Summer is here!
Most women deal with cellulite - it's a very common circulatory condition that's not really a medical issue but it's one that summertime seems to accentuate, with women wearing shorts, short skirts, sleeveless tops and swimsuits. Cellulite affects at least 8 of every 10 women.
It's not an issue of weight - it affects big women, small women, fat women and thin women and everyone in between. It also affects men but is more prevalent in females. While it also affects those of us who are thin, it is more noticeable in heavier women.
Cellulite is a fatty deposit that shows itself in pockets of dimpled skin. It's most commonly seen around the butt, thigh and hip areas but also on arms, bellies and knees.
Is there any real 'cure' for cellulite?
Natural methods that can work include exercise that can help by firming up the body and turning fat into lean muscle. Massage also helps - kneading the affected area can see a decrease in the appearance of cellulite. Weight loss is another effective tool.
Foods that are considered helpful for decreasing cellulite are ones high in antioxidants and essential fatty acids. Foods like
blueberries
oranges
strawberries
blackberries
apples
spinach
carrots
can help decrease cellulite. Lean proteins also help and a diet low in refined and overly processed foods help our health in general, as well as cellulite.
From a more high tech view point, lasers and radio frequency systems are being used to blast cellulite away. They are not permanently effective, however. Even though women see results, they will need more treatments in about 6 months but some believe it's worth the time and money.
Another method is vacuuming the skin by using a hose that literally sucks at the skin to remove cellulite. This method is known as Vacuum Therapy and is quite effective for some women.
Mesotherapy is also an option. This is where a qualified professional injects a mix of minerals and vitamins and medication into targeted areas of the body, in order to melt the cellulite away.
It should be mentioned that these more high tech methods are highly touted by some, and completely dismissed by others. Anyone thinking about trying them should research carefully first.
Another way to look better with cellulite is to apply a tanning cream - cellulite is less noticeable on tanned skin. While real suntanning is not ideal due to the risks of cancer and premature aging, a good fake tan can diminish the look of cellulite.
One thing for sure - this is yet no permanent cure for cellulite and most current methods are not 100% effective. A healthy diet and regular exercise is essential for good overall heath - and probably the best natural treatment for cellulite, as well as deep massage.
Another surety, according to most experts - creams just don't work. Cellulite is fat - beneath the skin and no cream can get rid of it, because it penetrates the skin, not the fat deposits beneath it. These creams moisturize the skin, and make it's appearance look better, and the massaging action is probably what helps - but it's not the cream. Spending money on expensive creams for cellulite is a waste of time and money, say most professionals who treat cellulite, no matter what the testimonials and before/after pictures say!
Other than that, I suggest we cover the bits of us we're not happy with and embrace everything else!
Tell Us
Do you have cellulite? Do you live with it or try to remove it? Did a certain method work for you?