Regardless of race, 8 out of 10 women suffer from cellulite in varying degrees. It affects women of all ages and shapes, but the worse fact of it all is that it can start form from the age of puberty. Some women may be fortunate enough to never suffer.
What Is Cellulite?
Pinch your skin between your thumb and forefinger. If the skin ripples with bumps and dips like orange peel, then you have cellulite.
Cellulite is caused by congestion of waste material within the cells underlying the skin. This process hardens the cells pores and slows down the elimination of waste. The cells cling together forming clusters which thicken and become sluggish, trapping waste toxic materials in pockets beneath the skin.
The cells attract water and become swollen while the surrounding fat cells are starved of oxygen because the blood supply is restricted, hindering lymph drainage and thus resulting in an uneven skin surface.
Once the pores are blocked, it is extremely difficult to reverse the process. Cellulite is usually found on the thighs, bottom, the inner side of the knee and the backs of the arms.
Causes Of Cellulite
It is claimed that cellulite is hereditary but this is highly debatable. Major contributing factors in gaining cellulite are hormonal changes, poor circulation, a bad diet, an unhealthy lifestyle, lack of sleep, inefficient breathing and lack of physical exercise.
1. Hormones
Puberty, pregnancy and the menopause cause havoc with our bodies as these are very sensitive times when hormonal change. Any disruption to a woman’s hormonal cycle can upset the natural balance of the body by retaining water and fat, giving the appearance of being bloated and in some cases the lumps of fat become sensitive and sore.
2. Circulation
Bad circulation is one of the major contributing factors in cellulite. This is when the blood flow becomes sluggish due to bad diet, lack of sleep, smoking and stress.
Weak capillaries lead to the formation of fatty nodules which results in poor circulation, leading to less effective elimination of fates, water and toxins.
3. Diet
This does not mean that losing weight will help you get rid of cellulite. In fact you can maintain your ideal weight and still have it.
A well-balanced diet, rich in fresh fruit and vegetables not only improves your body tone but it can help eliminate toxins from the body.
Try not to eat sugar, pastries, sweets and fats. Avoid drinking sparkling drinks and alcohol as they slow down the process of fat elimination.
4. Exercise
Not only is exercise good for your well-being but it is also the best way to keep cellulite at bay. Remember, toned muscles means toned skin.
5. Breathing
This might sound odd but most of us do not breathe properly. In fact most people’s intake of air is very shallow. Controlled deep breathing from the diaphragm (stomach) can relax you and help restore strength both physically and mentally. Good oxygen intake improves fat combustion, blood circulation, and also tones the pectoral muscles that support the breasts.
Anti-Cellulite Products To Use At Home
There is no permanent solution to cellulite but creams and gels can be effective.
Main Image: Anna Sui, Imaxtree
