Do you suffer from patches of lumpy or dimpled skin that just won’t go away? Perhaps you’ve been eating healthy, exercising, and practicing proper skincare in high hopes that your skin will smooth out. You’re not alone; 90% of women have dealt with cellulite at some point in their lives. We know what it is, but what are our options for getting rid of that excess fat?
You can run, and take cycling or Pilates classes until the cows come home – but sadly, there’s no cure for cellulite. When connective fibers, or adipose tissue, underneath our skin loses some of its elasticity, a layer of fat pushes against it causing that dreaded “cottage cheese” appearance that many of us know all too well. It’s most common on the dermis of the abs, buttocks, and thighs.
There are many steps you can take to diminish the appearance of cellulite. For one, get that blood flowing. Don’t stop sweating just because you won’t see cellulite disappear following your first gym session. Adhering to a regular exercise routine will promote a noticeable improvement in the firmness of skin. Poor circulation can exacerbate the look of cellulite by stopping the flow of blood that moves pooled fat stores in the body.
Splurge on a lymphatic massage in lieu of those fancy cellulite creams. Firming lotions promote empty promises, and while they may give a fleeting illusion of better skin – they’re most likely just plumping it with moisture. Toxins and waste can collect in the body, building up in the fat tissues. Fight back with lymphatic massage, which transfers these pollutants to areas where they can be more easily excreted (lungs, kidneys, colon). Also, ask about dry brushing – a technique typically touted by holistic healers, and can also be done in the comfort of your own home.
It may be trite to say, but you are what you eat. Steer clear of sugary, processed foods, and limit your intake of alcohol. Sip on several glasses of green tea instead, which will inhibit the absorption of fat; its caffeine & theobromine both release stored fats from your body. Trade that bland white bread for something a bit grainier; whole grain breads are loaded with polyphenols, a type of antioxidant that helps purify the body.
Remember: don’t let your well run dry. One of the easiest ways to promote smoother, suppler skin is by drinking plenty of water. This elixir is an essential component for flushing out the toxins that cause cellulite – so, stay hydrated.
Don’t be afraid of fat! Not all fats are created equal; be wary of which kind you’re consuming. Unlike their “bad” counterparts, monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats, and Omega-3s hydrate the skin and encourage fluid to stay in the skin cells, making it smoother. Boost your diet with salmon, avocado, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, which are all brimming with healthy fats.
If you have tried these remedies, and are still struggling with stubborn fat – you may want to consider CoolSculpting. This non-surgical method of fat reduction and body contouring freezes and eliminates the sub-dermal layers of fat for a smoother-looking aesthetic. Exercise and a healthy diet are definitely recommended, but when combined with a little aesthetic procedure, the results can be just what you’re thinking of.
Don’t let cellulite keep you from feeling your best. Consider speaking with a reputable plastic surgeon like the experts at Atlantic Center of Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery. They’ll offer you plenty of advice and tips on how to tame your cellulite. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 954-983-1899.
1Health.com
2Simplerootswellness.com
3Glamour.com
4Mindbodygreen.com
5BBCgoodfood.com
