How to Get Rid of Cellulite

What is Cellulite & What Causes it 

Cellulite is one of the most common, undesired conditions characterized by uneven, lumpy areas of skin on various parts of the body – commonly found on the abdomen, hips, thighs, and buttocks. It is estimated that 80-98% of women develop cellulite after puberty! Although it is not a harmful condition, it is most often bothersome from and cosmetic point of view – affecting confidence and quality of life. Therefore, a wide range of products and procedures exist on the market aimed at preventing, reducing, or reversing the development of cellulite. Typical treatments involve topical creams (like caffeine and retinol) that act on blood flow and skin tissue integrity as well as aesthetic procedures (like acoustic wave therapy and laser) that act on collagen structures within the skin. Even with these treatment options, and many more, none of them are quite as effective at eliminating cellulite as one would hope, especially not for the long-term or without continual treatment and potential side effects. 

There are many theories and unknowns about why so many women develop cellulite – it is multifactorial involving genetics, hormones, body composition, age, health/skin status, diet and lifestyle, and accumulated toxins. It is understood that the skin and subcutaneous tissues become compromised – for example, the collagen bands are lacking, the fat cells are enlarged, and fibrous septae (thickenings) form pulling the skin downwards and thus creating the dimpled appearance of cellulite. But what is the driving force of these changes? One strong theory is that cellulite is hormonally driven by estrogen (and other hormones, such as cortisol and insulin). Estrogen is a sex hormone that promotes healthy skin in adequate amounts – but if too high or too low, it can cause impaired skin quality. Since fat cells can make estrogen, it is thought that excess fat causes high estrogen which damages collagen and elastin.

How to Get Rid of Cellulite

When it comes to treating cellulite, the ultimate goals are to reduce excess body fat, increase circulation, and promote collagen levels to keep the skin smooth, thick, and tight. Here are our top tips for preventing and reducing cellulite:

1. Balance hormones – hormones play an influential role in the development and progression of cellulite, fixing the hormonal imbalance may just fix your cellulite problem. We recommend working with one of our expert naturopathic doctors at LIVV. 
2. Exercise, exercise, exercise – reducing excess fat and strengthening weak muscles is critical for healthy skin integrity. Even walking has shown to help reduce cellulite, especially walking backwards! 
3. Nourish your body – minimizing refined carbohydrates/sugars, intermittent fasting, and staying hydrated are important for reducing cellulite. Talk to our one of our naturopathic doctors at LIVV for advanced diet and supplement recommendations.
4. Detox your body – accumulated toxins in the body could be contributing to cellulite, try enhancing lymphatic drainage with dry brushing or rebound training, avoid alcohol and smoking as much as possible, and talk to one of our naturopathic doctors about doing a detox!
5. Targeted skin care – touch your areas of cellulite with love with a guasha, massage, or exfoliation. Topical creams with aromatase blocking activity (such as DIM) may help reduce cellulite. We recommend checking out our anti-aging services at LIVV for more advanced body/skin therapies!

Written by Jordan Valdez, RDN

https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/fat-removal/cellulite-treatments-what-really-works

https://www.celluliteinstitute.com/15019/fibrous-septae-and-cellulite/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0lCuHaDj5pg