Skin and beauty is demanding a thing to maintain. Most women have probably seen better days, with blemishes to conceal, dark spots to lighten, and sturdy cellulite to massage. Yes, sturdy CELLULITE (s)! Those terrible dimpling found mostly on our intimate areas-- thighs, tummy, and heaven forbid-- our behind.
Here, are few basics to get our most- deserved bikini assets back to pretty:
1. Understand it
Cellulite is the lumping and dimpling on skin surface caused by subcutaneous layer of fat deposits that presses up against connective soft tissues (the fibers under the surface of the skin that connect the skin to the muscle).
It totally stinks to say that when the mom has it, chances are we do too. Darn, genetics! However, mom is not the only one to blame. Too much fat, carbs, and salt in the diet, sedentary lifestyle, and tight clothing are another culprit. Estrogen and prolactin, hormones that are more abundant in women, are also said to cause it-- with other hormones being insulin, noradrenaline, and thyroid hormones.
It totally stinks to say that when the mom has it, chances are we do too. Darn, genetics! However, mom is not the only one to blame. Too much fat, carbs, and salt in the diet, sedentary lifestyle, and tight clothing are another culprit. Estrogen and prolactin, hormones that are more abundant in women, are also said to cause it-- with other hormones being insulin, noradrenaline, and thyroid hormones.
The distribution of this skin profanity is more on women than in men. Because we (women) more likely have particular types of fat and connective tissue.
When our circulation is doing just fine, nutrients are evenly distributed in the body. The trouble is when the circulation is poor and the connective tissues become weak and, in effect, retain fluid. Poor circulation leaks blood into the tissue, causing pressure on the fat layers and pushes them up against the connective tissue. As fats push up against the tissue, they begin to bulge, pressing into the skin. Meaning that if we continue to stick out our behinds on the sofa all day long, there's poor circulation, leading to more fat deposits, and a cellulite- perfect work of art!
When our circulation is doing just fine, nutrients are evenly distributed in the body. The trouble is when the circulation is poor and the connective tissues become weak and, in effect, retain fluid. Poor circulation leaks blood into the tissue, causing pressure on the fat layers and pushes them up against the connective tissue. As fats push up against the tissue, they begin to bulge, pressing into the skin. Meaning that if we continue to stick out our behinds on the sofa all day long, there's poor circulation, leading to more fat deposits, and a cellulite- perfect work of art!
2. Minimize/ Conceal it
Now that we know what causes it- genetics, hormones, poor circulation brought about by unhealthy lifestyle-- the key is to counteract these causes.
We can exercise all we want and make use of all anti-cellulite products in the market, but without the right information on how to do these things properly-- cellulite will remain as stubborn as it is. In fact we cannot easily get rid of it, but we can gradually reduce it.
All anti-cellulite treatment available widely across the internet and printed materials are overwhelming, when what we have to remember is that anything that will help disperse the cellulite can help. No killing of ourselves. However, everything worth it doesn't happen instantly. We have to invest on:
The right food, which includes the never- ending fruits and vegetables, fibers (which we can essentially get from leafy veges, root crops, oats, and some fruits), and those high in lecithin and protein that helps repair cells and build tissues (eggs, fish, poultry, potatoes, nuts), and certain spices like pepper, chilies, and cayenne which are said to improve circulation. Basically all food items that we can find in our table everyday, minus the sodium, additives, and artificial sweeteners.
The right therapy, along with dry skin brushing and hydration, balanced sleep pattern and stress, and proper anti-cellulite massage:
The right exercise, which in the many time past until now, is considered to be a big anti-cellulite myth. What I believe is that regular and proper exercise does not directly eliminate cellulite, but can help us burn extra fat. The fats that are burned for the energy required in the exercise are those alongside our bones, while the cellulite-causing fats are located underneath the skin surface. Although burning the fats in the deeper layer will reduce pressure on the septa and the fat layer below the skin, reducing the appearance of stubborn cellulite. It makes sense, right?
The right product. Be careful though what you apply on your skin. There are several effective-claiming anti-cellulite products out in the market which can surely play up to our skin and beauty necessities. Only make sure that whatever we purchase for ourselves contains most, if not all, essential anti-cellulite ingredients (as much as possible, organic for lesser adverse effects) namely: amynophylline, retinol, aloe, and caffeine. You've read it right, caffeine. It's also best to read reviews and compare products before buying.
I hope you've learned something from this post. If you know any other anti-cellulite treatment, don't hesitate to give it a fair share in the comments section below!
References:
Stedman's Medical Dictionary
webmd (dot) com
thescienceofeating (dot) com
freewheelbikes (dot) net
Photo Credits:
Massage techniques- sofeminine (dot) co (dot) uk
Pathophysiology of Cellulite & Anti-cellulite exercises- thescienceofeating (dot) com
google (dot) com (slash) images
We can exercise all we want and make use of all anti-cellulite products in the market, but without the right information on how to do these things properly-- cellulite will remain as stubborn as it is. In fact we cannot easily get rid of it, but we can gradually reduce it.
All anti-cellulite treatment available widely across the internet and printed materials are overwhelming, when what we have to remember is that anything that will help disperse the cellulite can help. No killing of ourselves. However, everything worth it doesn't happen instantly. We have to invest on:
The right therapy, along with dry skin brushing and hydration, balanced sleep pattern and stress, and proper anti-cellulite massage:
 |
| 1. Preparation- apply oil from feet upwards to encourage blood flow 2. Kneading Massage- a squeeze-and-lift massage to remove waste deposits. Use finger kneading for smaller areas (inner knee, upper arm, calves) and use hand kneading for larger areas (hip, thighs, stomach) 3. Knuckle Massage- use your fists to crush those stubborn cellulite. Press hard enough to break fat deposits. Your own metabolism will better deal with them. 4. "S" Massage- grasp a large portion of the troubled spot in each hand, make sure that your thumbs are at right angles. Twist the flesh to opposite directions as if to form the letter "S". 5. Wringing Massage- Relax your muscles. Grasp portions of flesh with both hands and twist as if wringing out a wet towel. Use this massage on thighs and fleshy hip areas. 6. To end- finish your massage with heavy stroking with deep pressure, as in Step 1 from extremities upwards. |
The right exercise, which in the many time past until now, is considered to be a big anti-cellulite myth. What I believe is that regular and proper exercise does not directly eliminate cellulite, but can help us burn extra fat. The fats that are burned for the energy required in the exercise are those alongside our bones, while the cellulite-causing fats are located underneath the skin surface. Although burning the fats in the deeper layer will reduce pressure on the septa and the fat layer below the skin, reducing the appearance of stubborn cellulite. It makes sense, right?
The right product. Be careful though what you apply on your skin. There are several effective-claiming anti-cellulite products out in the market which can surely play up to our skin and beauty necessities. Only make sure that whatever we purchase for ourselves contains most, if not all, essential anti-cellulite ingredients (as much as possible, organic for lesser adverse effects) namely: amynophylline, retinol, aloe, and caffeine. You've read it right, caffeine. It's also best to read reviews and compare products before buying.
I hope you've learned something from this post. If you know any other anti-cellulite treatment, don't hesitate to give it a fair share in the comments section below!
References:
Stedman's Medical Dictionary
webmd (dot) com
thescienceofeating (dot) com
freewheelbikes (dot) net
Photo Credits:
Massage techniques- sofeminine (dot) co (dot) uk
Pathophysiology of Cellulite & Anti-cellulite exercises- thescienceofeating (dot) com
google (dot) com (slash) images
