How To Minimize The Appearance of Cellulite
Hello Joanna,
I just turned 30 and I have a pretty healthy lifestyle; I exercise regularly and try to stay away from junk food. I have started to notice cottage cheese-like dimpled skin on my upper arms, upper thighs, and butt! What is cellulite, where does it come from, and how do I get rid of it?!
First off, you are not alone! Cellulite occurs in about 80-90% of women and is the result of fat deposits pushing through the connective tissue (collagen fibers) beneath the skin. These lumps and dimples in the skin usually appear near the buttocks, upper legs, abdominal area, and upper arms.
What Causes Cellulite?
- Cellulite is a collection of fatty cells under the skin.
- Areas of increased fatty tissue may show more cellulite
- Inflammation, loss of collagen, and poor lymphatic drainage contribute.
- Age, family history, and estrogen hormones also play a role
- Poor circulation in the legs and inactivity may make it worse.
Although the exact causes are unknown, women are more susceptible because of the structure of our fat cells and connective tissue. Our collagen fibers are arranged vertically and parallel, so our fat cells push through it easier, whereas in men, they are crisscrossed, making it harder for fat cells to get through. This why only about 10% of men have cellulite.
Cellulite does not discriminate. It is genetic and depends on your metabolism, hormones, and lifestyle factors. I have seen cellulite on very slim women and girls as young as 10.
As women age, estrogen, and blood flow decrease, which increases the size of fat cells, making fat deposits more prominent. In addition, a diet high in fat, carbs, and salt can exacerbate cellulite.
Can You Get Rid of Cellulite?
There is no natural way to completely get rid of cellulite. However, there are some things you can do to treat it and reduce its appearance. Regular body massage and exfoliation are very helpful, as these will increase blood flow and turn over the fat cells, diffusing them.
How Can I Reduce the Appearance of Cellulite?
At Home Routine
I personally massage my body with this Massage Glove by Biologique Recherche in the shower, to stimulate circulation. After the shower, I love microneedling my arms with Environ’s Cosmetic Body Roll-CIT Microneedler. On this level, it is not meant to stimulate your collagen fibers, but is used to speed up penetration of any product that you follow with. I then apply Environ’s Vitamin A, C & E Body Oil (Advanced) and Derma-Lac Lotion all over my body to create healthy, glowing skin, and Biologique Recherche’s Lipogen AC Anti-Cellulite Oil on the places that I have cellulite.
Finally, I apply oil and massage my problem areas. I love Huile Benefique by Biologique Recherche to really hydrate and improve the firmness of my skin. My new favorite product to use on my arms is the Costa Brazil Massage Tool, which I like to call ‘the little weapon.’ Deep massage is a great method to help reduce the appearance of cellulite and help tone the muscles.
Professional Treatments
In Studio, I use micro currents and ultrasound, combined with LED therapy or radio frequency to keep the skin healthy, tighter, and lifted, which hides the appearance of cellulite.
Diet and Exercise
If you find your cellulite is not improving, you may need to check your diet. It is important to make sure you are eating lots of proteins, as they will not stick to the fat deposits in your body like sugars or other fats will. You also may not be drinking enough water. To compensate, you can eat foods that have high concentrations of water like cucumbers, radishes, tomatoes, and bell peppers.
Additionally, keep hitting the gym, as this will strengthen and tone problem areas, which will lift and tighten the skin, reducing the appearance of cellulite.
Costa Brazil
Massage Tool
Environ
Alpha Hydroxy Derma-Lac Lotion
