Although all people can experience cellulite’s telltale “dimpled” flesh, cisgender women in particular may have skin that shows symptoms of cellulite, namely due to their bodies’ muscle and fat composition. While cellulite is extremely common and found on the majority of bodies, the way cellulite manifests can still prove to be a source of anxiety or shame for many. Whether you’re looking to prevent, improve or accept your cellulite, we’ve rounded up some helpful tips to consider.
1. Understand Cellulite & What Causes It
It’s important to note that cellulite is not a condition; it’s a natural part of all our bodies. Often described as a collection of fat that’s pushing against the tissues under your skin, cellulite manifests as dimpled, lumpy flesh due to those fat deposits. While fat accumulation is one of the main causes of cellulite, there are several other factors that could accentuate it, including:
- Genetics
- Hormones (estrogen)
- Diet and lifestyle
- Sex assigned at birth
- Age
- Skin thickness
- Changes in your lymphatic system
2. Accept That Cellulite Is Part of One’s Body
Remember that not all bodies you see on social media are natural. A large majority of women, for example, have cellulite — and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. Try to look lovingly at your body, which carries you through life.
Of course, accepting one’s body, or overlooking sources of shame, is easier said than done — even if you understand that Western society’s beauty standards are unreasonable. Still, practicing a shift from body positivity — an extreme leaning when one is wading through shame and anxiety — to body neutrality can do wonders for one’s mental health.
However, if you still want to minimize the appearance of cellulite, these methods may help.
3. Drink More Water & Eat Healthily
In general, water is immensely beneficial when it comes to the health of your skin. Moreover, a solid water intake helps one maintain a healthier lifestyle in general. Drinking more water, in addition to eating well-balanced, nutrient-filled meals, can help one mitigate the symptoms of obesity, one of which is an increased amount of cellulite.
4. Quit Smoking
As mentioned before, there is a relationship between age and cellulite. Smoking, however, is associated with cell aging — particularly when it comes to one’s skin. Moreover, smoking is associated with increased capillary constriction, thinner skin, and damaged connective tissue. With this in mind, quitting smoking can lead to a healthier lifestyle — and less cellulite.
5. Improve Your Circulation
Poor blood circulation can increase one’s risk of developing cellulite, namely because your skin tissue might be weaker, which, in turn, leads to the improper storage of fat under your skin. That is, if your body is unable to absorb fat properly, it may push up closer to the surface of your skin, creating cellulite.
Moreover, if you have poor blood circulation, toxins may accumulate and break down connective tissues, leading, in some cases, to cellulite. Want to improve your circulation? Try stretching, walking, or just getting up from your chair during the day. If your poor circulation is more severe, try massages or hydrotherapy.
6. Incorporate Movement Into Your Everyday Life
A sedentary lifestyle can increase your chances of accumulating the fat deposits that cause cellulite. Sitting for long hours in the office, or in front of the TV, limits your blood circulation, but it may also cause an increase in those fat deposits. By living a more active lifestyle, and changing your habits bit by bit, you can change your skin’s appearance. Try incorporating these small changes into your routine:
- Take the stairs rather than the elevator.
- Use your bike instead of your car.
- Get up every hour and stretch during the workday.
- Take a walk during your break time.
- Go hiking on the weekends.
- Try some new hobbies that keep you moving.
7. Build Your Muscles
Being more active will also increase your muscle mass. Weight training, which can help you develop muscles, is a great way to tone and tighten the places on your body wear cellulite often appears. In particular, weight training works to replace fat with firmer muscles, so, even if you’ve never tried it before, doing so may help you change your skin’s appearance.
