Cellulite reduction tips
Cellulite
is a common term used to describe ripples of fat cells and subcutaneous
connective tissue under the skin, which cause uneven dimpling or “orange peel”
skin, usually, but not exclusively, around the thighs, stomach and buttocks. It
appears in 90% of post-adolescent women and is rarely seen in men, as their fat
cells are deep in the skin.
Cellulite
is the accumulation of fat cells which have become ‘trapped’ in the collagen
and elastin fibres. Starting in girls around the age of 14, it increases as
they mature as the subcutaneous skin layer thins and redistributes. Contrary to
popular belief, cellulite is not related to obesity, since it occurs in
overweight, normal, and thin women.
Factors
which may contribute to the formation of cellulite include: too many rich
foods, an excess of tobacco and alcohol and poor blood circulation. It may also
be hereditary.
Cellulite
often forms in postnatal women and those who take birth control pills because
the waste system can’t get rid of the increased flow of oestrogen in the body.
Cellulite can develop after a traumatic injury if the circulatory system has
been disturbed. A sedentary lifestyle may also result in a hardening of the
connective tissue, causing a dimpling of the skin.
Whatever the actual cause in individual sufferers, the result is that fat cells
are effectively trapped, and locked up in the collagen and elastin fibres. The
local circulation is often slowed and the nerve endings may become compressed
and tender.
Treating cellulite requires a two-pronged approach – one being the shrinking
of the fat cells themselves, the second being the regeneration of collagen and
strengthening of the skin outside of the swollen fat cells.
First
steps:
Maintain
a healthy weight. If you are overweight, be sure that you lose weight
gradually, don't smoke, eat a diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables, reduce
your intake of coffee, alcohol, and junk foods, Drink plenty of fluids and
follow a programme of regular exercise.
The dietary enzyme bromelain (found in
pineapple and particularly pineapple stems)
can improve overall circulation to your skin and adipose tissues by removing
the buildup of fibrin on the walls of blood vessels.
Second steps:
Fine-tune your skin care regime to
meet the needs of skin that has a tendency to swell with fluids, store fat and
have poor circulation.
When cleaning your skin, use your wash cloth or loufah to massage the area
where cellulite occurs. At first, use a circular motion and then a brushing
motion upwards towards the bowels. This will improve circulation and help
remove toxins and metabolic wastes out of the tissues and interstitial spaces
around the collagen and fat cells.
Learn to dry brush your skin at least twice every day. Skin brushing
provides many benefits in the treatment of cellulite. First of all, it’s
"exercise" for you skin, and strengthens the underlying dermis and
pattern of collagen in the subcutaneous layer. It stimulates the growth and
repair of the tissues by increasing blood flow to the area. It also helps
remove toxins and metabolic wastes out of the interstitial fluids surrounding
the tissues for disposal.
Dry brushing skin:
Use a natural, not synthetic bristle grush, with a
long handle
is a well priced choice
Use much lighter strokes around the breast
area and do not brush nipples.
Brush over the whole body vigorously, several
times.
Brush the soles of your feet first, as the
nerve endings in your feet affect the whole of your body, then brush up your
legs and body, lastly down your arms.
Always brush towards the heart
Have a warm bath or shower after dry
brushing, followed by a cool rinse, to invigorate circulation.
Keep your brush clean, by regularly washing
it. But ensure, it and you are dry, prior to dry brushing.
Get out of the habit of crossing your legs, knees and ankles. This reduces
circulation and increases swelling. Try to keep moving regularly, neither
sitting nor standing for long periods.
Body wraps, both professional and homemade can improve the appearance of
cellulite. Body wraps use a combination of minerals and herbs that stimulate
the fat cells to release their contents, they absorb toxins from the skin and
reduce swelling. See our shop.
Massage, particularly the kind that improves lymph flow, is very good for
reducing the appearance of cellulite. It improves the removal of metabolic
wastes and toxins from the interstitial tissues around the adipose tissues, and
gives the skin a smoother appearance.
Alfalfa: Alfalfa is a natural diuretic that helps balance
the body’s interstitial fluids and reduces oedema and swelling. It’s also a
phyto-progesterone, which helps balance the excess oestrogen which can
exacerbate cellulite.
Borage Oil: Borage
oil contains high amounts gamma linoleic acid, which is an important fatty acid
for the strengthening of cell walls.
Bromelain: Naturally occurring enzyme which aids in the
digestion of proteins. The consumption of bromelain aids in the removal of
fibrin build-up in fine blood vessels. This improves and increases circulation
to the skin, and aids in repair and rejuvenation.
Horsetail: Horse Chestnut herb contains high levels of the
mineral silica, which is used in the repair and maintenance of skin cells.
Cider Vinegar contains an array of important enzymes and
aids in balancing body pH. It’s also a good source of potassium, which is
necessary for fluid balance in the body.
Coconut Oil contains medium chain triglycerides which are
easily absorbed and used by the body for fuel. It has the capability of
stimulating the thyroid gland, which increases body temperature and metabolism
and is known for improving the burning of excess fat.
Ginkgo Biloba is a natural blood thinner that increases the
microcirculation to skin and fat cells. Gotu Kolu is a natural source of
caffeine. Caffeine stimulates the beta-adrenoreceptors on the surface of the
fat cells to release their stores of fatty acids, aiding in the burning of
excess fat.
Green Tea: Green tea is a mild stimulate that contains
caffeine as well as powerful antioxidants that aid in the proper replication
and repair of skin cells.
MSM: Is an important mineral that is necessary for skin
cell repair.
One of
the most effective cellulite treatments are topical creams. These products work
by stimulating cell circulation, melting fat, and moving fluid and toxins out.
The variety of products is wide, after customer research the top products,
as reviewed by users are:
.
