5 ways to deal with cellulite naturally

Your all-you-need-to-know guide for cellulite.

For the longest time, pop culture was dominated by images of women with flawless, blemish-free skin. However, we know now that skin comes in myriad types and textures across the spectrum. If you have been facing cellulite on your thighs or buttocks, know that it has nothing to do with your lifestyle or weight: cellulite is known to affect up to 85% of women across the world. It is your decision whether you want to keep it or get rid of it, but in case you are looking for a deeper understanding of what it is, here’s an all-you-need-to-know guide.

What is cellulite, anyway?

Much has been spoken and written about cellulite, but why does it show up on your skin anyway? Even if biology wasn’t your favourite class in school, it pays to understand the science behind it: the appearance of cellulite can be traced directly back to the fat cells beneath the skin. Don’t stress though, because everyone has these, regardless of the diet or lifestyle that they follow. When these fat deposits are pushed against the skin, they cause the outer skin to dimple and pucker around the thighs, stomach and buttocks. This kind of textured skin is commonly referred to as cellulite, but bear in mind that its appearance isn’t solely tied to weight. Those who are genetically predisposed to it can also face the appearance of cellulite.

Understanding the cause is the first step to recovery, and now that you know what is causing cellulite, it is time to move on to the next question: is there a way to make cellulite on the thighs disappear forever? It pays to stay wary of gimmicky treatments and products promising overnight solutions — no topical cream or lotion can get rid of cellulite for good. The only solution for long-lasting relief is a clinical treatment by a trusted dermatologist. If you aren’t ready to take that step yet, you can find relief in at-home remedies that can reduce cellulite. Again, it won’t magically disappear from your skin but it can go a long way towards minimising the appearance of cellulite. Ready to get started?

1. Use coffee scrubs to reduce cellulite in six weeks

The next time you are sipping on a strong cuppa in the morning, extend the same courtesy to your skincare as well. Studies have discovered that applying water soluble caffeine twice a day can play a pivotal role in reducing cellulite over a period of six weeks. How does it get the work done? Caffeine works on increasing blood circulation to the epidermis, thereby leading to tightening of the skin. The caffeine present in a topical exfoliant, like a coffee scrub, helps dehydrate the fat cells, causing the skin texture to appear flatter and more even with time.

How to use it: Once you get in the shower, wet the skin from head to toe and then rub the scrub in circular motions, focusing on specific areas with cellulite to stimulate lymphatic drainage.

2. Opt for dry brushing to minimise cellulite

Don’t step out of the shower quite just yet, because dry brushing can also work as an excellent exfoliant. The practice of dry brushing helps shed the dead skin cells on the uppermost layer of the epidermis and reveal the healthier skin cells underneath. By stimulating blood flow to specific areas, the brush prevents new cellulite from forming under the skin while also dislodging the existing accumulation.

How to use it: When shopping for a brush, opt for a palm-sized one with soft bristles that can help slough away dead skin cells and reveal smoother skin over time. Once you have selected the right brush, mastering the technique is just as important: using gentle, circular motions, start brushing your skin upwards from the feet until you reach the heart. Repeat the process up to thrice every week for best results.

3. Apply retinol creams for smoothing away cellulite

Once you have become a believer of dry brushing, you can look at levelling up your routine by teaming it with a retinol body cream. In the world of skincare, retinol is something of a superhero, shielding the skin from loss of collagen and exfoliating the skin at a cellular level. It stands to reason, then, that it deserves a spot in your anti-cellulite regimen as well. The good news is that it also works well with caffeine, so you might want to start out with a retinol serum followed by a caffeine-packed product.

How to use it: When shopping for a body cream, look for products that contain retinol in 0.04% concentration. Follow the instructions on the label or apply the cream twice a day on the required areas for optimal results.

4. Add collagen peptide supplements to your diet

It is a known fact that as the body ages, the skin starts losing its natural level of collagen. While collagen peptides have found a fan in women for tightening the skin, they can also prove beneficial for reducing the appearance of cellulite. Several clinical trials have observed encouraging results with the consumption of collagen peptides in minimising cellulite by restoring the density of the dermis.

How to use it: Collagen peptide supplements are helpful for solving a wide range of skincare concerns, but opting for a three-month intake can offer visible relief from cellulite as well. It helps to consult a physician before making any major changes to your diet.

5. Eat right to fight cellulite from the inside out

It is often said that skincare is an inside job, and the adage assumes fresh context when it comes to dealing with cellulite. Beyond slathering on creams and lotions, it helps to take a closer look at what is on your plate as well. For battling cellulite from within, you will want to reduce your sodium intake while also loading up on whole grain foods and dietary fibre, such as oats, to flush out toxins from the skin. And even though it sounds clichéd, drinking plenty of water can further aid your journey as cellulite appears more prominent in a dehydrated state.

How to do it: Start your day with a breakfast of oats and munch on nuts as a healthier alternative to mid-day snacking. Include a tablespoon of ground flaxseeds in your diet as well to modulate the oestrogen levels in the body.

While some of these measures might offer relief right away, others can take some time to show results. Remember to love your skin in whatever condition it is in, and the beauty of your confidence will flow from within.