Ohhhh cellulite – It happens to the best of us.
I was just 13 years old when I first noticed the first dimple on my thigh. That first dimple was just the beginning. I was mortified by it for so many years. I’ve never been overweight, and yet still ended up getting cellulite – quite a bit of it at a very young age.
I’ve excepted the fact that it may never go away, but there are natural remedies for cellulite that have helped me to reduce its appearance.
What causes cellulite?
Some factors that may be to blame for cellulite include genetics, hormones, poor diet, toxins, a sedentary lifestyle, poor circulation, dehydration, smoking, crash dieting and aging.
How do you get rid of cellulite?
There is no sure-fire cure for cellulite, but there are some things you can do to reduce its appearance. While there are lots treatments and creams on the market, most are loaded with synthetic chemicals, come with a hefty price tag and have only short-term effects. I prefer to go the natural route.
10 Natural Cellulite Remedies
1. Dry Brushing
Dry brushing is the process of brushing your skin, in long sweeping motions going the direction towards your heart, with a dry natural bristle body brush. By sweeping away dead skin cells, dry brushing promotes skin renewal and the stimulation increases blood flow. This also helps the lymphatic system remove toxins from the body, which is most beneficial for cellulite reduction. Do this at least once a day (before getting in the shower) and you will love the results. *Here is the dry brush that I use.
2. Coffee Ground Scrub
The caffeine and antioxidants from coffee have been shown to reduce the appearance of cellulite when applied directly to the problem areas. In fact, you will find caffeine to be one of the main ingredients in most cellulite reduction creams on the market. The caffeine works by stimulating the blood flow and circulation around the application area, while the antioxidants help to increase collagen production. Just mix your left over grounds with a little coconut or olive oil, and massage into your problem areas while in the shower.
3. Detox Bath
My favorite detox bath calls for 2 cups epsom salt, 1 cup baking soda, a couple drops of lavender, and a bath tub of water as hot as you can take it. Relax in this mixture for 20 minutes or more to sweat out toxins and promote circulation. Make sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your soak.
4. Grapefruit Essential Oil
I use grapefruit oil mixed with coconut oil on my legs every day. It’s my favorite cellulite receding remedy, and it smells so invigorating in the morning. It helps to remove toxins from the body, increase circulation, and has the ability to aid in fat dissolution. Add a few drops of grapefruit oil (I use and recommend Young Living) to a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, and smooth over cellulite prone areas.
5. Coconut Oil
In the battle against cellulite, it’s important to keep your skin moisturized. Most body lotions on the market are filled with fragrance and synthetic ingredients, leading to more toxin buildup within the skin. Use pure coconut oil as a natural route. Mix it with grapefruit oil for additional benefits and a wonderful scent.
6. Water… Lots of Water
One of the causes of cellulite is dehydration. Start every day off by drinking a large glass of water (preferably with lemon) and drink at least 8 glasses throughout the day. Water works as a natural cleanser, flushing toxins out of the body.
7. Deep Tissue Massage
By massaging over the areas prone to cellulite, you are increasing the blood flow and circulation to that area, removing toxin buildup, and draining excess water from the lymph nodes. The more you do it, the better the results will be and the longer they will last. You can massage your skin and muscles the good old fashion way, or use a foam roller or massage roller stick.
8. Clean Eating
By eating a diet rich of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, you are providing your body with the antioxidants it needs to fight off free radicals and the nutrients it needs to build connective tissue for more elastic skin. Avoid sugary and processed foods as best you can to avoid toxic buildup. One of the best foods to include in your diet for cellulite reduction is tomato, or tomato paste. Tomatoes are high in lycopene, a nutrient which promotes cell renewal and prevents the breakdown of collagen in the skin.
9. Muscle Building
Strength training is an important component of reducing cellulite. As you tone muscle, the area becomes firmer and, eventually, the skin appears tighter. Add squats, lunges, leg lifts, and step-ups to your routine, and if that seems easy enough, add some weights.
10. Rebounding
Rebounding is basically the exercise of bouncing up and down on a mini trampoline. By creating increased gravitational resistance on the cells in your body, it stimulates your lymphatic system and promotes detox. It’s also an extremely fun way to add some aerobics into your day. The *JumpSport Fitness Trampoline is a durable rebounder with great reviews. If you’re looking for a less expensive option, the *Stamina 36 inch Folding Trampoline is another great one, and is a best seller on Amazon.
Have you noticed a recurring element here? Almost all of the remedies listed above mention the removal of toxins. By continuously removing toxin buildup, eating clean, building muscle, staying well hydrated and moisturized, you should see positive results for cellulite reduction.
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
*Some of the links above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers.
Elizabeth says
I actually had never heard of using grapefruit essential oil for cellulite before, I am definitely going to try that out. Thank you for the tips they are so great!! http://www.cellulite.com
Becky says
Thanks Elizabeth! Yes, it’s one of my favorite ways to fight cellulite and it smells AMAZING mixed with the coconut oil 🙂