Cellulite. The word alone makes women cringe and groan. Everyone is susceptible to it and most of us have some. Depending on our genetics, lifestyle, diet and exercise routines it can be less pronounced or more noticeable. While there is no miracle product that makes cellulite disappear for good, you can help reduce the appearance by promoting circulation, strengthening the underlying muscles and insuring you’re staying hydrated and eating healthy foods on a regular basis. These practices can go a long way toward improving the appearance of cellulite.
Cellulite can occur in any body type, and it happens when the connective fibers underneath skin become weakened or lose their elasticity. For this reason, strength training and muscle toning exercises will help tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite. Additionally, healthy blood vessels and circulation can play a key role in whether cellulite is prominent. You can promote circulation by incorporating products with caffeine into your routine. Using a body scrub like the skinnyskinny Organic Coffee Body Scrub will help stimulate circulation while adding a good dose of caffeine to your skin. It’s formulated with fair trade and organic coffee beans and organic sugar, so it’s invigorating to the skin and the senses. You can even let it sit on problem areas for a few minutes to really let the caffeine absorb topically. For a daily treatment, Meow Meow Tweet Cinnamon Coffee Soap stimulates circulation thanks to the coffee grinds and cinnamon. It mildly exfoliates, plus it smells delicious.
While bath treatments like caffeinated body scrubs and soaps are wonderful, products that you leave on the skin can help provide a further boost to circulation. Certain herbs and essential oils are very effectively at getting the blood flowing, so products containing these kinds of ingredients are ideal. The Bottega Organica Body Contour Formula Peppermint + Chili Pepper Body Oil is one such product. Formulated specifically to target cellulite prone areas, this body oil uses organic chili peppers that are rich in capsaicin molecules to increase blood flow and boost micro-circulation. Along with energizing peppermint oil, the chili pepper helps decrease the appearance of cellulite. In addition, the act of massaging a cellulite prone area can help, and this body oil is more akin to a serum that spreads smoothly and aids massage. Don’t worry—it won’t burn! Lotus Wei Radiant Energy Balancing Serum is another option that relies on essential oils to stimulate circulation, and it has the added benefit of dissolving fatigue and enhancing energy levels (I rely on the matching flower elixir for similar purposes). Plus, it smells happy and uplifting like sweet orange.
In addition to incorporating products with caffeine or essential oils that get the blood flowing, be sure to drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated. Water depletion can really exaggerate the appearance of cellulite. Staying hydrated and eating foods high in water content will help keep connective tissue healthy and supple. Most importantly, don’t let cellulite bother you. It’s something the majority of women experience, so you’re not alone.