Josh Labrooy

Cellulite is a perfectly natural occurrence, with between 80 and 90 percent of women experiencing the skin condition at some point in their lives. Although there is nothing wrong with it, most women (and some men) have found effective and easy ways to both reduce the signs of cellulite and prevent it from appearing or recurring.

It can be a tricky thing to shift completely, but by following a few simple steps you can reduce cellulite and minimise its appearance for good. 

First, it’s important to distinguish what cellulite actually is and why it occurs in the first place. Cellulite is the result of fat under the skin protruding into the dermis, the layer of the skin just below the epidermis or outermost layer. Within that outer layer is a network of connective tissue that looks like a honeycomb, or the peel of an orange like many associate cellulite with. As fat cells increase in size, the connective tissue within this layer weakens and fat bulges through, giving the skin that dimpled appearance. 

It’s always important to remember that cellulite is a natural skin condition and its appearance and placement on the skin can be down to genetic factors. Cellulite can also be caused by hormones, diet and lifestyle with formations thought to be linked to estrogen, insulin and prolactin hormones. Fat, salt and carbohydrate-rich diets are also believed to contribute to cellulite, and those with a non-active lifestyle are thought to be at higher-risk of developing it. 

Again, genetics play a key part as certain genes are required for cellulite formation. So, in simple terms if your parents have had cellulite, most likely you will too at some point. That being said, there are ways to minimise its appearance and reduce its recorruence. 

Below, 5 simple hacks to get rid of cellulite. 

1. Get Rid Of Cellulite With A Body Brush

Body brushing has long been praised as an effective and efficient method of minimising the look of cellulite. First off, what exactly is body brushing? It’s exactly as it sounds – a treatment using a firm bristle brush to help exfoliate dead cells from the surface of the skin. The skin treatment is also thought to help enhance lymphatic drainage and circulation in the deeper layers of the skin. 

Many studies have shown that body brushing or cellulite massage can be a more effective treatment to cellulite than specific toning exercises and specialised cellulite creams. Body brushing is believed to work because it stimulates the body’s circulation and that, in turn, kick starts a person’s lymphatic drainage system. Toxins, which can build up in your layers of fat are therefore become eliminated waste. 

A body brush is best used three times a week, followed by a cellulite cream. 

2. Get Rid Of Cellulite With Exercise

Cellulite occurs when connective fibres underneath the skin become weak or lose their elasticity, but regular stretching and strengthening of those areas – as well as burning away excess fat overall – can help get rid of the condition for good. That’s why exercise is arguably one of the most effective ways to treat cellulite (and keep it from reappearing). Firming and toning the muscles that are affected by cellulite will tighten your skin and give the illusion that cellulite is less noticeable. Yoga and pilates routines, specifically ones that target the butts and thighs, can also help in building muscle and boosting circulation. 

Focusing on targeted areas such as thighs, hips and buttocks – using exercises such as thigh raises, high kicks, squats and various other leg exercises – will treat the affected area. These exercises can all be done at home too, so it’s easy to add into your routine either in the morning or at night.

3. Get Rid Of Cellulite With Your Diet

One of the main causes of cellulite is believed to be caused by diet. Those that eat fatty and salty diets are believed to be at higher risk of developing cellulite. For those wanting to reduce cellulite, making a few diet changes can make a big difference in the long run. Salt encourages fat cells to swell, in turn, making them more pronounced on the skin. Watching your sodium intake is a good way to keep those levels down. Also eating plenty of detoxifying fibre-rich and whole grain foods. Consuming foods that are high in nutrients, such as whole grains, beans, lean meats, fish, low-fat dairy products, fruits and vegetables is also good at reducing cellulite. 

Lifestyle factors are also at play, so quitting habits like smoking and excessive drinking will cut your risk of developing cellulite. Research shows that cigarette smoke can weaken the formation of collagen, the main structural component of connective tissue, making cellulite more visible. It will also help your general health too. 

4. Get Rid Of Cellulite With Collagen Creams

Collagen is by no means a new or groundbreaking product when it comes to skin conditions, as it is an important protein used to make connective tissue in the skin. Besides keeping your skin healthy and glowing, collagen may also help improve the appearance of stubborn cellulite that just won’t go away. Most targeted cellulite creams contain collagen. 

5. Get Rid Of Cellulite By Controlling Your Hormones

One proven way to rid your body of unwanted cellulite is by controlling your hormones. Estrogen balance is key when it comes to achieving and maintaining fat loss, and it is also one of the main causes behind cellulite appearance. When estrogen levels fluctuate, it reduces blood circulation to the connective tissues, weakening them in the process – in turn, creating a dimpled appearance. The best way to maintain estrogen levels is to maintain a healthy diet with lots of fibre and consuming healthy bacteria. 

While all these methods are a sure way to reduce the appearance of cellulite, it is also important to remember that the condition is a natural occurrence that is part of life, and that sometimes it can’t be helped. Cellulite is, after all, seen on over 90 per cent of women. 

Josh Labrooy

Josh Labrooy
B Comm.

Josh is a fitness enthusiast and part-time personal trainer. He has a passion for functional fitness and nutrition. In his spare time Josh loves to catch a wave at Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach.