Cellulite Reduction and Creams - Fact or Fiction?

Cellulite reduction is an attainable goal for women!

Cellulite is the lumpy, bumpy appearance of fat that is usually found on women’s hips, thighs, stomach and buttocks.

Because a women’s fat and connective tissue is formed a bit differently than men’s we are more prone to cellulite.

As connective tissue breaks down with age and other factors, fat pockets bulge up between the tissue walls. This protrudes up into the dermis layer of skin and creates unsightly lumps.

It is believed that 90% of women have some degree of cellulite. There are various stages with stage 1 having cellulite that is not yet visible. Stage 3 is when the cellulite is easily visible in a standing position.

Is There a Remedy for Cellulite?

It seems almost every major skin care company sells a cellulite cream. While some may seem to temporarily smooth the desired area, they may actually be causing more harm than good.

Many cellulite creams are filled with harsh ingredients that dry out skin and ultimately cause tissue damage. The end result is the re-appearance of your old cellulite and possibly more.

There are certainly hundreds of claims from supplements to exercises to lotions and potions claiming to rid you of cellulite.

Unfortunately, it is not that easy. Some sources say there is no way to get rid of it, while other legitimate skin experts state there are healthy ways to cellulite reduction.

Is Surgery an Option?

There are numerous surgical procedures that claim to get rid of cellulite. For most of us they are way too expensive. But don’t feel badly. Most cellulite reduction procedures have a minimal, temporary effect.

For example, cellulite is located in the subcutaneous layer of fat just beneath the skin. Liposuction is done beneath the layer of fat where cellulite is formed and may even make cellulite appear worse.

What Can We Do?

First, let’s understand what cellulite is and why we get it. It is my belief to reduce, heal or repair a skin problem it is best to first understand it. Especially when trying to do it the natural way.

For some time it was believed that cellulite was a build up of toxic substances.

Detox diets were being praised as a means to cellulite reduction. However, new research suggests that is not the case. Instead, cellulite is a result (mostly) of heredity, anatomy and hormones.

Factors that cause or exacerbate the appearance of cellulite:
• Heredity
– your body is predisposed to carry a certain percentage of fat in the subcutaneous layer.
• Gender
– women are mostly affected.
• Age
– the older we get the weaker our connective tissue gets.
• Thickness of Skin
– people with darker skin tend to have thicker skin. They are less likely to develop as much visible cellulite.
• Pregnancy
– the surge of hormones during this time are said to contribute to cellulite. While joints muscles become more pliable in preparation for child birth, so does connective tissue. Edema (water retention) can also make cellulite appear worse.
• Fat
– the more fat you have under the subcutaneous layer pushing upwards the more visible the cellulite will become. Important – cellulite is not a “fat persons” problem! Skinny people and all in between can be just as likely to have it. Excess fat may make it appear more visible.
• Sun Damage
– this damages tissues and makes them weaker.
• Dehydration
– this leads to tissue damage and causes water retention. Both contribute to unsightly lumps.
• Poor Circulation
– weak blood vessels can’t transport nutrients to the skin and tissues, making them weaker.

With this in mind, you should be better equipped to decide which natural cellulite reduction treatment you would like to try. The general consensus is that you should incorporate 3 different

strategies in your quest to smoother skin.

Number One

Diet!

We now know that cellulite is not a toxic build up of substances.

However, it is still recommended that you are staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water.

Chances are if your skin (your largest organ) is dry than your other organs and body parts are as well. Including the connective tissue holding us together!

Other dietary supplements good for circulation and cellulite reduction…
• Butcher’s Broom and Horesechestnut Seed Extract - often found together in supplements for vein health. Strengthen blood vessels.
• Ginko Biloba – improves circulation and relaxes blood vessels for easy flow.
• Grape Seed Extract – reinforces cross linking of collagen and helps to maintain healthy blood vessels.
• Gelatin – some believe this may help as it contains the amino acids that build collagen.
• Multi Vitamin – should contain antioxidants (such as vitamins C and E) for protecting cells and tissues. Also contains B vitamins to help absorb other nutrients helpful to vein and skin health.
• Essential Fatty Acids – from oily fish or certain nuts.
• Plenty of Organic Fruits and Veggies – full of vitamins, antioxidants and water. Snacking on these will help to maintain a healthy weight.

Number Two:

Manual Labor! Sorry - you can’t get out of it!