Conscious About Cellulite? Learn About Its Causes, Lifestyle Changes and DIY Remedies

How often have you looked at the dimpled skin or cellulite on your body and tried to cover it with layers of clothing? Have you looked up home remedies and expensive treatments to reduce their uneven appearance? Research shows that cellulite is a common phenomenon that affects women 85% more than men. It is harmless. With the body positivity movement, more and more women and men are now embracing it, which is a positive sign. That said, there are many who continue to feel conscious about its appearance are looking for ways to reduce it.

What is cellulite?

Also known as orange peel skin, it is nothing but fat accumulation under the skin. You may commonly find it around your thighs, hips, buttocks, and abdomen. As fat cells collect and push up against your skin, fibrous connective tissues and their long cords pull it down. It gives the skin an appearance of unevenness or dimpling.

What causes cellulite?

Apart from genetics, there could be various factors that cause cellulite:

• Aging: As we age, the collagen in our body also breaks down. It is a natural part of aging and could be one of the causes of cellulite.
• Estrogen dominance: Cellulite can also appear when you have estrogen dominance or hormonal imbalance. What causes high estrogen? Excess body fat, chronic constipation, and overuse of plastics and chemical-laden cosmetics, among other factors.
• Exposure to plastic and xenoestrogens: The more you drink from plastic water bottles, the more estrogen and xenoestrogens you expose your body to. It is one of the reasons why we encourage our followers and community members to go back to the roots and switch to mud pots, steel, or glass. Remember, the cheaper the plastic, the more risk of chemicals like BPA and xenoestrogens leaching into your water.
• Vices: Overdoing alcohol, excessive smoking, and sheeshas burden your liver and increase toxicity in your body, which is one of the root causes of cellulite.
• Toxin overload or a clogged lymphatic system: Cellulite is a signal that your body is overloaded with toxins and is screaming for a cleanse or detoxification. Keeping your lymphatic system clean is extremely important because it is the garbage disposal unit of your body. A clogged lymphatic system can become a cesspool of toxins and also contribute to cellulite. Keep that lymphatic flow running. Learn what you can do here.
• Dehydration: Did you know increasing water intake can help reduce cellulite? Water is the main medium that keeps blood and lymph circulation going. And one of the leading issues we observe today is most people are dehydrated. Many people who work out of air conditioned environments forget to drink water because they do not feel thirsty. This drop in hydration levels can create several issues in the body. A lack of water can challenge your blood and lymph circulation, which are necessary to manage cellulite. Similarly, collagen, which maintains your skin’s elasticity and keeps you looking youthful and glowing begins to weaken or break down when you are dehydrated.
• Ultra-processed food overconsumption: Foods laden with refined oils and sugar are highly inflammatory and generate free radicals leading to a breakdown of collagen structure and accelerated aging.
• Poor blood circulation due to a sedentary lifestyle: Sitting is the new smoking. Keep moving. Sitting for long hours where you do not facilitate adequate blood circulation can contribute to cellulite.
• Tight undergarments: Yes, these can restrict blood and lymphatic flow and obstruct the flushing out of toxins. This applies to both men and women. People should not wear very tight underwear or tight underwire bras as there are lymph nodes under your arms and they get choked. Do not sleep with tight clothing, especially when you sleep, because this is the time when your body detoxifies, heals, and repairs.

Busting the myth: Cellulite is only related to age.

For those of you thinking that cellulite only affects people at a certain age, we are busting that myth. Whether young or old, obese or slender, cellulite can be seen in anyone today. The reasons to develop cellulite are beyond just age and include everything we just discussed like a sedentary lifestyle, poor eating habits, excess body fat, estrogen dominance, and toxin overload, among other factors.

What can I do to reduce cellulite?

You need to address the root cause and make lifestyle modifications to reduce cellulite to a large extent.

Are there foods that can help me?

• Cruciferous vegetables for their detoxifying benefits (E.g. kale, cauliflower, broccoli, Swiss Chard, cabbage, Brussel sprouts, radish, turnips, bok choy, collard greens, and so on.) These contain glucosinolates that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Besides, cruciferous vegetables are also high in fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
• Carrots assist the body in the removal of excess estrogen. They contain a unique indigestible fiber that can help you detox/cleanse and removes excess estrogen preventing it from getting reabsorbed back into your system. Read more about its benefits here.
• Beetroots aid improved blood circulation, thanks to the presence of nitric oxide, which acts as a vasodilator. It also helps in fighting free radical damage with its antioxidant properties.

Movement

I always say that movement is medicine when you do it right. Don’t over or undertrain. Just maintain adequate activity levels. If you do not work out, try yoga and walking. Jumping ropes and trampolines are also effective ways to combat cellulite as they help drain excess toxins from the lymphatic system.

DIY remedies you can check out

Detox baths

Have a bathtub? Add half a pound (8 ounces) of Epsom salt to it. Soak for about 15 to 20 minutes. It is a great way to cleanse the body of toxins. Make sure you drink a lot of water because you may sweat a lot and need to replenish your hydration levels.

Beach therapy

Even better than your detox bath is the seawater. Close to a beach? Immerse yourself in the seawater. People who have back and knee pains and arthritis feel much better when they take regular sea baths. If you don’t live next to a sea, you can fill up a bucket or a bathtub and soak in Epsom salt. Do this once a week. It is a very relaxing practice too.

Dry brushing

Dry brushing is an ancient technique that involves gentle stroking of the body using a brush with bristles and a long handle. Some people go for lymphatic massages, but you can take a dry brush and start stroking the area with cellulite in an upward motion. It improves circulation in that area, activates the lymphatic system, and helps drain out toxins. If you do not know how to do this, consult an expert and do it under supervision.

Can caffeine as a topical application help?

Caffeine can help by reducing the appearance of cellulite as it dilates the blood vessels beneath the skin and improves overall blood flow.

Try this DIY coffee mask:

• Mix 1/2 tsp coffee powder with 1/2 tsp of extra virgin olive oil. Add some water, and make a paste. Apply to the area that has cellulite.
• Leave the mixture on for 5 – 10 minutes.
• Rinse off with water.

You can also invest in clean and good-quality coffee scrubs. Shop for them here.

We hope these tips can help you.

Struggling with skin-related issues and need personalized holistic guidance?

We help you find a way.

Know more about our You Care Wellness Skin Care Program here

Set up a one-on-one consultation with our integrative team by reaching out to us on WhatsApp here or writing to us at info@lukecoutinho.com.

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