Last updated on November 29th, 2018 at 10:18 am
If you’re a woman you’ve probably wondered once or twice if it’s possible to get rid of cellulite naturally. Well, spoiler alert: It’s possible. But you’ll need dedication to do it. If you’re ready to make a commitment, here I’m sharing 5 tips that actually work and can help tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite!
A few weeks ago I found the anti-cellulite cream my mom gave me a while back.
Well she didn’t really give it to me, it was confiscated at the airport as she tried to sneak a huge tube of anti-cellulite cream in her hand luggage. The lady who confiscated it was “nice enough” to give that cream to me. She gave me a wink and told me: “Good luck”.
Nooooo she didn’t say that.
But the rest is true. I didn’t know my mom was using anti-cellulite cream, surprise! I put that anti-cellulite cream in a box to never see it again for months.
When I found it again, the one question I have asked myself and Google so many times when I was in my late teens and early 20ies popped into my head again:
Can you get rid of cellulite? (Naturally)
Answer #1
Well the wise, 32-year old part of me doesn’t really care. Because newsflash: everyone has cellulite. Between 85 and 98% of all women to be exact according to this article. Who cares about the other 2% of women that don’t have cellulite? I’d say if we all have it, it’s pretty damn normal. No need to go crazy.
I personally don’t have that much cellulite (I am the fat belly type). Hold up, let me rephrase that: I have enough cellulite, just less than most women I know. And I am 100% sure this is all genetics.
If you go to the beach and look around you won’t find even one woman over 14 who doesn’t have cellulite. No matter how thin or even toned we are, we still can have cellulite. This has nothing to do with being thin. Nothing to do with toxins either. It has to do with hormones, aging, fat and maybe some inflammation.
Now, that was what the wise part of me thinks.
Answer #2
The other part of me (the one that believes in natural remedies and that what we eat can even change how smart we are), the bold and believer part of me, KNOWS we can actually reduce cellulite if we put in some (a lot) of work into that goal.
I say this because I have seen this with my sister and other friends who have more cellulite than I and went all the way with their diets and exercise. Their cellulites improved within weeks. I am aware: this sounds very scamm-y, but it’s what I’ve observed and it’s the truth. The cellulite did not disappear altogether, but it got much much much better.
Quite similar to glowing skin
It’s the same thing like when you see people improve their skin when they start eating healthy. They look fresher, complexion is beautiful, eyes are clear and the skin looks plump. Well I observed cellulite seems to be the same way. The skin just smoothens out and while the dimples are not completely gone (especially when you squeeze those areas), cellulite seems to be reduced.
My Disclaimer
I have never thought I would write an article on cellulite. And honestly I can’t believe women still obsess over it. It’s old news and as I said we all have it anyway. But. Most of the tips below, are tips that will improve your overall health, skin and even hair and nails. It’s not about creams and massages. It’s about getting as healthy as you possibly can. As energized, light and happy as possible.
But. I want you to know, that if you don’t adopt these following tips as lifestyle changes – reducing cellulite long-term will not work. So if you’re just looking for a quick fix, you can also expect quick relapse.
Now, what is cellulite?
We all know what cellulite looks like. Dimples all over the thighs, sometimes on the belly, arms and even neck (crazy, right?). Doesn’t look pretty. But it’s not dangerous (phew!).
What it actually is: are fat cells in the hypodermis (deepest skin layer) gone wild and big. These enlarged fat cells press against the layer that connects them to the outermost layer of the skin – and then you see dimples.
So it’s combination of “disturbed” fat cells and loose connective tissue.
What are the causes of cellulite?
Some people are ignorant enough to tell you cellulite comes from fat, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth. You can be fat and have less cellulite than someone who’s 40pounds lighter than you.
The main reasons for cellulite according to science are:
- higher levels of estrogens (the skin is affected by hormones)
- age (when you’re older your connective tissue is less and less “tight”)
- genetics (Asians have less cellulite than Caucasians). (1)
Therefore if someone tells you cellulite comes because someone is fat, tell them to stfu.
5 Strategies To Get Rid Of Cellulite Naturally
What can we do to reduce cellulite? Without scrubbing coffee, wrapping ourselves in plastic bags or going to some expensive treatment?
Well to make the most out of it and experience some amazing health benefits – we can change what we eat, how we move and how we react to stress. Groundbreaking, right?
Let’s start with how we eat.
1. Eat an anti-inflammatory diet
There is some evidence that inflammation is linked to cellulite too. Eating an anti-inflammatory diet, like described here, will naturally reduce body fat, balance your hormones (2) and provide all nutrients needed for better skin – vitamin C, polyphenols, fiber, vitamin A and E, zinc, iron and omega-3’s.
So – just with your diet you correct most of the causes for cellulite (high levels of estrogen, body fat, and connective tissue).
Use the following guidelines to start eating healthier and better:
- How To Eat To Reduce Inflammation
- 8 Diet Changes For Better Skin
- How to Eat for Better Skin, Hair and Nails
The importance of Alkalinity
Because an anti-inflammatory diet is rich in vegetables, this type of diet also alkalizes your body and can reduce loss of muscle mass (3). When you have more muscles they support your skin and it appears tighter.
The importance of vitamin C
It’s very important to eat more vegetables also because you need vitamin C for the correct synthesis of collagen. That’s the most abundant protein in the body and it’s the main protein in the connective tissue. As we get older we can produce less and less collagen. But the good news is we can turn this around with some vitamin C rich foods.
In fact one study found that when supplemented with vitamin C skin cells from older people (70-80 years old) can make as much collagen as the cells of newborns (3-4 days) (4). Which is a lot.
By taking care of your vitamin C and collagen, you strengthen the connective tissue, smoothen out your cellulite and get rid of wrinkles. Sounds like a great plan to me.
2. Drink more water
Drinking more water will help hydrate your body and keep you away from eating too much. And from cravings. Plus a study found out you can burn more calories when you drink 2l of water. Can’t believe it, but it’s real. (5) When you burn more fat, you also burn some cellulite fat.
3. Do cardio and strength exercise
You might not be a fan of working out, but to get rid of cellulite and to get in shape I highly recommend you do it. You’ll burn some fat and improve circulation with cardio. You’ll tone up your muscles with strength training, so you can look toned and lean.
As I mentioned in the alkalinity part – muscle mass is very important for the appearance of cellulite. Otherwise the affected areas might look kinda jiggly and soft. Besides muscles help you burn more calories even when you’re not working out. Plus exercise can improve insulin sensitivity. Since insulin is one of the hormones connected to cellulite and inflammation, this is great news. (6)
4. Sitting Is Not For Everyone
Sitting can make you gain A TON of weight and increases many risk factors for degenerative diseases and can give you stiff neck and shoulders. But it can also make your cellulite worse, because it can slow down blood flow and decrease muscle mass. (6) So get off your butt and go out to face the world – a 30-minute walk can do wonders for your mental health as well.
5. Chill out
Seriously. (gif source)
If you’re anything like anyone else you’re probably stressed out more often than you’d like. Well, if you don’t want to see cellulite – stop it. Stress suppresses your immune system and increases the levels of catecholamines. Those are stress hormones made by our adrenal glands and are also linked to the development and worsening of cellulite. (6)
EXTRA TIPS
- If you’re a smoker – it’s a good idea to stop, because cigarettes cause increased oxidative stress and damage the body tissues, including the connective tissue. That’s why on average smokers look older and have more wrinkles than non-smokers (not to offend anyone, but it is true).
- Also if you can – eat less salt. When you eat too much salt your body retains water this worsens the look of cellulite.
What won’t work:
My mom’s solution: rubbing anti-cellulite cream on her thighs.
It doesn’t even make sense – you might improve circulation and all, but other than that, I don’t really see a benefit of buying a special cream. A massage with coconut oil would probably do better.
I’m so happy I found your blog! Thank you! <3
Glad to have you here, Anna <3