Anti Cellulite and Firming Treatments
Cellulite refers to the appearance of dimpled skin on the thighs, hips, buttocks and abdomen of most women and some men, too. Cellulite is most common in areas of fat deposits and is the result of the unevenness of this fatty tissue beneath the skin surface.Cellulite is a skin condition in which tiny bumps and ripples are found under the skin. Connecting the skin to the subcutaneous layers are the strands of fibrous tissue. These strands also separate the underlying compartments comprising fat cells. When these compartments enlarge in size, they cause the natural fibers holding the skin to the tissue layer underneath to stretch, thereby giving a rippled appearance. Cellulite is superficial fat trapped in areas underneath the top layer of the skin. It is found on those areas of the body where the fat deposition is concentrated, such as the buttocks, hips, abdomen and thighs. The skin becomes pitted, wrinkled, dimpled and bulging. Cellulite is nothing but ordinary fat, altering the appearance of the skin. Cellulite conduces a feeling of sagging, tenderness, tightness, etc. especially while standing.
Four Steps to Prevent and Reduce Cellulite
If you do nothing else, try to follow these four guidelines to reduce and prevent cellulite.
1. Decrease your caloric intake: Reducing the amount of calories you eat per day will help you decrease the amount of fat you have stored in your adipose tissue. An average person should consume between 1200 and 1500 calories a day.
2. Decrease the sodium in your diet: Sodium is an osmotic, which means that it pulls water into the cells and tends to keep it there. This is called fluid retention and it is a major cause of cellulite in thinner people. The excess fluid tends to gravitate to the already swollen adipose cells. Fight fluid retention by drinking plenty of water to flush out excess sodium and cutting down on the amount of sodium in your diet.
3. Increase the antioxidants in your diet: The collagen that surrounds the adipose cells is damaged by free radicals. Try to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day to supply your body with free radical fighting antioxidants.
4. Reduce "toxins": Saturated fat, sugar, alcohol, and cigarettes all have a part in cellulite formation. They trigger free radicals and slow down the lypmhatic system. The lymph system flushes "toxins" from your body, but when it's sluggish, it can create fibers that bind to the cellular walls of adipose tissue, which squish them down, making them bulge even more. Try to reduce, if not completely avoid, saturated fats, sugars, alcohol, and cigarettes.
Cellulite Treatments
There are many products and treatments that promise to get rid of cellulite on thighs and buttocks. But there is little evidence that shows that many of them work well or for long. Here is what you should know about some of the options:
1. Cellulite creams: These creams are said to dissolve fat and smooth the skin. But many cellulite creams contain aminophylline, a prescription drug approved for treating asthma. There is no scientific evidence that these creams are effective against cellulite, and for some people, they can be harmful. Their apparent effect on cellulite may be due to narrowing blood vessels and forcing water from the skin, which could be dangerous for people with circulatory problems. Aminophylline can also cause an allergic reaction in some people.
2. Liposuction: This is a surgical procedure to remove fat deposits from the body. Liposuction, though, removes deep fat, not cellulite, which is just beneath the skin. The American Academy of Dermatology warns that liposuction may actually worsen the appearance of cellulite by creating more depressions in the skin.
3. Mesotherapy: Mesotherapy is a therapy originally developed in Europe to relieve pain of inflammatory skin conditions. It involves injecting substances such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and enzymes into the tissue just beneath the skin. Mesotherapy may break down fat and bring a slight improvement in the appearance of cellulite. But it also carries risks, which include swelling, infection, and irregular contours.
4. Massage and spa treatments: Massage and other spa treatments may have a temporary effect on the dimpling appearance of skin. But they do not remove cellulite. Any effect is short-lived and probably due to the removal of excess fluid.
5. Laser treatment: The FDA has cleared the use of a device that uses laser energy to treat cellulite. According to the manufacturer, the device can melt fat under the skin, break up the fibrous bands under the skin, and stimulate collagen production.
9 Natural Remedies for Cellulite
1. Dry Brushing: Dry skin brushing effectively opens up the pores on your skin. This is something you can and should be doing daily, even twice a day. Your skin should be dry, so the ideal time is in the shower before you turn on the water. Just a reminder, don’t get the brush wet.
In addition to sloughing away dry skin on areas like knees, elbows and ankles, body brushing promotes tighter skin, cell renewal and blood flow. This also helps the lymphatic system release toxins and aids in digestion and kidney function. You’ll also notice a glowy, smooth complexion. We love it because it’s one of the easiest, cheapest and most effective things we can do for promoting healthy skin.”
2. Consuming Gelatin: Gelatin is largely composed of the amino acids glycine and proline, which many people don’t consume in adequate amounts as they are found in the bones, fibrous tissues and organs of animals and as a population, we don’t consume these parts as much anymore. These amino acids are needed not only for proper skin, hair and nail growth, but for optimal immune function and weight regulation!
One theory is that the decline of gelatin containing foods in our diets has led to an increase in cellulite as we don’t have the needed building blocks for healthy connective tissue. Either way, it is another remedy that is good for other reasons and worth a try.
3. Myofascial Massage:"Cellulite forms in the superficial fascia, a layer of connective tissue below the skin that contains fat cells. Superficial fascia is fibrous and due to inactivity, injuries, and improper exercise, adhesions (scar tissue) in the fascia can form contributing to the bunched-up or rippled look of the skin. Not only does the superficial fascia become more fibrous, thickened and coarse, less flexible, but it can also adhere to underlying structures that it normally slides over.”
Some therapists are able to perform a type of massage called myofascial massage or myofascial release, which smoothes this layer of connective tissue and can apparently also help with some types of muscle and joint problems that are related to imbalances in the fascia.
4. Coffee Scrub: Coffee scrubs can be beneficial in reducing cellulite as well. The massage and exfoliation benefits skin by stimulating blood/lymph flow and the caffeine in the coffee has a tightening effect. Pinterest is speckled with accounts of coffee scrubs and wraps working for reducing cellulite and loose skin, and like the other remedies, it is at least worth a try. If nothing else, coffee smells great and this scrub will exfoliate skin:
You will need:
• 1/4 cup coffee grounds
• 3 tablespoons sugar or brown sugar
• 2-3 Tablespoons of melted coconut oil
What to do: Combine the ingredients to create a paste-like consistency (note that it will harden if cooled if you are using unrefined coconut oil). Store in a glass jar.
To Use: Massage in to skin for several minutes using firm pressure and wash as usual. Use 2-3 times a week. Results should be visible within a couple of weeks.
5. Kettlebells: Kettlebells is a workout and they are especially good for the hips, thighs, buttocks, stomach areas (don’t believe me? do one kettlebell workout and let me know how your thighs feel the next day!)
Increasing blood flow to these areas can help remove cellulite and kettlebells are one of the most effective ways to build muscle and burn fat (both which help minimize the appearance of cellulite)
6. Omega-3s: Another theory is that consumption of the wrong kinds of fats leads to an imbalance of the fatty acids that the body needs for smooth skin and tissue. There is some evidence that consuming enough Omega-3 fatty acids and fat soluble vitamins will help reduce cellulite over time. Either way, Omega-3s and fat soluble vitamins are important for many other functions in the body, so it won’t hurt to try it!
7. Detox Baths: Detox baths because they are relaxing, but yet another theory proclaims that toxin build-up in skin and fat tissues lead to cellulite. I couldn’t find any scientific evidence to back the toxin claim, but detox baths can be relaxing and great for the skin in other ways.
8. Moisturize Naturally: Just as detox baths may help remove toxins that can lead to skin problems (and maybe cellulite), constantly adding toxins back to the skin in the form of chemical-laden beauty products probably doesn’t help much! If you haven’t already, try using natural options for skin care and moisturizing. Simple coconut oil will work as an all-purpose moisturizer
9. Balance Hormones: It seems that many sources agree that hormones play a large part in cellulite formation (one reason that women typically get it and men don’t) and that working toward proper hormone balance can help reduce cellulite. Even if it doesn’t get rid of cellulite, balancing hormones helps in so many other ways that it is worth working on!
10 Diet: People who are overweight need to alter their diet. The diet should encompass foods rich in nutrients like blueberries, nuts, soy, etc. Nutrients such as vitamin B, essential fatty acids and glucosamine should be taken by the body. Moreover, onions have wonderful natural diuretic properties, which is why they release water buildup from skin cells. Reduction of cellulite will also call for abstinence from nicotine and caffeine. One should also drink plenty of water and not consume excess salt.
11. Exfoliation: Regular cleansing and exfoliation of the cellulite area is one of the home treatments. It involves the brushing of the body in a shower using a body brush, loofah or wash cloth. One should first start brushing in a circular motion and then brush motion upwards towards the bowel. This will increase the blood circulation and will help remove the metabolic wastes surrounding the fat cells. Aromatherapy oils added to the bath also stimulate the body system.
12. Pantyhose: Of the different cellulite home remedies is the pantyhose remedy, which helps reduce cellulite and also combat it. The body shaping pantyhose will contour the thighs, thereby compressing the fat. It also stimulates blood circulation and facilitate the process of cellulite reduction.
Anti Cellulite Diet
1. Fresh Fruit Juices and Water: Drink an adequate number of glasses of water everyday; but don't overdo it. Water does flush out some toxins if not all. We are made of 72.9% water, so it does make up for quite a lot of cell-structures, and aids with all the basic functioning of the body and all its organs.
Fresh fruit juices are great to hydrate your body and flush out toxins. The grapefruit juice diet, too, works well in the process of cellulite reduction. A juice fast is great if you're planning on doing a detox. Stay away, at any rate, from soft drinks and diet drinks.
2. Antioxidants: Foods high in antioxidants are, for instance, fruits and vegetables that are of exuberantly appetizing colors. Fruits rich in antioxidants are blueberries, blackberries, mangoes, oranges, strawberries, cranberries, grape fruits, apples, kiwi fruit, tomatoes, avocados, carrots, spinach, zucchini, red radish, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, fennel, endive, green beans, onions.
3. Vitamins and Minerals: Vitamin C present in citrus fruits assists in the formation of collagen, a protein, that makes for most of the connective tissue in your body.
Zinc helps with growth and development of cell tissues and boosts the immune system by protecting it against free radicals. Zinc is found in pumpkin seeds, cashews, sunflower seeds, Parmesan cheese, seaweed and wheat germ.
Selenium is another mineral that acts as an antioxidant found in salmon, walnuts, cashews and lentils. Foods that contain phosphorus also contain calcium and help regulate protein in your body. Though high phosphorus intake without calcium in it can lead to osteoporosis. Lean meat, eggs, fish, skimmed milk are excellent choices.
4. Olive Oil: It is best to use olive oil in your salads and cooking with olive oil is a whole lot better than with other oils or butter. Olive oil contains monounsaturated fat which is easily digestible. Too much heating of olive oil too, can lead to formation of toxins in it. The green extra virgin olive oil, comes directly from the first press and is better than the golden one, as this one is more natural.
5. Proteins, But Absolutely NO Red Meat: If you are a meat-lover, eat more of lean white meat that comes from poultry that is fed on a natural diet, and that of fish from unpolluted waters. Trim away fat and do away with the skin of poultry. Red meat is heavily laden with saturated fats and the amounts cause more harm than benefit, to begin with. Quite a frightful thing that some producers of red meats and poultry have been found out to, very insensitively, use dangerous additives, illegal hormones and drugs that make the animal unnaturally gain abnormal fat in order to make greedy profits. Proteins that come from fermented soy and fish are beneficial.
6. Iodine: The right amount of iodine in your anti cellulite diet can make a sluggish thyroid gland function well again. An inactive thyroid gland makes your body gain weight excessively which eventuates to form cellulite. Though, overly salty foods are certainly harmful as your body tries to retain fluid in the tissues. Natural sources of iodine are dairy, eggs and an iodine-rich seaweed called kelp.
7. Essential Fatty Acids: Omega 3 essential fatty acids and omega 6 fatty acids - classified simply as 'essential fatty acids' and are involved in the basics of our biological processes- they help manufacture, nourish and repair cell-membrane and tissues, thus aiding cellulite-reduction. They also help with metabolism by expelling toxins and waste products out of the body.
8. Fiber: A high fiber diet works well when you're looking for cellulite reduction. Fresh raw fruits, vegetables, whole grain cereals, pastas and bread, and nuts, seeds and beans make it into the list of high fiber foods.
9. Dairy Products: It is best to switch to yogurt and whey and avoid milk. If you are a lover of milk, skim milk in moderation should do, but not whole milk. Avoid processed cheese and other processed dairy products at all costs and opt for natural low-fat cheeses.
10. Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose which is where your body gets its energy from. Carbohydrates are very essential for your body. It is much determined by the glycemic index (GI) of a particular food whether the carbs in it are healthy for you or not.
Myotcstore Related Products:
Alpha Hydrox Oil-Free Formula - 1.7 ozDerma-E DMAE alpha lipoic Ester-C retexturizes creme, 2 oz
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle, Anti-Blemish Cleanser - 5.1 Oz
Nivea Q10+ Body Skin Firming Cellulite Gel-Cream - 6.7 oz
Reviva 5% Glycolic Acid Facial Cream For Mature Skin - 4 oz