CELLULITE: Five Facts and Six Solutions

Facts about Cellulite and What You Can Do About It!  

1. Cellulite is simply fat just under the surface of the skin that pushes against the connective tissue there, leaving that orange-peel, lumpy appearance.  If you have darker skin, you are fortunate because cellulite is more noticeable on people with lighter skin.  
2. Did you know that almost every woman has some cellulite?  About 9 out of 10 of us, to be exact.  I had no idea it was so prevalent, and I have promised to be kinder to myself now.
3. Cellulite is always caused by a loss of skin elasticity and decreased circulation.  Your skin needs good blood flow to rejuvenate itself, and when things get sluggish, here comes more of that lumpy stuff! 
4. Toxins in the body contribute way more to cellulite than we realize!  From preservatives and chemicals in our foods, to the air we breathe, our entire body system relies on how well we can get rid of dangerous (and unpleasant) toxins.  
5. Causes of cellulite include hormone changes, genetics, smoking, and lots of sitting.  Sitting, especially, I have learned, creates problems because there is less blood flow in the area of your heiny---where many women need it the most! 

Some Solutions!  YES! There ARE Natural Ways to Combat the.... Cellulite Monster!

1. Dry Skin Brushing

Dry skin brushing is something I just discovered, and wish I had known about a long time ago!  It's WONDERFUL!  Dry skin brushing increases the circulation of the skin, stimulates skin cell turnover, exfoliates and rejuvenates your skin, and makes your skin feel amazingly soft.  In addition to these wonders, dry skin brushing also improves the flow of lymph fluids in your body, which helps remove those yucky toxins that may contribute to cellulite.  

Basically, all you need is a long-handled body brush with natural bristles.  

Here's how you do it:

Firmly brush your skin, moving the brush toward your heart.  I like to start at my calves and move upward, toward my torso.  When I reach the chest area, I switch and brush my arms and downward on my chest and back area.  

Then just take a shower!  

Precautions:  You may want to start with more gentle strokes until your skin gets used to it.  My skin is a bit sensitive, so I started out on the light side.  

2. Scrub with Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds contain caffeine, plus they are very scrubby.  The caffeine helps tighten and tone the skin surface temporarily, while the grounds exfoliate.  Some people see good results with this method.  I have not personally tried this (yet), but I will let you know how it goes when I do. I just don't like the thought of coffee grounds going into my septic tank.  I'll figure that one out. 

3. Essential Oil Massage

There are some essential oils that work exceptionally well in helping to tone the skin and even break down fats.  These include juniper, rosemary, grapefruit, lemon, etc.  These oils also help improve the all-important circulation.  Combinations of these essential oils have been shown to improve skin elasticity and also help remove toxins through the skin.  I have been using my cellulite massage oil for about a month, and I am beginning to notice more tone to the skin on my legs and rear.  And at my age, any help I can get is greatly appreciated!  

You can make your own essential oil blend and massage oil.  Just combine several drops of each oil of choice into a carrier oil, such as sweet almond oil, avocado oil, or even olive oil.  Rub firmly into your skin areas of concern.  

OR, if you don't want to invest in the cost of essential oils at this point and just want to try it out, you can find my Cellulite Ninja Fighter Massage Oil on my shop, here.  The ingredients are listed as well, in the order of strength. I tend to use a fairly high ratio of essential oils to carrier oils (approximately 1:16) because I personally want to feel it.  

Note:  Don't use juniper or rosemary essential oil massage at night!  It may actually keep you awake.  It's a stimulating massage oil. 

4.  Add Some Spice!

Try adding Cayenne Pepper to a drink (like water or herbal tea) two or three times a day!  For additional detoxification, add some lemon juice too!  The Cayenne increases circulation and also aids as an appetite depressant.  The lemon helps flush out toxins and acts as a mild diuretic, which helps you lose some water weight.  

5. Herbal Teas 

I am a big fan of herbal loose leaf teas, the fresher the better.  I like these kinds of teas because you are getting the nutrients of the herbs, and with the proper combination of herbs, you can really support weight loss.  I like to combine herbs that help with cleansing/detoxing (diuretics) with herbs that enhance and support energy (green tea and eleuthero) and others that help your circulation and heart.  

Here is my favorite weight loss support tea that I drink daily: Weight Loss Support Tea

Here is another one if you like Chai Tea (and this one has Cayenne too!): Herbal Natural Chai Tea

6. Finally, Exercise--

Blah--  I know, I know.  And I fight with this one too!  It's really hard to find the time when you work one (or two or more) jobs, have children, have...a LIFE!  But it does absolutely help! There is nothing like a good sweat to get rid of junk from your body, help tone those muscles, and release feel-good endorphins!  

The War On Cellulite----It is conquerable!  It does take consistency, effort, and some creativity.  Some of these solutions are easier than others.  I suggest picking two, three, or more to start and do them consistently over a period of 30 days and see what happens!  Like me, you may be pleasantly surprised!  

Now to find a solution for knee wrinkles!  :-)