Natural Ways to Get Rid of Cellulite

Cellulite is a skin condition that is characterized by dimpled, lumpy appearance in areas with underlying fat deposits like the thighs and buttocks. However fat, it and by itself, is not the primary cause of the appearance of cellulite. Rather the structure of the overlying skin as well as the underlying connective tissue play a greater role in determining whether the skin will be smooth or marked by that orange-peel look, characteristic of cellulite. It is because of this combination of factors, that cellulite is difficult to get rid of entirely and quickly. While the market for anti-cellulite treatments is awash with products and procedures all promising smooth unmarked skin, very often the only thing they get rid of is your money. So it makes much more sense to use natural ways of treating cellulite and here are some options you can explore.

Follow the right diet

Even though fat by itself is not responsible for cellulite, a low-fat diet will help in reducing the amount of fat deposits beneath the skin, thus leaving the connective tissues with less scope of forming the wavy structure that appears as cellulite on the outside. So in order to treat cellulite naturally, one of the first things you need to do is avoid foods which are high in fats, like those which are deep-fried, oily or contain large amounts of calories since the body has a tendency to store excess calories as fats. For the same reason also avoid taking animal protein like beef and bacon which are high in fats. Among the dairy products too, go for items which are low in fats like yoghurt and cottage cheese instead of creamy milkshakes or processed cheese. Also when on anti-cellulite diets, it is best to keep away from refined and processed food products since they contain empty calories which do nothing to add nutrition to the body but merely pile up on the calories.

Instead go for meals which include lots of fresh vegetables, fruits and whole grains. These contain the maximum amounts of vitamins and minerals which are the sources of nutrients helpful in increasing the elasticity of your skin. Include protein in your diet in the form of fish and poultry which are not only low in saturated fats but also easily digestible. In fact if you take fish, you could go for fatty ones like salmon since the particular kind of oils contained in them like Omega-3 are supposed to be beneficial for healthy skin and hair. Finally stay away from yo-yo diets since repeated cycles of weight loss and weight gain can damage the elasticity of skin, making it sag and in the process worsening the appearance of lumpy skin associated
with cellulite.

Stay hydrated

Misconceptions about what causes cellulite are rife in popular culture and according to one of them, cellulite appears when toxins are trapped beneath the skin. Thus fad plans like detox diets are propagated which supposedly use fasting and lots of water to flush out these toxins. Unfortunately cellulite is not really caused by accumulation of toxins in the body but because the connective tissues underlying the skin cannot hold the fat deposits in a smooth frame. However this does not discount the importance of consuming enough water in order to obtain a generally healthy-looking skin. This is mainly because water helps to prevent dehydration and with it the rough, parched look on the skin which can make cellulite appear noticeably uglier than it really is. Drinking ample amount of water like two to three liters a day, other than what you are getting from foods and drinks, will ensure that your skin remains hydrated and thus supple and smooth-looking.

Work out regularly

Intensive exercises work on groups of the muscles of the body, rather than on the skin. However when the muscles are tightened and toned, they help to impart a smoother and leaner look on the skin as well, thus diminishing the appearance of cellulite, even if not getting rid of it altogether. Moreover regular exercises ensure that you are able to maintain an ideal body weight; this too is an effective natural way to combat cellulite since the weightier you are, the larger the size of fat deposits beneath the skin and thus higher the chances of developing cellulite or exacerbating the condition if you already have it. While following an exercise plan, it is best to start off with medical guidance so that any potentially harmful underlying conditions can be ruled out which may flare up with a particular form of exercise. Also you will get the quickest results when you workout under the supervision of a trainer since he/she will be able to advise exercises which target your problem areas and thus considerably diminish the appearance of cellulite.

Quit smoking

This is perhaps the most important lifestyle change you can make after diet and exercise if you want to get rid of cellulite. The relation between smoking and negative effects on the skin is simple and direct - smoking restricts the oxygen-rich blood supply to the skin cells, thus reducing its ability to regenerate and build new cells. The result is drier skin, more wrinkles and earlier aging as compared to people who don’t smoke. While quitting smoking in itself will not get rid of cellulite, it will certainly improve the texture and elasticity of skin so that the appearance of cellulite is diminished. On the other hand, the ill effects of smoking on skin will heighten the unsightly look of cellulite and make it look uglier than it actually is.

Limit intake of alcohol

As soon as you consume alcohol, the blood vessels in your skin get dilated and this causes an unhealthy flush on the skin. Other than this it also depletes the body of Vitamin A – an important anti-oxidant – as well as worsens skin conditions like acne. All these conditions can have an aggravating effect on cellulite. Besides all the calories from alcohol are stored as fat and this heavily contributes toward the body's cellulite accumulation. So while you can continue to have a glass of wine once in a while, avoid regular alcohol consumption if you want to treat cellulite the natural way.

Avoid stress

Everyday there is more evidence of how emotional and physical health are inextricably linked among humans. Negative mental states like stress, anxiety and fatigue all show up on the skin as wrinkles, fine lines and as an overall dry, rugged look. Thus as far as possible try to keep stress at bay; have enough sleep at night and follow any hobby or practice which relaxes your mind and calms your emotions. While none of these are directly proven to reduce cellulite, they will go a long way in keeping you healthy from within and thus impart a glow and brightness to your skin.