Cellulite can affect everyone, but it disproportionately affects women. According to health surveys, a whopping 90% of women and a mere 10% of men, mostly in industrial nations, experience cellulite. The reason that more women develop cellulite is because estrogens starts to decrease as they enter menopause. Estrogen has an impact on blood vessels and as it declines, you lose receptors in blood vessels and thighs. The decreased circulation means that these areas receive less oxygen and nutrition, explaining the signature dimpled skin look of cellulite.
What Is Cellulite?
You know when you have cellulite because your skin looks like the moon’s surface. It most commonly occurs in the thigh region and forms when fatty tissues deep in the skin push up against connective tissues. Cellulite tends to develop on the thighs because they have more fatty tissues than other areas of the body. Other factors that increase the chances of developing cellulite include tissue inflammation, loss of collagen, poor lymphatic drainage, age, poor circulation, and thinning epidermis. It also seems that diet, hormones, lifestyle, and genetics factor into whether or not you’ll develop cellulite.
Below, there are several natural remedies that may help get rid of cellulite. Experts agree that these natural remedies aid with balancing the connective tissue and fat in the body. Quick fixes can seem like attractive solutions to the problem, but things like liposuction are not effective treatments for cellulite or saggy or loose skin. Consider experimenting with the following remedies to help address the problem.
Eat More Collagen
The connective tissue, including layers of the skin, consists of collagen. In fact, collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and the skin needs it for optimal elasticity. Keeping your skin strong helps to reduce the appearance of cellulite and maintain a more youthful complexion. One of the best ways to get more collagen in your diet is to consume organic bone broth, which contains amino acids called glycine and proline. Both of these amino acids make up collagen, antioxidants, and other trace minerals. A 2015 study found that people who took 2.5 grams of bioactive collagen peptides (BCP) experienced a significant decrease in the degree of cellulite. Researchers monitored participants over a six-month period and found that BCP improved the appearance of skin in women suffering from minor cellulite.
Myofascial Massage
A common theory for cellulite is that it forms in superficial fascia, which is the layer of connective tissues below the skin. It contains fat cells and tends to be fibrous, and experts say that inactivity, improper exercise, and injuries in this facia contribute to the rippled look of cellulite. As superficial fascia becomes thicker and more fibrous, it can adhere to underlying structures that affect the skin’s appearance. Various massage therapists can perform myofascial massage or myofascial release, but you don’t have to see a specialist for this. You can use a foam roller or a handheld percussive massager on the affected areas to smooth out the connective layer of tissues and balance the fascia.
Dry Brushing
There may not be any scientific evidence that supports this home remedy, but there is a lot of anecdotal support. Dry brushing works to stimulate blood and lymphatic flow throughout the body. It helps to open the pores on the skin, which is something you should do on a daily basis. When it comes to dry brushing, the most important thing to remember is to always brush towards the heart, making long gentle sweeps. The bristles of the brush should be natural, somewhat stiff, and the handle should be long so you can reach various areas of the body. Learn more about dry brushing by clicking here.
Use Coffee Scrubs
Coffee scrubs have become very popular in the DIY skin care world. They work to exfoliate the skin, which helps to stimulate blood and lymphatic flow to the areas of focus. Additionally, caffeine from the coffee has a tightening effect on the skin, helping to reduce the appearance of cellulite. Similarly, people use coffee under eye creams to tighten the skin and reduce puffiness. It’s best to use a coffee scrub on a weekly basis to stimulate collagen production and circulation. Click here if you want to make an effective coffee scrub for cellulite.
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
