4 anti cellulite remedies

Cellulite is one of those appearance issues that seem to bother us permanently. Cellulite is always addressed on blogs, health websites, women's magazines but it seems that there's no anti cellulite cure that can truly rid us of this plague!

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.

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. 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 filled with accounts of coffee scrubs and wraps working for reducing cellulite and loose skin, and like all of the anti cellulite remedies, there are a few that you could give a shot at. If nothing else, coffee smells great and this scrub will exfoliate skin:

Ingredients for homemade anti cellulite coffee scrub:

• 1/4 cup coffee grounds
• 3 tablespoons sugar or brown sugar
• 2-3 Tablespoons of melted coconut oil

How to exfoliate with the anti cellulite coffee scrub 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.

Homemade anti cellulite coffee scrub

Massage in to 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.

2. Myofascial Massage

The theory with anti cellulite myofascial massage is the following: cellulite forms in the connective tissue below the skin. Those are the tissues that contain fat cells and that's the fascia layer to be more exact. The superficial fascia is the one that gets the bumpy look and that usually happens due to inactivity, injuries, and improper exercise, adhesions (scar tissue). 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 regular massage, it seems that using a deep tissue foam roller (like this one) regularly can greatly help as well.

3. Consume gelatin to reduce cellulite

Weston A. Price foundation talks about the many health benefits to Gelatin, including:

• It supports joints and can help joint recovery
• Gelatin supports skin, hair and nail growth
• 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 though the digestive track
• Rumored to help improve cellulite

It's better to eat gelatin through food sources and not use it topically, giving that collagen is pretty hard to be absorbed by the skin. Use coconut oil to hydrate the skin.

Gelatin benefits:

• Source of protein (though not a spectacular one) but its specific amino acids can help build muscle.
• 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!
• 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.

4. 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 from this article:

How often should I exfoliate? 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.

How to dry skin brush? 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 to use for anti cellulite dry skin brushing: 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 of dry body brushing: 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. We love it because it’s one of the easiest, cheapest and most effective things we can do for promoting healthy skin.” It seems that a natural bristle semi-firm brush with a handle (like this one) is best and I keep mine in the shower to use daily right before showering.