So, we’re glad to welcome back those who read part 1 of this two-part blog about what cellulite is and how it is caused. To those who didn’t, you can read it in full by following this link. To summarise, we covered what cellulite is, what causes it and exactly what is happening under the skin to give it that distinct, mottled look.
In this part, however, we move on a step and look at how cellulite can be prevented, reduced and even eliminated to give your skin the youthful glow it once had. Because of the widespread nature of the problem amongst women, there have been many ways created to tackle it and we look at those in more detail now.
Method #1 - Regular Exercise
One effective way of reducing your chances of getting cellulite is to exercise on a regular basis. As well as supporting your overall cardiovascular health, exercise helps to lower levels of fat in the body. A routine that combines both strength and aerobic training is the best way to consistently burn body fat, as anaerobic activity can help to burn fat for several hours after you’ve finished exercising.
Method #2 - Apple Cider Vinegar
As well as helping to reduce cholesterol, lower blood pressure and regulate blood sugar levels, pure apple cider vinegar is a useful weapon against cellulite. You can either use a diluted solution topically to make use of its astringent qualities (meaning it naturally tightens the skin) or you can consume it to help you reduce your weight and the number of fat cells in the body.
Method #3 - Coffee Grounds
Believe it or not, coffee grounds have become popular to use to in exfoliation, leading to newer-looking, tighter skin. When either used neat or mixed together with coconut oil, coffee grounds are also believed to able to stimulate blood circulation, increase lymph flow and reduce bumpiness on the skin. If you try this method, do try and leave the mixture on for at least 10 minutes before cleaning it off.
Method #4 - Dry Brushing
Another technique that is said to be quite effective is known as dry brushing, which involves gently rubbing the surface of the skin with a body brush or a plant loofah. Doing so for around 5 minutes helps stimulate the nerve cells in the skin and promote the growth of new cells. It also removes dead cells and promotes both lymph and blood flow - all of which helps to keep the skin looking young and cellulite-free.
Method #5 - Lotions and Creams
There are a variety of anti-cellulite creams on the market that all profess to be the most effective at reducing the appearance of cellulite. There are those that contain caffeine and what this does is dehydrate the upper layers of skin cells. It doesn’t get rid of cellulite - rather it makes it less evident because of the fact that it has a dehydrating effect on the skin. For this reason, it needs to be applied every day to stay working.
Others you’ll find will have low levels of Retinol, which is a rebranding of simple vitamin A. This helps to thicken the skin, which in turn, makes the cellulite less evident. This method is a real slow-burner and you’ll be applying it for upwards of 6 months before you see any real, meaningful benefit.
Method #6 - Cupping
The last method on our list is that of cupping, which is an inexpensive and pain-free way of reducing your cellulite. The beauty of this particular treatment is that it’s so easy that you can do it yourself in the comfort of your own home. That’s not to say that it’s not a powerful treatment either, as just 5 minutes’ worth of cupping is equivalent to half an hour of deep tissue massage - perfect for reducing the effects of cellulite.
A set of 4 silicone cups of varying sizes can be bought for just under £8 and each session should take you between 5 and 15 minutes to complete, depending on how many areas you’re treating. To use, simply squeeze the silicone cup whilst it’s in contact with the skin and this should cause it to ‘grab’ your skin. Some kind of moisturising oil should be applied beforehand to help the process along by reducing friction. This deep massage technique is great for cellulite reduction, but can also be used for the reduction of muscle soreness and to assist in recovery from injury.
Once your silicone cup is attached, it’s a case of moving the cup in slow circular motions around the area you want to be treated, making sure that suction is maintained throughout. This should be continued for around 5 minutes per area for best results. The whole thing is completely safe and is really effective in reducing the unsightly effects of cellulite on most areas of the body. Each second the silicone cup is applied, it’s helping to increase blood flow to the area, stimulating the production of new skin cells and disrupting those pesky fat cells - all of which leaves your skin looking firmer and smoother.
Transparent massage cups are easy to use, checked for safety and allow you to see the skin being treated throughout. Cleaning afterwards is simple and involves a quick rinse or clean with a wet wipe. All things considered, this is one of the easiest, cheapest and most effective ways of reducing cellulite.
In Summary
With so many options available, it can be a little difficult to choose the right one, so we would recommend looking into each one or perhaps even trying some to see what works for you. No two people are the same, so it figures that the right option will depend on each person’s emotional and physical characteristics. One thing’s for sure however, you don’t have to sit idly by and suffer silently with cellulite any more.
Whether you choose coffee grounds, pure apple cider vinegar, cupping or a combination of all three for your cellulite issues, you’re taking steps to rid yourself of your subdermal fat cells that cause so many skin issues for women around the world. That’s something women everywhere can get on board with!
We really appreciate you taking the time to read our blog and we wish you a happy and cellulite-free future.