Do you avoid wearing certain outfits that show your arms and thighs? Maybe you’re embarrassed by the dimpling effect caused by cellulite. Are there ways to reduce it naturally?
Although experts don’t know why people develop this benign skin condition, weight and skin structure play a significant role. It can also be genetic, just as your body type. Cellulite often gathers in fatty areas like the thighs, buttocks, and upper arms, and it’s a more prominent issue for women.
Specific cosmetic procedures like liposuction can reduce fat cells and improve the appearance of cellulite. However, such methods can be costly, painful, and won’t make the problem disappear. Did you know that you can also deal with cellulite without taking drastic measures?
Note: Some of these might work for you; others might not. The trial-and-error is worth the effort. Of course, you should consult with your doctor if you have any questions.
Fifteen Science-Backed Tips to Reduce Cellulite
Although nothing will eradicate the dreaded dimpled thighs, there are ways you can minimize it. You don’t need risky medical procedures or expensive designer lotions. Here are 15 natural ways to combat cellulite for you to try.
1. Stay Hydrated
If you want to minimize cellulite and flush toxins from your system, try to drink plenty of water. Did you know that you can often be dehydrated and not even know it? Your body is composed of a high percentage of water, and you need it to survive.
Sipping six to eight glasses of fresh water each day rehydrates your skin cells and keeps your complexion soft and supple. It will help wash away toxin buildups that lead to unsightly cellulite. If you don’t like plain water, add a little fresh lemon juice to boost Vitamin C.
2. Follow a Healthy Diet
With all the unhealthy habits of the American diet, it’s no wonder that obesity is at epidemic levels. According to Trust for America’s Health statistics, at least 42.4 percent of people in the U.S. are obese. The more you overeat, the fattier deposits you create along with cellulite.
Your body needs a nutritious variety of whole foods for optimal health. Lean meats, green leafy veggies, whole grains, legumes, and fruit create balanced meals. Avoid processed foods that are overflowing with preservatives, salt, and sugar.
3. Keep Moving
Sir Isaac Newton observed that objects in motion usually stayed in action, and those stayed at rest. If you have a sedentary job, getting up and moving is more challenging. Daily exercise is essential for maintaining strong muscles, bones, joints, and other vital functions.
Do you want to be lean and fit and minimize cellulite and fat? Consider exercising at least 30 minutes each day. Walking, stretching, and cardio training is ideal for strengthening your body.
4. Switch to Himalayan Salt
You’ve probably read about the countless health warnings about the overconsumption of sodium. Guidelines published by the FDA recommend having no more than 2,300 mg. of sodium a day, which is about a teaspoon.
To help you visualize this amount, consider that regular table salt has a little over 2,300 mg. of sodium per teaspoon. However, pink Himalayan salt has at least 1/3 less sodium and has over 80 essential minerals. These minerals may boost your metabolism and help diminish cellulite in your body.
5. Reduce Your Stress Level
In a perfect world, everyone would be relaxed, and stress would cease to exist. Unfortunately, you’re not in an ideal world, and stress is part of living. Stress helps you to grow and survive.
However, an overload of stress can eventually lead to physical and mental health issues. Plus, chronic overdoses of stress hormones can make your body hold on to fat reserves. Practices like meditation and mindful breathing can help lower your stress and reduce cellulite.
6. Lose Extra Pounds
Gaining weight is often faster than losing it. In fact, those extra pounds can sneak up on you without you realizing it. Being overweight makes your heart and lungs work harder and taxes your muscles, bones, and joints.
Also, carrying extra weight may increase cellulite and make it more noticeable, especially in your arms and legs. When you learn to eat healthier and stay active, you can shed excess weight and reduce cellulite.
7. Reduce Inflammation in Your Body
An article published by the Harvard School of Medicine states that chronic inflammation can lead to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, and even cancer. Another symptom of chronic inflammation is allowing toxins to build up, increasing cellulite.
Battling constant inflammation is a red flag that something is wrong with your body. You can reduce its symptoms by following a healthy eating plan, exercising, and losing weight. Since smoking and alcohol abuse can contribute to chronic inflammation, kicking the habits can be lifesaving.
8. Adopt a Healthier Lifestyle
If you’ve been a chronic yo-yo dieter most of your life, you know that diets don’t work. They usually impose food restrictions that aren’t realistic or sustainable. Sure, you may lose some weight, but you can gain it back with additional cellulite.
Instead, changing your lifestyle includes creating a different attitude toward your body. You learn to enjoy nutritious food in moderation without it controlling you. Also, you discover the joy in physical fitness and make exercise a daily routine.
9. Try Massage
What could be more revitalizing than a soothing massage? It can release tension and relax your muscles. The gentle rubbing increases blood flow and can help remove toxic buildup in your body.
Getting regular massages may help remove excess fluid and reduce fatty areas. It may improve the surface of your skin, minimize wrinkles, and reduce cellulite. Using essential oils for massage is an added benefit.
10. Use Bentonite Clay
You’ve probably heard of using bentonite clay as a beauty mask to cleanse pores and toxins. Did you know that this natural substance can also reduce cellulite in your body’s problem areas? It’s an easy step to add to your beauty routine.
Before you bathe, make a thick paste of Bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar. Rub it wherever you have cellulite buildup and let it dry. It will wash away cleanly in your bath water leaving soft, healthy skin.
Much of the data regarding this therapy is anecdotal, but it could be worth a try. An NIH paper deems this clay safe for external use with few adverse reactions when used in moderation.
11. Take Sea Salt Baths
Leisurely bathing does so much more than just cleaning your body. It soothes tired, achy muscles and washes your tension down the drain. Adding natural skin remedies such as sea salt can moisturize your skin and reduce cellulite.
Add about a quarter cup of pure sea salt into your bath water and let it dissolve. Now, relax in the soothing water and dream about playing in the waves on the beach. You can enjoy a luxurious sea salt bath up to three times a week for optimal benefits.
12. Add Apple Cider Vinegar to Your Bathwater
Since ancient times, apple cider vinegar has been revered for its healing properties. It’s a natural antiseptic and antifungal that can help detox your skin and reduce cellulite. All you must do is add two to three cups to your warm bathwater.
It’s a perfect addition to sea salt, Epsom salts, or essential oils you use for bathing. Apple cider vinegar is a mild astringent that can tighten your pores and smooth your skin. An occasional addition to your bath water can reduce the appearance of bumpy cellulite.
13. Fight Cellulite with Coconut Oil
The good news is that you needn’t buy expensive creams and lotions to reduce cellulite. Some of the best ingredients to use are right in your kitchen pantry, like coconut oil. Massaging coconut oil into your skin can help detox, relieve inflammation, and diminish cellulite naturally.
You may also consider taking pure coconut oil internally. It is loaded with healthy amino acids that fight cell-damaging free radicals. Daily doses of coconut oil with a healthy diet may help boost your energy and burn fat.
14. Detox with Cayenne and Lemon
Toxic buildups in your body can negatively affect your skin and overall health. Consider using natural detoxification foods like fresh lemon juice and cayenne pepper. The lemon juice helps burn fat, while the ground cayenne pepper fights chronic inflammation.
Add the juice of half a lemon and about 1/8 a teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper to an 8-ounce glass of water. This detox mixture is an ideal way to start your day. It may give you more energy, fight fat, and reduce cellulite.
15. Use Olive and Juniper Oils
It seems counterintuitive to use fats to combat the fat and reduce cellulite in your body. However, heart-healthy fats like olive oil can boost your good cholesterol levels while lowering your bad cholesterol. It’s also a great oil to use as a moisturizer.
Give your olive oil moisturizer a healthy boost by adding a few drops of juniper oil. This oil pressed from juniper berries can soothe irritated skin and promote healing for rashes and wounds. Use your olive and juniper combination for a beauty routine or healing massage oil.
Final Thoughts on Reducing Cellulite
While you can’t make reduce cellulite completely, you can decrease its appearance significantly by changing your lifestyle. A nutritious diet combined with physical activity and stress reduction can make a difference. Taking good care of yourself is always the best choice.
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