If you’re a woman, then there’s a good chance you’ve thought about cellulite at least once in your life. What the heck is cellulite anyway? Do those lotions and exercises that fight cellulite actually work?
In this blog, we’ll break down the truth around fighting cellulite. (P.S… having it is more common than you think)!
What is Cellulite?
Every day, we are exposed to magazines, Instagram posts, and advertisements showing pictures of thin, smooth-legged women with not one ounce of cellulite. If you’re like many of us, you may be thinking, am I the only one with cellulite?!
Cellulite is another name for the dimpled skin commonly seen around the thigh region. It forms when fatty deposits push up on connective tissue.
Cellulite is more common in women than in men. In fact, an estimated 85 percent of women over 21 years old have cellulite! It’s common for cellulite to appear after puberty since the female body naturally deposits more fat in the thigh, butt, and abdominal region during child-bearing years. This is so your body can support a healthy pregnancy when the time comes. As the skin loses more elasticity with age, you may notice worsening cellulite later in life as well.
Fortunately, big-time celebrities like Demi Lovato, Jessica Alba, and Kristen Bell are now voicing and promoting the normalcy of cellulite. Various brands are jumping on-board too! Aerie, a sub-brand of American Eagle Outfitters, is crushing social media with its #AerieReal campaign that promises to use real-bodied models without digitally retouching “imperfections” like cellulite. You go Glen Coco!
Can You Improve Cellulite?
Weight gain may worsen cellulite due to increased fatty deposits in the thigh region, however, it is well-known that genetics often plays a larger role in cellulite formation than weight. Many thin-bodied women have cellulite too!
That being said, is there any way to improve cellulite?
Foods That Fight Cellulite
Not to be the bearer of bad news, but we like to keep it real, and there really aren’t any foods that fight cellulite on their own!
However, a healthy diet that promotes fat loss may reduce fatty deposits and reduce the appearance of cellulite in some women. This often includes lots of non-starchy vegetables, healthy fats, clean proteins, and antioxidant-rich fruit. Additionally, staying hydrated with lots of water is another great way to improve circulation, eliminate toxins, and possibly fight cellulite.
Related Post: The Best Fat Burning Foods
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DIY Cellulite Scrubs and Remedies
Cellulite lotions and other at-home remedies may reduce the appearance of cellulite temporarily.
Massage
Massaging the cellulite-affected area may improve circulation and stretch your skin tissue. By stretching and working the connective tissue, this may stretch out cellulite dimples as well.
Nonetheless, some experts say that massages must occur regularly for it to make any difference. It’s hard to say whether massage alone will actually help fight cellulite, but hey, at least you can get a relaxing monthly massage in the meantime!
Looking for an at-home solution? Try one of these cellulite massagers that can be used in the shower or with lotion to smooth skin and massage the tissue.
Self-Tanners
Darker skin seems to reduce the appearance of cellulite. So, if you have a big event coming up, try exfoliating the skin and applying a self-tanning lotion.
Avoid tanning beds and too much sun exposure without sunscreen. Although this may lead to tanner skin initially, it also increases the chance of wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and skin cancer. Yikes – no thanks!
Creams
We scoured the internet for the best cellulite cream. By far, the Anti-Cellulite Massage Oil by M3 Naturals has the most promising reviews and results out there! This lotion uses various essential oils in the ingredients to firm and tighten the skin. Many reviews report satisfied and impressive results.
Keep in mind, cellulite creams can work temporarily but usually require frequent applications to maintain effectiveness. There are no magical creams out there, but this one may help fight cellulite and improve your confidence for a big event.
Exercises That Fight Cellulite
Squats
Squats build the muscles in the thighs, hamstrings, and glutes. This exercise not only gives you a good lookin’ booty but may reduce the appearance of cellulite by creating a solid muscle foundation.
Stair-Master
Similar to squats, using the stair-master machine can also build strong leg muscles. Additionally, this exercise is a great cardio option to burn calories and promote fat loss!
Yoga
Yoga is a great exercise for stretching and elongating your muscles. By stretching the muscles and tissues, this exercise routine may fight cellulite by stretching the connective tissue.
Embrace and Love the Body You Have
Girl, the world is full of possibilities! So, in all honesty, worrying about cellulite takes up too much time and energy. Instead, focus on fueling your body with wholesome food, engaging in joyful movement, feeling strong, and loving the body that you were given! You are beautifully unique in your own way, and learning to overcome negative body image is a huge step to accepting and loving yourself.