Cellulite seems to be one of those problems that plagues many women these days. Based on the number of times cellulite remedies appear in women’s magazines, websites, and blogs, I’m guessing that this is a problem we still haven’t solved.
Most sources agree that the dimpled appearance of cellulite occurs due to problems/imbalance in the connective tissue and fat in a person’s body, but there are many theories about what may cause this imbalance. It seems that hormones, diet, lifestyle, and genetics all play a role but are not absolutes. While those who are overweight tend to have a higher chance of getting cellulite, many thin women complain of it as well.
How to Get Rid of Cellulite (Naturally)
Below are natural remedies I’ve either tried myself or had trusted sources recommend. They should all help balance the connective tissue/fat in the body and address the many possible causes. Either way, these things are beneficial for other reasons too so they are worth a try!
1. Dry Brushing
This is one remedy that there may not be any scientific evidence that it works but that there is a lot of anecdotal support for. Either way, it feels great and helps stimulate blood and lymph flow in the body. Here are some specifics:
How often: Dry skin brushing effectively opens up the pores on your skin. This is something you can — and should — be doing daily, even twice a day. Your skin should be dry, so the ideal time is in the shower before you turn on the water. Just a reminder, don’t get the brush wet.
Direction: You should only brush towards the heart. Making long sweeps, avoid back and forth, scrubbing and circular motions. Start at your feet, moving up the legs on both sides, then work from the arms toward your chest. On your stomach, direct the brush counterclockwise. And, don’t brush too hard: Skin should be stimulated and invigorated but not irritated or red.
Type of brush: The bristles should be natural, not synthetic, and preferably vegetable-derived. The bristles themselves should be somewhat stiff, though not too hard. Look for one that has an attachable handle for hard-to-reach spots, if necessary.
Benefits: In addition to sloughing away dry skin on areas like knees, elbows and ankles, body brushing promotes tighter skin, cell renewal and blood flow. This also helps the lymphatic system release toxins and aids in digestion and kidney function. You’ll also notice a glowy, smooth complexion.
2. Consuming Gelatin
Gelatin is largely composed of the amino acids glycine and proline, which many people don’t consume in adequate amounts as they are found in the bones, fibrous tissues and organs of animals and as a population, we don’t consume these parts as much anymore. These amino acids are needed not only for proper skin, hair and nail growth but for optimal immune function and weight regulation!
According to many sources , the various health benefits to gelatin include:
- Supports skin, hair and nail growth
- Good for joints and can help joint recovery
- Can help tighten loose skin (like the kind you get after having four babies in five years…)
- Can improve digestion since it naturally binds to water and helps food move more easily through the digestive tract
- Rumored to help improve cellulite
- Great source of dietary collagen (side note: collagen is too large to be absorbed by the skin, so those skin creams are pretty useless… get it internally and use coconut oil for lotion!)
- Source of protein (though not a spectacular one) but its specific amino acids can help build muscle.
One theory is that the decline of gelatin containing foods in our diets has led to an increase in cellulite as we don’t have the needed building blocks for healthy connective tissue. Either way, it is another remedy that is good for other reasons and worth a try.
This is a brand of gelatin powder I love and use, among several.
3. Myofascial Massage
One theory is that cellulite forms in the superficial fascia, a layer of connective tissue below the skin that contains fat cells. Superficial fascia is fibrous and due to inactivity, injuries, and improper exercise, adhesions (scar tissue) in the fascia can form contributing to the bunched-up or rippled look of the skin. Not only does the superficial fascia become more fibrous, thickened and coarse, less flexible, but it can also adhere to underlying structures that it normally slides over.
Some therapists are able to perform a type of massage called myofascial massage or myofascial release, which smoothes this layer of connective tissue and can apparently also help with some types of muscle and joint problems that are related to imbalances in the fascia.
For those of us who don’t have access to a regular massage, it seems that using a deep tissue foam roller (like this one) regularly can greatly help as well. My favorite tool is the Myobuddy, a percussive handheld massager, and I use it several times a week for deep tissue massage.
4. Coffee Scrub
Coffee scrubs can be beneficial in reducing cellulite as well. The massage and exfoliation benefits skin by stimulating blood/lymph flow and the caffeine in the coffee has a tightening effect. Pinterest is speckled with accounts of coffee scrubs and wraps working for reducing cellulite and loose skin, and like the other remedies, it is at least worth a try. If nothing else, coffee smells great and this scrub will exfoliate skin:
You will need:
- 1/4 cup coffee grounds
- 3 TBS sugar or brown sugar
- 2-3 TBS of melted coconut oil
What to do:
Combine the ingredients to create a paste-like consistency (note that it will harden if cooled if you are using unrefined coconut oil). Store in a glass jar.
To Use:
Massage into skin for several minutes using firm pressure and wash as usual. Use 2-3 times a week. Results should be visible within a couple of weeks.
5. Kettlebells
Kettlebells are one of my favorite ways to work out and they are especially good for the hips/thighs/buttocks/stomach areas (don’t believe me? do one kettlebell workout and let me know how your thighs feel the next day!)
Increasing blood flow to these areas can help remove cellulite and kettlebells are one of the most effective ways to build muscle and burn fat (both which help minimize the appearance of cellulite). They aren’t expensive and don’t take up much room to store. Admittedly, you do have to make sure there are no kids nearby when you use them!
6. Omega-3s
Another theory is that consumption of the wrong kinds of fats leads to an imbalance of the fatty acids that the body needs for smooth skin and tissue. There is some evidence that consuming enough omega-3 fatty acids and fat-soluble vitamins will help reduce cellulite over time. Either way, omega-3s, and fat-soluble vitamins are important for many other functions in the body, so it won’t hurt to try it!
7. Detox Baths
I love detox baths because they are relaxing, but yet another theory proclaims that toxin build-up in skin and fat tissues lead to cellulite. I couldn’t find any scientific evidence to back the toxin claim, but detox baths can be relaxing and great for the skin in other ways,
8. Moisturize Naturally
Just as detox baths may help remove toxins that can lead to skin problems (and maybe cellulite), constantly adding toxins back to the skin in the form of chemical-laden beauty products probably doesn’t help much! If you haven’t already, try using natural options for skincare and moisturizing. Simple coconut oil will work as an all-purpose moisturizer,
9. Balance Hormones
It seems that many sources agree that hormones play a large part in cellulite formation (one reason that women typically get it and men don’t) and that working toward proper hormone balance can help reduce cellulite. Even if it doesn’t get rid of cellulite, balancing hormones helps in so many other ways that it is worth working on!
This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Scott Soerries, MD, Family Physician and Medical Director of SteadyMD. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.
