What is Cellulite?
To understand cellulite better, it is important to look at the skin first. The skin consists of two layers- epidermis, which is the most outside and dermis. There are fat compartments under the both layers.
Fats cells are not full when you don’t have any cellulite, and the skin is smooth and flat. On the other hand, in case of cellulite the fat compartments are stuffed and create a dimpled look underneath the skin. Given that we are born with finite set of fat cells, genetics plays an important role in their location.
While both men and women can get cellulite, women are most prone to it. Some of the reasons for this include:
- Women have thinner skin with smaller fat compartments
- Women have higher percentages of body fat
- Estrogen and progesterone, the two female hormones also have a critical role here
What Are Some Common Causes of Cellulite?
1. Pregnancy
Estrogen stimulates the formation of fat which is helpful in case of pregnancy or menses. In pregnant women, estrogen causes the collagen fibers to breakdown and form the pesky cellulite.
2. Aging
Aging affects the energy expenditure which is needed to maintain body size and body composition. Consequently, if your intake is higher than what your body needs, this may lead to higher fat stores.
3. Being Overweight
Naturally, being overweight leads to excess fat accumulated into fat compartments, which triggers the appearance of cellulite.
4. Poor Circulation
Blood carries healthy nutrients and oxygen to all cells, while riding them of toxic matter. This is why poor circulation causes the fibers to shrink and leave a bumpy look.
5. Lack of Activity
Lack of physical activity results in poor circulation, meaning that it causes less blood to get to the organs and tissues of the body.
5 Action Steps To Get Rid Of Cellulite
1. Eat Well
Eat three meals daily, with plenty of green veggies. This helps you keep low calorie intake and supplies the body with ahigh fiber content. Additionally, avoid packaged and processed food at all costs.
2. Exercise
Aim at getting a 30-minute exercise, 5 times a week at a minimum of body weight resistance exercises and aerobics. Aerobic exercise keeps the energy output high, which in turn lead to notably less fat being stored.
3. Drink Plenty of Water
Water is needed for detoxification, eliminating toxic matter of the body and improving lymphatic flow.
4. Massage
Massages improve blood circulation and although they don’t basically reduce cellulite, they bring new blood flow and eliminate toxins in the area. Giving yourself a leg massage with coconut oil right after having a shower works wonders for the skin due to its hydrating and smoothing benefits.
5. Dry Skin Brushing
Again, dry skin brushing improves blood flow, helps remove toxic matter, and soften the hard fat deposits underneath the skin.
source: http://besthealthyguide.com/