Who else is tired of cellulite?

Most of us have it. None of us want it. And it’s almost impossible to get rid of. Cellulite. There – I’ve said it!

It’s possibly the only word in the English language that has the capacity to send a room full of confident, successful businesswomen into a cowering pack of wimps. Are we genetically predisposed to feeling guilty about it? If we were that would explain our seeming desire to support the largely fraudulent infomercial-based cellulite lotion and potion industry.

If you’ve seen the ads – and most of us have – you’re probably aware of how, with the assistance of a few pills and a tube of extraordinarily expensive cream, you can remove any trace of cellulite from your body within 14 days.

Although I’m too old to buy cellulite creams from infomercials, I’ve got young friends and family that purchase them regularly. They’re often routinely disappointed with the results.

Why most cellulite potions don’t work

Most cellulite products use caffeine (or some other form of diuretic) to remove water from the body. In the short term this tightens the skin. This provides the temporary appearance of removing cellulite. However all that’s really happening is that the skin’s cells are becoming dehydrated. The long-term effects of dehydration on the skin aren’t pleasant. At the very least dehydration leads to enlarged pores and a decrease in overall skin elasticity. In more serious cases it can require intravenous rehydration and an unexpected hospital visit.

Practical steps for cellulite minimization

Unlike the infomercial claims, there’s no such thing as a complete “cure” for cellulite. In fact, even in women who fall within the lower range of healthy body fat proportions, cellulite is often quite visible (and normal!). In saying that, there are a number of simple, effective steps all of us can take to minimize cellulite.

Here they are:

Brush your skin daily – this tightens the skin, improves digestion, aids cell growth, cleanses the lymphatic system, removes dead skin cells and bolsters the immune system.

Improve your nutritional intake – consuming fresh, raw, organic, fruits and vegetables cleanses the body, speeds up the metabolism and assists in dissolving fats within the blood stream.

Exercise regularly – regular exercise helps burn fat and build muscle tone. Without exercising, muscle tissue tends to decrease in proportion to fat tissue, thus increasing cellulite deposits in stubborn areas.

Use good quality skin care products – products that are free of chemicals and pesticides ensure that the chemical load on your body isn’t burdensome.

A little more about skin brushing

As mentioned, skin brushing is a really effective way of minimizing cellulite, so it’s worth getting it right. If you’re new to skin brushing, here are a few pointers to get you started.

• Always brush your skin in the morning – this helps to increase blood flow and really rejuvenates your skin following its long period of rest and relaxation.
• Use a brush with dry, soft, natural bristles.
• Be gentle – too vigorous brushing can result in red, irritated and blotchy skin. Instead, use gentle, but firm strokes.
• Start from your extremities and brush toward your midsection – this assists in moving blood towards the heart and promotes lymphatic drainage.
• Focus on the cellulite-prone areas of your body, for example your bottom and thighs.
• Wash the brush in warm soapy water once a week and leave outside in the shade to dry.li>

Follow these steps and you’ll have taken all practical measures to minimize the appearance of cellulite. But most importantly, remember that you’re special. Be kind to yourself. By all means minimize cellulite by focusing on eating correctly, skin brushing, and exercise, but don’t become hung up about it. We’re only here for a short time and the presence (or absence) of cellulite never defines who (or what) we are. Live well.