How To Banish Cellulite

Did you know that a whopping 90 percent of all women have cellulite — which is also referred to as "orange peel" thighs or "cottage cheese" thighs. This condition is clearly not uncommon. In fact, you're far more likely to have cellulite than not have it. Although that statistic may make you feel a little bit better about your cellulite — after all, you're not the only one with dimply legs! — it still doesn't change the fact that you probably want to banish your cellulite forever.

How can you get rid of cellulite, though? Is it even possible or will you be stuck with your "orange pee" things forever?

Luckily, there are now ways to get rid of cellulite, or, if your budget doesn't stretch to pricey treatments, you can camouflage it too! For a long time there was seemingly no way to treat cellulite, but now there's many different things that you can to do get rid of cellulite. First, we're going to look over what cellulite actually is, then, we'll get onto the information you're really looking for — how you can treat it!

Are you ready to say goodbye to cellulite forever?

What is Cellulite Anyway?

We all know what cellulite looks like, dimply skin, but what is it? What even causes it and why is it so common?

Cellulite occurs when fat cells accumulate under your skin. Think of the middle layer of skin as a little bit like a net, and when these fat cells slip through the net, pulling on connective tissues, the cells can "bulge" through the holes rather unattractively — giving the skin a dimpled appearance, kind of like when your skin pokes through fishnet stockings. Gaining or losing weight won't necessarily cause cellulite and in fact, if you're blessed with blemish-free legs, it's likely down to pure luck and genetics. (We're not jealous at all!)

Although cellulite most commonly appears on your thighs, your skin might also have a dimpled appearance on both your tummy and legs, too. Cellulite is actually fairly normal and completely harmless, and it only effects how your skin looks.

Diet and Exercise

First things first! The most important step in the fight against cellulite is diet and exercise. It might sound boring, but it's true - the kinder you are toyour body in terms of nourishment, the better it'll look on the outside. Drinking plenty of water is incredibly important - in fact, we can't stress just how important it is. Not only does it help to remove toxins from the body, but it also improves all sorts of cell processes, including cell turnover and cell renewal. Hydrate your body and you'll notice that your skin feels more supple and soft - it'll look smoother, too. Just as important as your water intake is your diet.

See Also: How To Get Rid Of Cellulite For Good

Including foods that are rich in omega-3s and healthy fats will also improve skin elasticity and collagen production, which will improve the tone and texture of skin.

When it comes to exercise, focus on exercises that slim and tone your thighs, like squats, planks and side kicks. Using rowing machines, cross trainers or even a thigh master will all help to trim your thighs. The exercise might not get rid of cellulite, but it'll definitely make your legs look leaner, making the cellulite less noticeable.

Massage And Body Brushing

You've probably heard of massage and body brushing to banish cellulite - but neither trick will work unless you do them properly. Moisturize skin really well so that the massage tool can slide over skin, then in circular movements, massage thighs in the direction of the heart. You could use your fingertips (or get your partner to help!) to massage thighs too - just make sure that you apply a firm pressure. Body brushing is best done either in the shower or when you've just had a shower. Using a brush with stiff, natural bristles, brush skin upwards, again focussing towards the direction of the heart. This action helps to encourage the breakdown of fat, improving circulation. Over time (doing this every day) may reduce cellulite, giving skin a smooth, more even appearance.

Coffee Scrubs

Coffee scrubs have long been touted as a miracle cure for cellulite - and although not every product will banish cellulite, there is still some truth to the idea that caffeine can reduce cellulite and improve the appearance of skin. That's because the caffeine stimulates the breakdown of fatty deposits underneath the surface of the skin whilst also tightening skin, making it appear firmer. Can't afford a pricey coffee scrub? Mix coffee grounds with a sea salt scrub and you'll get exactly the same effect.

Laser Treatments

One of the newest medical treatments for cellulite involves lasers. It might sound scary, but in most cases, laser treatment is completely pain-free.

Over time, and with repeated treatments, your body's system will work to flush that fat out of your system, leaving skin smoother and firmer. Laser treatments are actually approved by the FDA for use in treating cellulite and they can make a huge difference to some sufferers. Other similar treatments include red and infrared light emitting diodes (LEDs). These specific wavelengths of colored light are absorbed by the fat cells, which causes cell death (or cell disruption). The body then activates a healing response, shedding those bumpy, lumpy fat cells causing your cellulite, replacing them with new cells. 

See Also: Dealing with cellulite: Beat cellulite now!

What to Remember:

• cellulite isn't caused by being fat - it is caused by fat cells slipping through connective tissues
• cellulite creams are generally useless, unless they contain the active ingredient aminophylline or caffeine. Most of them will make skin appear firmer and smoother but generally, this is only temporary and will not be permanent
• liposuction is not an effective treatment for cellulite. Yes, it reduces fat, and yes, it removes fat from specific parts of the body. But liposuction can leave scarring and can actually make cellulite much worse if the surgeon has not used a minimally invasive procedure. Before turning to liposuction to reduce fat, try some of the exercises mentioned in page one.
• body wraps will not get rid of cellulite. Body wraps are good for a night out, as they provide temporary inch loss - not permanent inch loss.