The bane of many women’s existence is often the dreaded “C” word… cellulite. This dimpled fat, which can cover over 90 percent of women’s lower bodies, may appear seemingly out of nowhere, and causes many a lady to retire her favorite little black dress and mini skirt in favor of longer, more concealing garments.
While generally associated with being overweight, in reality, cellulite affects women of all shapes, sizes and even levels of fitness (though having a lower body fat percentage does help to a certain extent). For years, desperate women have tried to smooth out those unsightly dimples using a variety of odd, painful or even dangerous methods. However, understanding just what exactly cellulite is, is the first step in treating it.
A “women’s” condition?
Ever wonder why you’ll rarely see that cottage cheese-like fat making an appearance on the male body, while it seems nine out of every ten women complain about the unwanted puckers? The reason is due to the collagen fiber arrangement and fat distribution of women compared to that of men.
Cellulite, while regarded by many as a type of fat, is nothing more than normal fat underneath the skin pushing against collagen fibers. In women, collagen is arranged in vertical rows, while in men the fibers are more closely bound in a latticed pattern.
When fat pushes up against a woman’s vertically arranged collagen fibers, the dreaded dimples rear their ugly heads. In men, however, these collagen fibers are so tightly bound that the fat rarely can push through enough to form the cellulite puckers.
Women can also thank their hormones and genetics for their tendency to store more fat in their lower bodies, which only contributes to a greater likelihood of cellulite development. So why do even thin or fit women get cellulite? Everyone’s collagen fiber arrangement is different, as is their tendency to store fat.
Just because you don’t have much, doesn’t mean the little amount that’s there can’t dimple and pucker. Along with these factors, cellulite results more readily from dehydration, decreased blood flow and toxin build-up.
How to say goodbye to cellulite naturally
Medical professionals, pharmaceutical companies and marketers of the latest exercise and diet trends often feed off of a woman’s desperation to banish cellulite by prescribing unproven remedies, medical procedures and treatments that come with a host of side effects.
Forget the prescriptions, surgeries and costly treatments, and instead try some of these natural ways to banish those embarrassing dimples for good.
Dry skin brushing. Skin brushing improves lymphatic flow to the area to help eliminate toxins, while at the same time increasing blood flow. Use a natural-bristled brush to massage the areas, and apply organic coconut oil afterward to help moisturize the skin.
Coffee scrub. No one can deny that coffee is revitalizing. This rejuvenating effect holds true when applied topically, as well. Gently massaging coffee grounds into the skin in a bath of hot water will help bring fresh blood to the area, effectively reducing cellulite appearance.
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Undergarment selection. Donning those pretty pink panties or uncomfortable body slimmers and shapers may be a contributing factor to cellulite accumulation, as they often reduce blood flow to the most common sites of puckering. Opt for loose-fitting underwear, especially at bedtime.
Standing up more. Yes, it can be as simple as that. Sitting reduces blood flow, so stand up every few hours and walk around. Not only does this effectively aid in improving blood flow, but you’ll also burn extra calories as a bonus.
-The Alternative Daily
Sources:
http://www.jillianmichaels.org/how-to-get-rid-of-cellulite-quickly-and-naturally
http://www.webmd.com/beauty/cellulite/cellulite-causes-and-treatments
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/18/get-rid-of-cellulite_n_1562687.html#slide=1077435
http://www.metaboliceffect.com/can-you-burn-cellulite