How to Get Rid of Cellulite

If you’ve recently gained weight, been pregnant, or live a relatively sedentary lifestyle, then you may have noticed cellulite develop on your hips, thighs, or abdomen. Cellulite is a harmless skin condition that causes your skin to appear lumpy or dimpled. It can make you feel insecure about your appearance, but all is not lost. There are several ways you can reduce or reverse the appearance of cellulite.

What is cellulite?

Cellulite is a very common skin condition that affects both men and women — but predominantly women. It occurs when the skin overlying certain areas of fat are pulled down to the deeper tissues by connective tissue bands — causing uneven, lumpy, and dimpled flesh. It most often impacts the:

• Thighs
• Hips
• Buttocks
• Abdomen
• Breasts

Causes of Cellulite

While the exact cause of cellulite is still unknown, we understand that as fat cells accumulate, they push up against the skin. This causes the long, tough cords to pull down. As a result, your skin becomes uneven, lumpy, or forms dimples.

Hormonal factors play a large role in the development of cellulite, but they aren’t the only cause. Other reasons include:

• Genetics
• Weight gain
• Inactivity
• Pregnancy

8 Ways to Get Rid of Cellulite

1. Change Your Diet

There are tons of foods that aim at smoothing your skin, improving elasticity, and supercharging your collagen production. That’s why something as simple as changing your diet can be a great way to reverse or reduce cellulite. Next time you go grocery shopping, look for these powerful foods:

• Grapefruit
• Asparagus and other vegetables
• Chicken, fish, and other poultry
• Nuts and seed
• Whole-grains
• Buckwheat
• Cilantro
• Parsley
• Ginger
• Lemons or other citrus fruits (for your water)

Just like these foods are great for reducing cellulite, there are other foods that can actually worsen the appearance of the skin condition. Limit or avoid foods like:

• Processed meats and cheeses
• Canned soups
• Soda and sweetened beverages
• BBQ sauce
• Cottage cheese
• Pizza
• Margarine and buttery spreads
• Soy sauce
• White bread
• Doritos
• Snack cakes and other processed snacks
• Bagels

For more information, check out: Anti-Cellulite Diet: 10 Foods to Get Rid of Cellulite

2. Exercise Regularly

Exercise is a great way to shed extra body fat and get rid of cellulite. While long-distance cardio can boost your metabolism and help you reach a healthy weight, doing interval training (also known as burst training) will likely be much more effective. But, burst training isn’t the only type of exercise you should do. Also, incorporate the following:

• High-intensity interval training (HIIT)
• Paired burst cardio and resistance training
• Weight training
• Isometric training

3. Use Topical Creams

There are tons of over-the-counter topical creams that can be used to reduce or minimize the appearance of cellulite. But, these options are typically not long-lasting. Most creams include the active ingredient caffeine — which is known to promote blood flow and circulation. This can help reduce cellulite. And, most creams tighten the skin while moisturizing to provide a smoother appearance.

4. Try Essential Oils

Essential oils aren’t always for everyone, but incorporating a grapefruit essential oil into your routine can give you about the same benefits as eating the food itself. Grapefruit contains large amounts of anti-inflammatory enzymes, which help reduce cellulite.

5. Get a Massage

Whether it’s at home with a tool or at a medical facility by a professional, massaging the areas affected by cellulite can help reduce their appearance. The movement breaks up the tough bands under the skin. This makes cellulite less noticeable. Massages can also thicken your skin which can reduce their appearance.

6. Laser Treatments

Laser treatments are a non-invasive option for promoting collagen production and reducing cellulite. Depending on the type of laser used, it can disconnect the tight fibers that cause a dimpled appearance and melt the fat that creates a bulge. While results can last longer than topical creams and some other reduction options, laser treatment isn’t a long-term solution. Depending on the severity of your cellulite, additional treatments may be required.

7. Radiofrequency Treatments

Similar to laser treatments, radio-frequency treatments are a non-invasive option for improving the appearance of your skin. It’s similar to a massage in that it uses vibrations to break up the tough bands under the skin and make cellulite less noticeable. Some radio frequency treatments can be done in one session, while other treatments require several appointments before you see desired results.