Cellulite, the ugly appearance of fat beneath the skin can be quite unsightly to look at and even more difficult to get rid of. But certain practices can certainly help you keep it away or if you already have it, lessen their appearance. Here are 10 facts about cellulite you should know.
Types of cellulite
Skincare expert Jill Zander of the Jill Zander Skin Rejuvenation Clinic, Surrey, tells us the different types of cellulite that women have.
- Adipose cellulite: Firm cellulite which looks like an orange peel on loose skin
- Oedematous cellulite: Soft cellulite on loose skin due to fluid retention
- Fibrotic cellulite: Hard, compact cellulite
Cellulite is often hereditary
If you have cellulite, it is likely that your family members will be suffering from the same problem. But you are not alone. ‘It is said that 95 per cent of women have some type of cellulite somewhere on their body,’ says Jill.
Women are more prone to cellulite
Women are more prone to its occurrence due to two main causes – dwindling oestrogen levels and the way their collagen is structured. Women have a picket fence like structure which makes it easier to store fat and excessive storage leads to cellulite. Also, when there is less oestrogen in the body, it lowers the circulation of blood and nourishment to the skin which means less production of collagen.
Smoking and stress also lead to cellulite
Smoking leads to a lot of problems and affects your skin in various ways. It reduces the production of collagen in the body which leads to problems such as wrinkles, ageing skin and even cellulite as the skin is unable to rejuvenate itself due to lack of blood circulation. Stress too has the same effect. Practise yoga, chanting, meditation and any other forms of calming methods that will help keep stress away and you can reduce the likelihood of developing cellulite.
Tight clothes can cause cellulite too
It has been found that tight clothing – especially tight underwear where the elastic cuts across the buttocks – tends to aggravate the problem of cellulite. Tight clothing tends to restrict the flow of blood to that area and this may be one of the factors that causes fat deposition leading to cellulite formation. So make sure you wear clothing that is comfortable and not too tight.
Exercise can keep cellulite at bay
‘Cellulite forms in areas with the least circulation. Everyday energising movements and skin warming exercises will make you say goodbye to dimpled skin if you are consistent with it. Running, swimming and brisk walking are the best form of exercises for increasing blood circulation and loosening the fat tissues,’ says Jill.
DIY beauty treatments to beat cellulite
In order to increase circulation, try a body massage or use a good scrub. Both help in rejuvenating the skin and making it supple like before. But only this will not help, you will still need to start exercising in combination with this tip.
Moving around helps
Says Jill, ‘Cellulite is a big fan of women with inactive careers. Take breaks, make tea and walk and talk. All of these simple steps remind your rear it needs to keep in shape.’ Sitting for long hours can only worsen your cellulite so set a reminder on your phone to get up from your chair and stretch your legs every half an hour.
Other treatments
According to Dr Shefali Trasi Nerurkar, a skin specialist, a few treatments that can help treat cellulite are:
- Dietary supplements containing soy lecithin, sweet clove
- Oil of evening primrose
- Laser and light therapy
- Mesotherapy
- Wraps
Certain Ayurvedic herbs can reduce cellulite
According to Ayurveda, some substances such as ginger help improve circulation of blood to tissues and this prevents the deposition of cellulite. Tulsi is a herb that has the property of restraining the amount of fat collecting in the body. Guggul and licorice are also said to have anti-cellulite action. Consuming these herbs can help keep cellulite at bay but it is important to take the advice of an Ayurveda expert before you begin to use them for this specific purpose.
