation and dissolve cell tissue accumulations. According to Biotech Research Journal, studies show that bromelain has various fibrinolytic, hemostatic, antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory activities. Uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, gallstones and cellulite can be broken down and eliminated more easily with the help of enzymes. Enzymes such as bromelain, serrapeptase and nattokinase have the ability to dissolve fibrinogen (the tissue that holds these unwanted formations together).

To our intestinal cleansing capsules with bromelain

Kola Extract - This extract has been the subject of numerous studies on cellulite and has shown some positive results. It is a caffeine-free herb with soothing effects that can be taken before bedtime. It helps to improve the elasticity of the skin while making it firmer.

Green coffee extract (contains caffeine) - Caffeine has been shown to stimulate blood circulation and can promote fat burning, which is why many cellulite products contain caffeine.

African mango and fucoxanthin are other dietary supplements with similar benefits.

Discover green coffee extract

4. exercise regularly

Can sport reduce cellulite? Although endurance training can stimulate the metabolism and prevent obesity, interval training is probably much more effective. The reason for this is that interval training builds up the muscles more effectively and tones the entire body.

A 2011 report published in the Journal of Obesity states, "New research on high-intensity intermittent exercise (HIIE) suggests that it may be more effective than other types of exercise in reducing subcutaneous and abdominal body fat."

Here are some quick facts and tips to keep in mind to get the most out of your workout:

Choose a program that ideally combines endurance and strength training. Try to train between 20 and 40 minutes a day.
It has been proven that interval or endurance training stimulates the metabolism and continues to burn calories long (24-48 hours) after training ("afterburn effect").
Interval training involves short, intensive exercises such as sprints, followed by a short cool-down phase. (This concept is also known as high-intensity interval training (HIIT).) If you want to combat cellulite on your thighs and buttocks, you should incorporate exercises such as squats, lunges and donkey kicks.
Two other effective strategies are strength training and isometric exercises such as barre training, BarreAmped and Pilates. BarreAmped is an effective workout based on Pilates, dance, yoga and intensive stretching. Together they ensure that the body is effectively toned. Another advantage: these methods do not have the potential risks and only short-term success of liposuction.

 

5. use skin-caring essential oils

Commercial or prescription cellulite creams are either ineffective or expensive (or both!) - plus most of them are full of chemicals that can damage your skin even more.

Why not try a natural, homemade grapefruit cellulite cream? The recipe contains fat-reducing grapefruit essential oil and coconut oil, which moisturizes the skin.

How does grapefruit oil help? Studies show that grapefruit essential oil contains large amounts of anti-inflammatory enzymes such as bromelain, which reduce cellulite in mammals and prevent the formation of new fat cells (adipogenesis) under the skin.

 

6. dry brushing and massage therapies

By promoting blood circulation and lymphatic drainage, dry brushing and massage therapies can help combat cellulite.

In this respect, Gua Sha is an ancient Chinese therapy that stimulates blood circulation under the skin, promotes lymphatic drainage and can help to reduce cellulite.

 

Other cellulite treatments

In 2020, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a prescription cellulite treatment called Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum-aaes (or CCH, also known as QWO). CCH is injected into the skin to promote the hydrolysis of type I and III collagen to improve the elasticity and appearance of the skin. It is most commonly used to reduce cellulite on the buttocks and thighs.

A placebo-controlled double-blind study published in the journal Dermatologic Surgery has shown that QWO/CCH is effective and well tolerated in the treatment of cellulite in adult women.

Other possible options for the treatment of cellulite are

• Acoustic wave therapy (AWT), in which pressure waves act on the cellulite in the skin. AWT works on the fat that protrudes below the surface of the skin by acting on the layer of skin called the fibrous septum. It helps to break up the collagen in the layers and reduce the pressure on the skin, resulting in a smoother skin appearance. It can also stimulate the formation of new collagen, which improves the skin's overall texture.
• Applying retinol creams to the skin promotes cell renewal.

 

Liposuction and its risks

Many women opt for liposuction to improve skin imperfections (cellulite) in problem areas such as the thighs, hips, bottom and stomach. Liposuction is used to quickly tighten and shape certain areas of the body by removing excess fat deposits and improving body contours or proportions.

Liposuction is a surgical procedure and therefore carries the same risks as many other medical or cosmetic treatments. Patients should be aware of the seriousness of liposuction, including the possible consequences if the procedure is unsuccessful.

Possible side effects of liposuction

While most patients only experience bruising and swelling after liposuction, which fortunately usually subsides over time, there is always a risk of more serious side effects - including those that can be psychologically and physically painful.

Anyone under anesthesia during an operation risks cardiac arrhythmia, adverse drug reactions and, in extreme cases, even brain damage.

Is it true that fat grows back after liposuction?
Recent research suggests that patients who have undergone liposuction can develop cellulite or body fat again within a year. And what's even more shocking? This fat reappears in another area where it was removed!

Researchers at the University of Colorado examined 32 patients: 14 of them had liposuction and 18 did not (as a control group). None of the patients changed their lifestyle, and the patients who had undergone liposuction found that their body fat initially decreased, but then increased again - especially on the abdomen and upper body.

This was not subcutaneous fat (which lies just under the skin), but deeper, dangerous visceral fat, which is associated with many chronic diseases, including heart disease and premature death.

How is this possible? If you have fat removed from the hip area but continue to eat in such a way that you accumulate excess pounds, the body continues to produce and store new fat cells.

The bottom line on liposuction as a cellulite treatment is: even if you undergo this procedure, you must make permanent changes to your diet and/or exercise habits. Otherwise, more fat cells and cellulite will form and be stored in other parts of the body.

 

Does cellulite have any risks or side effects?

In most cases, cellulite is not really dangerous, but rather a vanity problem. However, in some cases cellulite can also be due to underlying problems such as constricted blood vessels and a lack of water in the skin.

If your cellulite does not respond to the above treatments and suddenly gets worse, you should have your symptoms and risk factors checked by a dermatologist. He or she can help rule out problems such as poor circulation, which can be dangerous for people with heart or circulatory problems.