Are you one of the 80-90 percent of women who suffers from cellulite?

I, unfortunately, was an early adopter!

Affectionately (or not so!) known as orange-peel skin, cottage-cheese skin or hail-damage, cellulite is known to affect both men and women, but is more fond of women due to our distribution of fat, muscle and connective tissue.

Lucky us!

It’s believed to be caused by the way that our connective tissue interacts with the dermatological layer that sits below the surface of the skin and the layer of fat below it.

Whilst it may seem more prominent in those who have extra padding on them, it can also occur in very lean people as well.

Why does it fluctuate within our lifetime though? There are a few reasons:

Hormones

Hormones play an important part (as they do in most things in our lives!), with oestrogen, insulin, noradrenaline, thyroid and prolactin active players in cellulite production. When we age, oestrogen decreases, as does the blood flow to the connective tissue just beneath the skin.

With this change comes lower circulation to the area, resulting in less oxygen and lower collagen production.

Lucky for us, fat cells also enlarge as our oestrogen levels fall.

All of this combined means that fat deposits are more visible and as our skin becomes less elastic and thinner, it also increases the chances of cellulite developing.

Genetics

I’ve always believed that I am genetically pre-disposed to cellulite on my thighs, arms and bottom and it turns out I wasn't misdirecting my blame completely at all! Sorry mum!

Certain genes are required for the development of cellulite. From our metabolic speed to our ethnicity, circulation to our distribution of fat.

So…apologies in advance to my future children!

Lifestyle

Contrary to popular belief, cellulite is not caused by toxins, but eating a diet high in fat, carbs, salt and not enough fibre can result in greater amounts of cellulite being found on the body.

Sedentary lifestyles are another factor - yet another reason to get moving - as is sitting or standing in one position for extended periods of time.

So it’s time to get moving, pop those reminders on to get up from your desk at regular intervals and walk around (this is something I really need to adopt!), cut down carbs, fat intake and salt, up your fibre and drink water…lots of it!

Clothing

Now this is an interesting one…did you know that wearing tight underwear that has elastic that digs into your bottom can limit blood flow which also may aid in cellulite forming?!

Pass me some granny panties I say!

So...can you actually get rid of cellulite?

In short, no.

There are many treatments and products out there that promise instant results and eradication but, in reality, very few work and, if they do, it’s only a short period of time before those dreaded lumps and dimples resurface.

Whilst there is no cure for cellulite, there are methods to help minimise the appearance and I’m here to share my top 4 with you:

 

Body Exfoliation

Our skin cells generally renew themselves every 27 days. Helping this process along though achieves so much goodness for both the inner and outer , helps our moisturiser penetrate past this layer of dead skin to truly nourish.

Exfoliating your body is so much more than sloughing away your dead skin cells though.

Using an effective body exfoliant also helps get your circulation pumping and, as we’ve now learnt, this has a very positive effect on reducing cellulite.

The Pink Hibiscus Body Smoother was designed to not only exfoliate and nourish the skin, but also to boost circulation and aid in smoothing out those pesky lumps and bumps as well.

Regular use of the Body Smoother has definitely smoothed out the lumps and bumps I have (especially on my thighs, arms and bottom). Why? Well, there are a couple of reasons actually!

Massaging the skin helps to stimulate circulatory system, drain excess body fluid, redistribute fat cells and plump up your skin.

This effect is supercharged by the energising and anti-bacterial Lemongrass essential oil, which helps to tighten the skin and increase circulation.

As a side note, lemongrass is also the perfect oil for those who are sluggish in the morning with its uplifting and refreshing properties.

Our Body Smoother really gets your blood pumping and definitely delivers what it's name suggests!

Cupping

This practice has so many benefits and it’s a treatment I often couple with acupuncture.

It helps to relieve pain, increase circulation, aids in the removal of toxins, drains fluid and yes, can also assist in minimising the appearance of cellulite!

In fact, there was a study in the U.S. that saw the women tested record a decrease in their cellulite grade from an average of 2.4 to 1.68 after 5 weeks!

Public service announcement though - it does cause bruising, so it’s not a treatment to undertake before a special night out! I tend to schedule in cupping midweek or over winter so that the bruises can be easily hidden when I rug up!

Lymphatic Drainage Massage

This very unique and relaxing type of massage moves lymph fluids around the body, reduces swelling and improves circulation.

Are you sensing a theme here?!

I’ve found that massage in general really assists in minimising the appearance of my cellulite, but this particular modality helps more than others because of its particular attention to draining fluids and boosting circulation.

Dry Brushing

This spectacular addition to your self-care ritual is also very beneficial in minimising the appearance of cellulite.

It’s yet another way to get your circulation pumping, clear toxins from your body through the promotion of lymph flow and drainage, stimulate your nervous system and unclog your pores. 

This treatment is often used in spas, but it’s so simple to incorporate into your daily routine at home.

I try and do this every morning when I wake, prior to my skincare routine, to get energised for the day!

Take a dry body brush and move it over your body in smooth strokes toward the heart.

For example, when dry brushing your legs, sweep in an upwards motion, but when dry brushing your décolletage, sweep downwards.

Why dry brushing and not wet brushing? This process enables all the benefits of exfoliation and increase in blood flow without stripping your skin of moisture which a hot shower can tend to do.

Don’t be too vigorous with your brushing and adjust the pressure over areas like your breasts, stomach and neck. A once-over is more than enough as you don’t want to cause any irritation to the skin.

Once you’ve completed the body, jump in the shower to wash off any dead skin cells and follow with a moisturiser to get that nourishment back into your skin.

Please note to never use the brush on your face or over broken or irritated skin however.

 

While we might have to live with cellulite, minimising it's prevalence is achievable and the ways to do so are a wonderful way to enhance your self-care routine.

So show your body some extra love and remember, you're not alone!