Fighting Cellulite

While the exact cause of cellulite is unknown, many researchers believe it’s linked to hormones produced in women’s bodies as they mature. Almost ninety-eight percent of all teenage girls develop at least some cellulite after puberty. Cellulite is the dimpled-looking skin formed from fat cells, particularly in the thigh and hip areas.

In areas with poor circulation, fat cells can become enlarged and trap lymph fluids. These fluid-filled cells then grow increasingly dense, gradually beginning to solidify and harden. As they grow, they become visible as rough and bumpy areas on the skin.

Several factors cause cellulite. Some are preventable; others are not. The following are known contributors:

• Genetics. This may be the greatest determining factor for cellulite. If your family has a history of cellulite, it’s likely that you’ll develop it as well.
• Lack of exercise. This may contribute to poor circulation and increase your likelihood of developing cellulite.
• Ingesting high levels of toxins like coffee and alcohol. These common pick-me-ups decrease circulation and may lead to cellulite.
• The process of aging. Aging changes hormone levels in our bodies, which may contribute to the onset of cellulite.
• Pregnancy. Often it causes rapid weight gain, which combines with dramatic hormonal changes.

How to fight cellulite

While you can’t control genetic factors that contribute to cellulite, you can take some steps to reduce its impact.

• Eat a balanced diet, and avoid stressing your system with excess coffee and alcohol.
• Avoid sitting for long periods of time. Cellulite tends to be more noticeable in areas of poor circulation. Often, you’ll see it at the back of the legs where they contact a chair. This pressure decreases circulation. Getting up and moving about frequently during the day will increase it.
• Exercise regularly. Besides your regular working-day walkabouts, get out for a brisk walk or swim. Increasing the blood’s flow through the body by increasing your heart rate will help your body move lymphatic fluids through the tissue and prevent it from pooling in cells.
• Massaging and skin brushing works to stimulate blood flow to the area. An increase in blood flow helps the body remove the toxins that have built up in cells, and decreases the appearance of cellulite. Skin brushing uses the same technique. A long-handled wood brush is used to stimulate the surface of the skin. The correct technique is to start at the feet and brush upwards, with firm, sweeping strokes. Have areas that already show signs of cellulite? Brush them with small, circular motions. If you experience any irritation or reddening of the skin, stop and let the color fade before you start again, using lighter strokes.
• Increase daily water intake to help the body flush out toxins. This also helps the liver to cleanse itself, helping it better filter the blood and remove toxins from the circulatory system.
• Begin a weight loss program to decrease fatty tissue deposits in the body. Losing weight will reduce the appearance of cellulite.
• Some creams and lotions may also reduce cellulite. While the benefits of these creams have never been proven, the massaging action involved with applying them may benefit you.

Liposuction

One way to removal of pockets of fatty tissue from under the surface of the skin is called liposuction. This process is very invasive, but does have the ability to quickly remove inches of cellulite from the affected body area. Liposuction is commonly used on the arms, neck, face, abdomen, legs and back.

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks involved. It’s important to note that liposuction does not stop your buddy from producing cellulite, so over time, it may return. It also does not sculpt your body in any way, so you’ll still need exercise and basic self-care to look your best. What’s more, as liposuction is a surgical process, it can be very costly. Most people should only consider it after thoroughly researching all the alternatives.